The Volkswagen Allspace is the carmaker's first SUV for 2020 under the 2.0 strategy. The latter means there will be no diesel trim and hence, it is offered only with a petrol engine. Yet, it’s bigger than its five-seater version, gets more features and offers two more seats. But does that mean its outright better now and will be able to make a mark in the horde of seven-seater SUVs in India? We find out.
The overall proportions of the Allspace remain well-balanced despite being longer than the five-seater Tiguan. Despite the revised triple-slat grille and new LED headlamps with the striking DRLs, the Allspacestill has a typical VW face. Nonetheless, with a crisp design, great stance and styling cues like the five-seater model, albeit new dual-tone 17-inch wheels, the Allspace continues to be understated yet posh.
The elegance continues inside with a spacious cabin. The layout is identical to the Tiguan with a commanding position and great view of surroundings. Though there still isn't use of too many soft-touch materials, the fit, finish and quality of materials continue to be the best in the segment. What's new is the fully digital instrument cluster that not only looks better than the previous analogue one, but is also easy-to-use and gives out more information too. Otherwise, the ergonomic cabin with a fair number of cup- and bottle-holders gets sufficient storage and stowage slots.
Leather seats are large, offer adequate support and are comfortable with a firm padding. The larger wheelbase has helped liberate more space inside now, while the panoramic sunroof continues to add to the sense of space. Now, there's sufficiently more legroom and knee-room, though shoulder-room remains the same. That said, it's still good to seat three adults in the second row with ease. However, getting into the third row is a big task and staying there is an even bigger one with very cramped-up space which can just about seat two kids at the back. But drop these seats and you get a luggage capacity of 340-litres sufficient enoughto accommodate luggage of five individuals for a trip.
Equipment-wise too, this single top-spec trim is well-packed with practical features like all-LED lamps, three-zone climate control, multi-functional steering wheel, cruise control, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, etc. Then, there are features like keyless entry, electrically adjustable driver seat, tray-tables, 60:40 split second row, multiple charging ports, powered tail-gate etc. that further add to the convenience. Yet going by the new-age features offered these days, VW should have offered wireless charging, 360 camera and automatic parking instead of just park assist. Nevertheless, this SUV has got even better on the safety front as it’s equipped with seven-airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, reverse parking camera, TPMS etc. which come as standard.
The Tiguan Allspace is a petrol-only model powered by the brand's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI engine. It's a silent one offering a meaty power output of 188bhp and 320Nm of torque. It comes mated to a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission and 4MOTION as standard, which distributes power to the front and rear wheels. Getting off the mark is quick and smooth making you forget you are behind the wheel of a big SUV. The power delivery feels instantaneous, the engine is refined with good response to the throttle inputs and there's no unpleasant vibrations felt inside the cabin too.
Despite the increase in length of the car, the Allspace continues to provide good handling like the Tiguan. With a light and precise steering, there's a good feedback that doesn't make you feel you are manoeuvring a big SUV. It feels very much connected and makes quick direction changes around tight corners. Even switchbacks or parking the car continue to be a hassle-free affair thanks to its quick steering unlike many other burly seven-seater SUVs. And this steering weighs up without much artificial feel at high speeds. Lastly, braking duties are handled well by all discs with a strong bite and good progression even under panic braking.
Yet, its strongest suite lies in its sophisticated looks, immaculate quality, a comfortable cabin and an excellent engine and gearbox combination. And despite the increase in size, the driving dynamics remain fairly impressive. Like the Tiguan, it is quite agile to drive in the dense urban areas and is also capable enough to cover long distances easily at high speeds. And it's only fair to call the Allspace a 5+2 seater than a proper seven-seater, as the third row canonly seatkids or short adults who can always jump at the back when need be. Apart from the lack of some premium features and a low fuel economy, the Allspace makes for a well-rounded product.
Priced at an ex-showroom price of Rs 33.13 lakh, the Allspace becomes the most expensive SUV from the brand in the Indian market. Its price also makes it go up against a mix of five- and seven-seater petrol, or even AWD or diesel SUVs in our country. This includes the Honda CR-V, Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Mahindra Alturas G4 and even the BMW X1.
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