Volkswagen has started taking orders for the new second-generation Tiguan, the first SUV model based on its MQB platform. Diesels are expected to account for 95 per cent of all sales.

Prices are expected to start at about £22,500 when the full range goes on sale but the cheapest car in the launch line-up is the 2.0 TDI with 148 bhp, two-wheel drive and S trim at £25,530.00.

With a 33 mm reduction in height versus the outgoing car to 1,632 mm, and a 30 mm growth in width to 1,839 mm, Volkswagen says the new Tiguan exhibits a more sleek, confident shape. It is also 60 mm longer than its predecessor and the wheelbase has been extended by 77 mm.

The cockpit is now aligned towards the driver, while the wider centre console typical of SUVs is paired with the new 4MOTION Active Control rotary switch.

The interior offers more head room and knee room than previously – up by 29 mm in the case of knee room – and when the rear bench is folded the cargo space, at 1,655 litres, is 145 litres larger than before. Meanwhile a lower load sill improves ease of use.

The car also offers a sliding rear bench seat that has been optimised to permit up to 180 mm of adjustment – 20 mm more than in the previous model. When the rear bench is slid forwards, the boot provides 615 litres of space – a gain of 145 litres. Towing capacity is up to 2,500 kg.

In the UK the car will over time be offered with four new diesel engines ranging from 113 bhp to 237 bhp. All EU6-compliant, they are more powerful and more fuel-efficient than the comparable EU5 engines of the previous model. The diesel engines feature SCR catalytic converter technology, using the now familiar AdBlue additive.

At launch, the main diesel option will be a 2.0 TDI 148 bhp with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) or six-speed manual transmission; or with front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox. Further engine, drive and gearbox options will be available in two further order waves which open in the UK on 5 May and 2 June.

The 148 bhp 2.0 TDI offers 0-62 mph acceleration in 9.3 seconds with CO2 emissions from 125 g/km and fuel consumption from 58.9 mpg (front-wheel drive with six-speed manual gearbox)

Safety features include Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring; active bonnet; automatic post-collision braking and Lane Assist, which are fitted as standard in Europe. The active bonnet is the first to appear on a Volkswagen model.

The UK range will be badged using Volkswagen’s familiar S, SE, SE Navigation, SEL and R-Line designations.

Welcoming the arrival of the new Tiguan Rod McLeod, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “This exceptional new car showcases the very best of what Volkswagen can deliver. Ingenious engineering, exceptional practicality and fine styling sit alongside class-leading safety in a package that brings a premium look and feel to the compact SUV class.

“I know our Retailers are gearing up for a busy time as orders for, and deliveries of, new Tiguan take off here in the UK.”