tiguan r 2023 review Page 6

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R is a family SUV that stole a hot hatch’s trainers and now runs late to everything, loudly. Its 2.0‑litre turbo-petrol, 4Motion all-wheel drive and snappy dual-clutch gearbox make it properly quick, with real traction when the road gets interesting. Adaptive dampers keep it tidy, though those big wheels and the sporty tune can make rough Aussie tarmac feel like a gym session. Inside it’s solid and spacious, but the touch-sensitive controls are about as intuitive as a cryptic crossword in the rain. Economy is fine if you behave, and gloriously not if you don’t. As a daily it’s practical and stacked with safety kit; as a weekend toy, it’s a grin machine with room for the dog and cricket bats.