I would have preferred a larger car than the X1 but there is nothing else on the scheme bar the Xc40 which doesn’t suit me that has a decent boot space and also is quick off the mark. The boot space on the car is deceiving because if you remove the false boot floor you have a fairly deep space.l was looking at the Tiguan as it states it now has a larger boot but all l can see they have done is remove the false floor thus making it a bit deeper. Previous to my present X1 l did have the older style Tiguan the X1 is a better car.
Hi George. That’s really interesting feedback as we are also moving to an X1 from a Tiguan. In fact we have had four of them and I’m ready for a change as I find the Tiguan to be quite a boring car to drive, even though we have the 190PS version. The Motability car is my wife’s entitlement and I have run private BMW’s alongside them, but we are retired now so only need one car. I have enjoyed all the BMW’s I have had over the years (although a 3 Series Touring has been the smallest so far) and find them to be superb drivers cars. BMW also seem to manage to find the perfect balance between performance and economy.
The Tiguan Elegance is far better equipped than the X1 xLine (excluding leather, which is a big omission and a very expensive option) but like for like systems (such as Adaptive Headlights and Sat Nav) work far better in BMW’s. VW’s adaptive headlights are much slower to react and their Sat Nav is absolutely dire. I shall be very glad to get back to iDrive!
Like you, we would have preferred something bigger than the X1 but the only options through Motability are really the budget brands and whilst many swear by them (and they do have their strong points), they are what they are – and not for us. The XC40 was a very close second for us, especially the T5 Recharge. However, whilst many people say that the X1 is looking dated now, especially compared to the Volvo, I’m not a fan of the XC40’s looks whereas the latest facelift of the X1 has really improved it both outside and inside. The touchscreen Multimedia, seats and brakes get less than positive reviews in the Volvo Recharge and it is also said to roll more through corners. These would be big issues for me as I prefer a ‘drivers car’ with an easy to use mix of buttons and technology.
I’ve noticed that the underfloor storage in the boot of the X1 is vast. I’ve never used under boot space in cars, but might do so with the X1 as it could be useful for coats, bags etc that usually live on the back seats or sides of the boot. We also need a flat load lip for the wheelchair, so the dropped floor in the facelifted Tiguan would have meant us adding a spare tyre to raise it. The Tiguan boot is deeper than the X1 (even from the raised base) due to the car being 3 inches taller, but the critical dimensions for us are the boot floor width and length. Thankfully the wheelchair fitted in fine in the X1 without needing to specify the sliding rear seats. We’ve added Harman/Kardon Sound System (to help drown out the road noise ?), Sun Protection Glass (for looks) and the Technology Pack 1, as I would really miss Adaptive Headlights, High Beam Assist and Reversing Camera. It also comes with enhanced Bluetooth and Wireless Charging which, whilst not essential, will be useful. We will still be short of some kit that we have in the Tiguan (such as Panoramic Sunroof and Keyless Access) but hopefully we will still feel that we have made a good move. Your feedback has reassured me!