So we are a year older and the transitioning from chiselled to comfy is almost inevitable, but it's not all bad with a dad bod being associated with adjectives like sophistication, security, comfort and confidence.
The transition to being all grown up also applies to the new Volkswagen Tiguan that has taken on a greater girth and rounded features with a whole lot of new technology and creature comforts.
Since its introduction in 2007 more than seven million units have been sold and the new third-generation Tiguan has upped the ante significantly with all-new technology, interior styling and softer exterior aesthetics.
The 1.4 TSI Life model Time to Torque had on test in its Oyster Silver Metallic colour — one of three new colours including Persimmon Red Metallic and Cipressino Green Metallic that have been added to the line — is a subtle yet swanky head-tuner with a future-forward allure.
The new design turns away from the sharp lines of the “Sandton skuld” (debt) second generation to a more “financially stable” family-friendly façade.
The 18-inch Bologna alloys, the seamlessly integrated tilt and slide panoramic sunroof with rear panoramic sunroof, the eye-catching LED strip light bars between the IQ Light HD Matrix front headlights and rear cluster and the large blacked-out grille all combine to give the german Sports Utility Vehicle its commanding and luxurious presence in parking lots.
And despite being 30mm longer and 4mm wider than the previous generation, measuring 4,539mm in length and 1,843mm width, parking is a breeze with a park-assist feature and high-resolution front and rear-view cameras projecting a crisp picture onto the 12.9-inch screen powered by the Volkswagen MIB 4 system.
The space and sophistication carries through to the all-new interior, and starting at the rear behind the electrically powered tailgate is a bigger boot measuring 652l in capacity and extendable to 1,650l when the rear seats are folded.
It easily gobbled up grocery and school bags as well as odds and ends including my son's 20-inch bicycle for a trip to the Kings Beach skate park.
Seated in the ventilated and heated Varenna leather-wrapped electronic front seats with massage functionality, the sense of space is evident and coupled with an array of upgrades and features.
It is fitted with features including forward-collision warning, lane keep assist, keyless entry and push start, dual-climate control, multiple USB ports, road sign display, ambient lighting, electronic handbrake, adaptive cruise control, digital instrument cluster, an optional Harman Kardon Sound System, and much more.
However, replacing the conventional gear lever in the center console with a twist dial for volume and driving modes and moving the controls to the side of the leather multifunction steering wheel resembling an indicator stick, is a feature that takes some getting used to and is a little unnecessary — with volume being controlled from three stations.
But barring that, the interior is a soft touch, blacked-out space of opulence with just enough white stitching and silver accents adding to the sophistication.
The refinement is pleasantly conveyed to the driving experience with the turbo-charged petrol engine's 110kW and 250Nm mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission, effortlessly powering the front wheels.
And while the SUV will not be setting any speed records at a claimed top speed of 207km/h and climbing to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds, it does provide a plush feel for the pilot and passengers as it smoothly shifts and accelerates while remaining robust enough to stay sturdy and stable in Gqeberha's strong Easterlies and South Westers near the dolosse.
In the corners the vehicle is balanced and poised. All with an average economy of just 7.8l/100km during our weeklong test.
The new Tiguan might have taken on a softer, more subtle styling guise, but it is an impressive step up overall, particularly in the user-friendly technology, drive quality and space with the vehicle seemingly set to continue its run, since 2017, as Volkswagen's best international selling product.
The Life model is priced at R716,900 and comes standard with a three year/120,000km warranty, five-year/90,000km service plan including a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty, with service intervals at 15,000km.
The other trim levels on sale in SA include the Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110kW DSG at R664,500 and the Tiguan R-Line 1.4 TSI 110kW DSG at R781,600.
The Herald
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.