Mother Proof's view

I’m not a flashy person. I don’t like to wear lots of jewelry or tons of makeup, and I don’t buy the latest fashions. But the idea of quiet elegance, of having all the luxury I need without bragging about it, is why I love the Tiguan, Volkswagen’s new compact crossover. I like being pampered as much as the next girl, but I don’t need it with a big “look at me” sign over my head. (I get enough “look at me!” from my little monkeys.)

The Tiguan is one of those surprising little gems that I almost don’t want to share; it’s almost my own little secret. The Tiguan looks great, but doesn’t steal the show. The crossover looks clean and functional; it has a hint of strength that doesn’t need a big flashy steel grill or running boards to prove it. VW didn’t send the Tiguan out to the streets dripping with “bling” or covered in decals and nameplates. The crossover simply, quietly speaks for itself.

The Tiguan’s interior is just as serene. There’s not a lot of shiny stuff or a bunch of different textures to dazzle and amaze. There are easy-to-use dials and controls, as well as a few cubbies to stash the essentials. I mean, you wouldn’t want clutter, would you? Well, in the interest of organization, the Tiguan has decent-sized bins in the front doors, two seatback pockets and a center console with a power outlet and auxiliary port. There are plenty of cupholders to help contain my kids’ drinks. The cargo area looks small, but it isn’t. A substantial grocery run wasn’t a problem, and in the event of a major Costco trip, the rear seat folds completely flat.

The seats in the Tiguan are molded for support without being hard. Although they’re not power adjustable, the eight-way manual seat adjustment worked just fine. In the backseat, the Latch connectors are a bit buried but not inaccessible, and the seat belts fit my little monkeys well. Even though the center seat belt comes out of the ceiling, it’s set off to the side so it doesn’t impede my view.

Driving the Tiguan gave me the biggest surprise. I was expecting it to be perky, but the Tiguan is positively punchy. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine leaps into action with the slightest pressure on the gas pedal. I actually squealed the tires a couple of times until I got used to it. The Tiguan is pretty quiet on the inside, provided that my little monkeys, who were sitting in the back, quit messing with the windows. Honestly, sitting behind the wheel in the Tiguan is much more fun than I would have expected. How often can a mom call her time in the car fun?

But, of course, the Tiguan is more than just a good time. Such quiet elegance would never want to make a big “boom,” so it also has all kinds of safety features to protect all that precious cargo. Antilock brakes are standard, as are the traction control and stability systems. A steel cage surrounds the car’s cabin, and there are eight standard airbags just in case things go awry. Unfortunately, the Tiguan’s safety ratings weren’t available at the time of this review.

It’s also unfortunate that the Tiguan requires premium gasoline. That hurts, especially with gas prices as high as they are. When I went to fill up my test car and saw that 91-octane price, I was shocked. But other than that, the Tiguan just might be a new classic for those who appreciate subtle beauty – and peace and quiet. Calling all moms?

*For more information on the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to editor@motherproof.com.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS

Latch Connectors: 2

Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Excellent

Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Groove-On

Specs 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan FWD

Base price: $23,200

Price as tested: $25,340

Engine: 200-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder

Fuel: 18/24 mpg

Length: 174.3″

Width: 71.2″

Ground Clearance: 6.9″

Turning Radius: 19.7′

Cargo space: 23.8 cu. ft.

NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings

Frontal Impact

Driver’s side: n/a

Passenger’s side: n/a

Side Impact

Front occupant: n/a

Rear occupant: n/a

Rollover resistance: n/a