Built for comfort

The editor was looking for someone in need of a multi-tasking family car capable of both going on long cruises and handling a busy super-mum’s schedule.
 
He glanced in my direction ... and what a pleasure it was to take the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan on a test drive.

I soon found out that this marvel of German engineering was packed with numerous safety and comfort features as well as having on-road and off-road driving capability.

This cool crossover, with a superb sun roof, ensures that the driving experience is as pleasurable as possible thanks to its cruise control feature, feather-light steering and wonderful suspension.

Tweak some buttons and your back fits snugly into the adjustable seat that can also be heated to cleverly counteract the coolness of the air conditioning. A girl likes to be spoilt.

There are 10 air conditioning vents throughout the vehicle and the duel AC function ensures that both driver and passengers can stay at their preferred temperature.

Push another button and this intelligent car is also capable of parallel parking and reversing itself into a tight parking space!

Everything from the headlights, radio channels, and anti-glare rear-view mirrors is automated but the feature I personally liked best was the touch-screen multi-functional panel on the dash board. It can store contacts from four mobile phones via Bluetooth, help you reverse the car and even balance the sound system.

Another feature I enjoyed was the tyre pressure monitoring system which alerts you when your tyre pressure is low. This system also lets you know how many more kilometres of fuel is left before you have to head to the nearest petrol station.

For people who are constantly on the road, an auto-brake feature allows you to relax your tired feet while waiting for the traffic lights to change colour.

This SUV is family-friendly and perfect for parents constantly shuttling between school runs and after-school clubs because the adjustable back seats come fitted with food-trays and cup holders.

The boot is big enough to hold a week’s worth of groceries and a pram. Should you need even more space, the rear seats can also be folded down to make more room.

Luckily, the comfort the Tiguan affords does not come at the price of its safety credentials. The car has a crumple zone and is fitted with eight air bags ... so passengers at the back are also protected. I am told that there are special diagonal metal bars inserted in the doors to absorb the impact in the event of a side collision.

The car also has an anti-lock braking system that helps during panic braking and windows are laminated to prevent the glass from shattering if a stone flies off the road in your direction.

Volkswagen Centre Bahrain recently launched the 2012 model at Bahrain City Centre.

Felix Miranda, brand manager, Volkswagen Bahrain said: “It has long been one of the most sought after Volkswagen models around the world, and we are very excited to bring it to Bahrain. It is a SUV that is an ideal and versatile companion for life on the move with its excellent all-round characteristics, great practicality and many cleverly-designed features.”

Its makers say the Tiguan contains a number of features that deliver a comfortable and safe driving experience, including new Fatigue Detection systems.

Research has shown that 25 per cent of all highway accidents can be attributed to tiredness. Fatigue Detection alerts the driver when their concentration wanes and warns them with audio and visual messages recommending they take a break from driving and rest.

Another new feature is Lane Assist which autonomously and gently counter steers the car as soon as it becomes apparent that it might leave the lane unintentionally.

My final report card gives this treasure a thumbs up ... it is an ideal car for a small family.

Prices for start from BD 10,499 and include a three-year service package and five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.

There is also a road side assistance provided for three years. For more information contact the Volkswagen showroom on 17459977.