DID you know Volkswagen’s best-selling car across the globe is its Tiguan?

I - like many, no doubt - would have automatically assumed that that huge accolade would have gone to the indomitable Golf which is better than ever in its latest guise.

But scratch away at the Tiguan’s surface and you’ll find a not-too-dissimilar recipe, for it’s basically a jacked-up Golf with the added bonus of more practicality, so it’s not especially difficult to see why it’s been a sales hit since its arrival.

It’s actually been here for very nearly 20 years now but the fact it’s only recently entered its third generation shows a key thing: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. However, in 2025 spec you’ve a broad range of engines, headlined by this 261bhp petrol which despite being slightly heavier on fuel, has hot hatch levels of performance to keep its driver entertained - 150mph and 60 in 5.9 seconds is fast in anyone’s book.

Although that chunk of power is nice, it’s by no means the integral part of the Tiguan experience. That honour is bestowed on its outrageous practicality; if you’ve a few youngsters like I do, you’ll know all about the never-ending amount of additional things they somehow need, so it’s pleasing to report that the Tiguan’s cavernous boot swallows the week’s shopping, young Arthur’s football bag, a few scooters and a bike without any grumbles.

Rear legroom, as you’d expect, is sufficient for adults and so there’s acres of space for the kids, but up top is where it’s particularly impressive. VW interiors are downright lovely: the R-badged, sporty-feeling seats are comfortable, the infotainment system is familiar but helpful and the steering wheel - which felt slightly chunky in the Golf - feels perfectly sized in the larger Tiguan.

Thankfully, it’s also got VW’s timeless DSG gearbox which is as good as ever, but I do wish they’d bin the hopeless haptics on the dashboard in favour of more traditional buttons. Haptics - as we’ve seen on all Volkswagen Audi Group products - are dim-witted, slow-acting and do little else than annoy drivers.

However, that’s a small gripe in what is an otherwise brilliant car. The Tiguan’s everything to everyone as it’s handsome, well-made, practical and so very clear as to why it’s been a sales hit for VW. In 2025, it’s better than it’s ever been and for under £50,000, it’s the go-to choice if you’re in the market for an accomplished, all-round family car.