Hi TheSUVGuy – Yes, that will be the dilemma. If we really like the X1 when we look at it tomorrow do we go ahead and order, knowing that it could take 6 months to arrive (or longer if Germany goes into more lockdowns), or do we hold on for the all new X1 that’s possibly less than a year away and order as soon as it comes on the scheme, assuming that it does?
The problems with waiting for the new model are that if retail demand is strong (which it will be) it may take some time after launch before Motability can get it on the scheme. Also, as we know, the Motability scheme seems to be on a prolonged decline when it comes to choice and the current X1 is fairly unique at present in still being available on the scheme as a powerful 2.0 litre 4WD in a higher level trim. The cynic in me can see us only being ‘allowed’ the new X1 in SE trim and with the lower end engines. It’s a tough one.
I agree that the Tiguan is a fairly dull car. Ours is the SEL in Indium Grey metallic (which hides the ugly grey plastic skirts) and with Storm Grey two-tone leather interior, so in that colour and trim combo it does look a classy car both inside and out and the looks have grown on me. It seems daft that headlights can make such a big difference (even when they aren’t switched on), but I actually think that the front of the higher trim models looks very smart but the lower spec models (without LED headlights) look quite ugly and old fashioned. The lights make a massive difference. The Tiguan also has a number of advantages over the X1. The kit count is a lot better (with the notable exception of leather – we had to pay over £1,500 for that) but it also feels a significantly bigger car inside than the X1 and has a higher ride height (which my wife prefers). Interior quality isn’t that far behind the BMW and whilst BMW usually score better on refinement, this is a comparative weak point with the X1 due to the excessive road noise that the current model seems to suffer from (according to countless reviews I have read). Hopefully they will invest in a bit more soundproofing in the new model!
Kit count isn’t everything though, as I have discovered that many of the features in the VW don’t work as well as the BMW equivalents. Most notably, Sat Nav and Adaptive Headlights, where the BMW versions are far superior to those offered by VW. The VW Sat Nav is rubbish compared to BMW’s brilliant iDrive version and whilst the range of the VW LED’s seems to be slightly longer than those that I had in my 5 Series, they take far longer to revert to full beam once oncoming traffic has passed. Also, engine technology in BMW’s is a generation ahead of VW. We have the 190PS TDi Tiguan and it has a degree of lag at times that you never get in a BMW and VW haven’t mastered the perfect balance of power versus economy that BMW has completely nailed.
As we aren’t using the car as much as we used to (combination of retirement and lockdowns) my wife thinks that it would be better to hold on to the Tiguan until the new X1 (or something better) comes on the scheme. She also isn’t as keen on BMW’s as I am! The acid test will be tomorrow when we look at the X1. 3 years ago I was very keen to get one and have to say that when we checked it out we were both underwhelmed with it, but I had a 5 Series at the time and the X1 compared very poorly against it in lots of areas. I sold the 5 Series a year ago so the only comparison now is with the Tiguan. My worries remain seat comfort, interior space and boot space for the wheelchair, as the Tiguan scores very highly in all these areas and I suspect may still score higher than the X1. I much prefer the look of the X1 but you can’t see it when you are driving it! It’s a tough one!