There is not even the smallest badge on the back of Volkswagen’s new Tiguan to give you a clue that you are a member of a very exclusive club.

Only a subtly different front end gives the clue that the top-of-the-range Escape model, unlike some other versions in the range, is a full-on macho 4x4. But those off-road credentials are cloaked in a thoroughly upmarket package, both inside and out.

On the road, the German-built Tiguan is a rock solid four-door, five-seater, offering a quiet, precise, reassuringly unruffled ride.

Inside, the trim is understated, yet elegant and both instrumentation and switchgear are straightforward, clear and simple to use, as you would expect from Volkswagen.

All models are well equipped, with 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, DAB radio and alarm fitted as standard. Move up the four-specification range and everything from an automatic parking system and automatic headlights, to Bluetooth phone link and a fatigue detection system are available.

In the rear, all Tiguans have a 60:40 split/fold rear bench which can recline and slide backwards and forwards. The rear bench is also fitted slightly higher than the front seats, improving all-round visibility for children, and making fitting their seat belts easier.

The new Escape model comes with some classy touches, such as Bluetooth and a multi-function steering wheel, which reflects the rising demands of customers in this sector of the market.

Like the previous model, the Tiguan comes with a choice of two- or four-wheel-drive, with a strong resemblance to its ‘big brother’ the Touareg, and a new look dominated by horizontal lines on the front grille, like other new Volkswagen models.

Six engines are available, but diesel power rules for Tiguan owners, with nine out of 10 opting for diesel. The six-speed manual gearbox test model was powered by the 140 horsepower version of the 2.0-litre TDI engine, which is the best-seller in the range and comes with stop-start technology and battery regeneration, which helps use energy that would otherwise be lost during braking.

The Escape model also comes with a shorter front overhang; protective side strips and a shield for the radiator grille; sump guard and underbody protection, compass and flat-tyre indicator.

A touch of a button selects off-road mode, which activates the hill descent assistant, gives finer control of engine torque, increases sensitivity of the braking system and tweaks the anti-lock braking system to cope with loose surfaces.

The Tiguan has already proved a huge success worldwide, with global sales topping 572,000 between autumn 2007 and the start of 2011.

Volkswagen estimates that only three out of every 100 Tiguan buyers opt for the off-road-ready Escape model, which speaks volumes about where ‘crossover’ vehicles spend most of their time.

Auto facts

  • Model: Volkswagen Tiguan Escape BlueMotion 2.0 TDI 4Motion
  • Price: £25,840
  • Insurance group: 18E (1-50)
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 48.7mpg
  • Top speed: 116mph
  • Length: 443.3cm/174.5in
  • Width: 180.9cm/71.2in
  • Luggage capacity: 16.6 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 14 gallons/64 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 150g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles