Happy to give my views on the Tiguan as requested. Difficult to do so without comparing to BMW as that is my reference point having had more of them than any other make of car. I will try though ? Keep in mind we have the 2.0TDi 190PS SEL 4Motion DSG Tiguan and the equivalent new model is no longer on the scheme.
Pros
1) Large comfortable seats. I have sciatica and back issues and never have the slightest issue, even on a 3,500 mile touring holiday over 21 days.
2) Good size boot. I find that the manufacturer quoted figures are misleading as they are cubic feet rather than what you actually use I.e. floor area. In real world use, it’s a bigger floor area than the other cars on your shortlist. The next closest would be the Kuga, but I have read that the sloping rear tailgate on the new model restricts it a bit (haven’t checked myself).
3) Rear passenger accommodation huge. Again, only the Kuga would be comparable. The rear seats can be rolled backwards and forwards as well as reclined in multiple positions, so extremely versatile being able to optimise boot or passenger space, although rear passenger space still excellent even when the seats are not in the rearmost position.
4) Very well equipped as standard. The Elegance wants for nothing other than leather seats, which are a very expensive option (£1530] as it includes electric front seats with driver memory.
5) Good Build Quality. Not quite Audi / BMW standard, but much closer to them than say Ford
6) 4WD system very good. Used it in snow and had no issues at all when many others were struggling
Cons
1) Had to give up driving in Eco mode as too much lag on acceleration. Fine in standard (which it defaults to). Need to drop into Sport for rapid overtaking (even in 190 PS model) which I haven’t had to do in other cars. Haven’t driven petrol version to compare .
2) Sat Nav is terrible. Quality of mapping very poor and endlessly wants to divert me off motorways or A roads to avoid ‘problems’ that don’t exist. Touch screen systems like these are very difficult to use when driving due to movement. Dial systems much more practical IMO
3) Adaptive LED headlights can take too long to kick in and are too slow to revert to full beam once oncoming traffic passes (compared to ‘other’ manufacturers equivalent ?) .
4) Adaptive cruise ‘panics’ when a car in front of you slows down and turns off into a side road and doesn’t pick up speed immediately afterwards, thus needing driver intervention.
5) Diesel engine somewhat noisy and unrefined compared to some others (again ?)
In all honesty, it’s not a bad car but as a ‘car person’ I just find it dull. It’s a very practical, well equipped and well built car and suits our day to day needs extremely well, but it just doesn’t stir my soul in the way that some other cars I have had have done. That being said, I am currently going through an identical shortlist to you and every car has pros and cons. None are perfect and all require a compromise in one way or another. If the 2.0TSi 4Motion Elegance makes it on to the scheme then, dull though it is and as much as I fancy a change, it’s going to be very hard to make a case against it. I might use Apple CarPlay for the Sat Nav though ? Happy to answer any other specific questions. Also, some of the issues we have had won’t apply to the 1.5TSi. Over 28,000 miles we have averaged 39mpg and I probably drive it ‘keenly’ compared to some ?