Sitting below the Toureg in VW's SUV range, the Tiguan is a well-engineered German contribution to the small-SUV market. Vauxhall's Antara is not seen as often on Britain's roads - let's investigate. Lastly, the Ford Kuga has often been the go-to car for those who aren't planning to spend the world on a premium SUV.
Price
The Tiguan is the most expensive of the bunch, starting at £22,975. The cheapest of the trio is the Kuga from £20,995, and nestled between the 2 is the Antara which kicks off at £21,400.
Engines
The Vauxhall Antara is the poorest in this category with just 2 options. You're stuck with a 2.2-litre CDTi with 163 or 184 PS. Both use start/stop technology and are mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Next is the Tiguan with 4 choices, and again, just diesel. The 2.0-litre TDI has 3 different power outputs - a 110 PS, 150 PS or 184 PS. Power can be driven through a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG automatic 'box. Ford has the most options as regards fuels with a 150 PS or 180 PS 2.0-litre TDCi paired to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed Powershift automatic transmission, or a 1.5T EcoBoost with 150 or 182 PS outputs and mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. This is the winner of this category simply because it's the only one that offers petrol power. All cars are offered as two- or four-wheel-drives so there's no competition here.
Efficiency
The most economical engine in the Tiguan range is able to achieve a claimed 56.5 mpg, emitting just 130 g/km of CO2. Even the least economical engine returns 49.6 mpg and emits 150 g/km. The Antara is said to achieve 44.1 mpg at its best and 42.2 mpg at its worst, emitting between 167 and 177 g/km. With the Kuga you can achieve 60.1 mpg, but equally you could be achieving 38.2 mpg. That solely depends on your choice of engine. CO2 emissions range from 122 to 171 g/km.
Performance
In 8.3 seconds the Tiguan can get to 62 mph. That's 1.3 seconds quicker than the quickest Antara and 0.9 of a second quicker than the fastest Kuga. They can do 127, 124 and 126 respectively.
Specification
The Tiguan comes as standard with air con, 16-inch alloys, halogen headlights, heated door mirrors, front and rear electric windows, sliding and reclining 60:40 split folding rear seats and an electronic parking brake. The Kuga comes with larger 17-inch alloy wheels, heated door mirrors, halogen daytime running lights, cruise control, air con and a push-to-start button. Lastly, Vauxhall's Antara is available as standard with front and rear electric windows, heated door mirrors, 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, air con and heated front seats. All 3 are very generously spec'd, but believe it or not the Vauxhall seems to stand out for some unexpected uxurious extras.
The VW is offered in S, Match, Escape and R-Line, whereas the Kuga is offered in Zetec, Titanium, Titanium X and Titanium X Sport. Vauxhall's Antara is offered in Exclusiv, Diamond and SE Nav.
Towing
The Antara can tow 1,700-2,000 kg. That's similar to the Kuga's 1,600-2,100 kg limit The Tiguan is the best with limits of between 1,800-2,200 kg.
Results
With its excellent quality of build and practicality, I would place the Tiguan in 1st place. The Antara's starting to feel a bit old now, so with refreshed engines and trim levels the Kuga snaps up 2nd place. Unfortunately, the Antara, then, takes last place.
My Tiguan // Antara // Kuga
Take a look at the following links to see how I would personally spec my cars.
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