VOLKSWAGEN introduced a front-drive, entry-level variant of its class-leading Tiguan compact SUV along with a comprehensive mid-life facelift in October 2011, heralding a $5500 drop in the cost of entry.

The base Tiguan comes with VW’s twin-charged 118kW/240Nm 118TSI petrol engine for punchy power, while standard idle-stop and the lack of an all-wheel-drive system’s weight and friction reduce the penalty at the pumps.

, On paper there is little to mark the Tiguan down and this base model represents a classy German alternative to the Asian competition.