The handling is precise enough with a good feel through the speed-sensitive steering wheel. The car is comfortable to ride in over all type of surfaces. Of course there’s not much a car can do over the worst of road-tops, but the Tiguan copes as well as can be achieved without compromising other aspects of handling.

Of course, the view out is pretty good from the quite high driving position. All but the very tallest or very shortest of drivers will be able to find their practice driving position. Compared with the previous versions, the current Tiguan had more space for passengers, including more than an inch of extra headroom, and loads. And hearty congratulations to Volkswagen – there is a proper, full-size spare wheel ready for action under the boot floor.

This car was fitted with Trailer Assist with Park Assist. I did not try this out with the Tiguan, but I have with a Passat. It’s brilliant, so clever, and, although it will cost owners who tow caravans, horse-boxes and so on £800, it is highly-recommended. Also available, for £715 is an electric-release and swivelling tow bar with all rear lighting and reversing light connections.

Volkswagen claims that, in its class, it sets the standard when it comes to offering high-tech features such as Front Assist and City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring along with Automatic Post-collision Braking and Lane Assist. That last device can sometimes be a bit of a beeping nuisances (literally!) for example on narrow roads with white lines that you inevitably sometimes touch or cross, but the beauty of it is that you can switch it off.