Thursday, August 28, 2008
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PRETTY PARKER`S AN AUTOMATIC HIT

By Kate Young - Friday, March 28, 2008
PRETTY PARKER`S AN AUTOMATIC HIT
The Volkswagen Tiguan on the road — but when it's time to stop, it can park itself. Picture by Jennifer Burton.
ON THE ROAD
ISN’T it just typical — as you drive down the street, every last available space looks a little tight.
If only you had the technology to know instantly whether the space was big enough — or better still, a car that could park itself.
Well now you can!
No, I’m not joking. I know such a car exists because I’ve just come back from driving it, courtesy of Island Volkswagen dealers Esplanade.
Mind you, the first time I let the new Volkswagen Tiguan reverse-park itself into a space, I had to fold my arms to stop myself grabbing the wheel.
It is a bit unnerving to watch the steering wheel spinning round without your intervention but once you’ve parked like this once, you will always want to do it.
The Tiguan’s optional Park Assist System is so simple to use — just push a button, indicate which side you want to park on, drive past a space slowly, then follow the car’s instructions.
Any car that can squeeze itself into tight spaces and park with its wheels right next to the kerb is a winner with me but there is a lot more to like about the new Tiguan.
From the outside, this small SUV blends higher ground clearance and more robust looks with elegant, refined lines and a stylish back end that is reminscent of the Tiguan’s cousin, the Golf.
Inside, the stylish interior has plenty of space for five occupants and the mid-range Tiguan SE 2.0-litre 140PS TDI 4Motion I drove has lots of mod cons.
As well as standard equipment including climatic semi-automatic air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors and remote central locking, the SE trim adds a leather-timmed steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake grip, front comfort seats with height and lumbar adjustment and a touchscreen radio/MP3 compatible six-CD auto-changer with eight speakers and AUX-in socket for iPod and USB connections.
Further options include cruise control, heated front seats, satellite navigation and a panoramic sunroof.
I found my 2.0-litre Tiguan was a sprightly drive that was quick to build overtaking power and produced a smooth ride.
It’s always handy to know you have Volkswagen’s tried and tested 4Motion four-wheel drive system in case of slippery conditions and the Tiguan handled the most beastly corners and roughest roads in West Wight very well.
It also seemed economical on its fuel — the 2.0-litre diesel engine does 37.7mpg on a combined cycle but my trip computer was giving regular readings of above 40mpg.
In addition, its carbon dioxide emissions are lower than some 4x4s with the 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 189g/km for the manual version of 199g/km for the automatic transmission.
For off-road driving, the Tiguan S, SE and Sport models offer an 18-degree angle of approach, so they can go over fields and fairly level tracks but if you require greater scrambling abilities, opt for the Tiguan Escape, which provides a 28-degree angle of approach for tackling steeper gradients.
The Tiguan also has a hill-hold function to help you pull away safely on steep uphill stretches.
The Tiguan range starts from just £19,370 on the road and the SE 2.0-litre 140PS TDI I drove is £21,800. The incredible Park Assist System costs £450.