VW Tiguan: Better late than never

        When someone arrives late to the party but is carrying a 12-pack of imported beer, we forgive. Likewise, as Volkswagen shows up with its first compact SUV years after the competition, we forgive.

        Why? Because the Tiguan is a blast to drive, with its spritely yet economical turbocharged four-cylinder engine and balance in the corners. Flip open the optional 13-square-foot sunroof, and this could be the most fun to drive of the entire compact-SUV pack.

         The Tiguan (that's Tig for tiger and iguan for iguana -- go figure) does have its downsides, like its ample price. And its limited cargo space does not fare well when compared to, say, the Toyota RAV4 or Honda's CR-V.

        Tiguan gets the same 2.0-liter, 200-hp engine in the Volks GTI sport sedan and Audi's A4 and TT. The tester was mated to a six-speed automatic that shifted smoothly and without hesitation. A six-speed manual is available and would inject even more fun into the drive.

        Acceleration is smooth and strong. VW says 0-60 takes 7.9 seconds, which ranks it quick among its competition. As for pulling power, it's not the biggest brute around. It can tow around 2,200 pounds, considerably less than its six-cylinder counterparts.

        Steering and braking are responsive and have a nice feel, too. And Tiguan comes in either front-wheel or all-wheel-drive for better performance in adverse road conditions.

        This is no fuel miser, but isn't horrendous in the mileage department either. I managed around 18 combined city/highway during my week with the Tiguan. Volkswagen says expect 18 around town, 25 on th highway. And you should know that premium fuel is required.

        Inside, Tiguan feels bigger than it is. Headroom and legroom is substantial. Large door openings make geting into it  easier. And the optional panoramic sunroof ($1,300) brings a bright and airy feel to the cabin. A word of caution: The sunroof has a shade and not a solid cover; that, I find, lets in more heat and is not necessarily the best choice in Florida.

        Instruments are easy to see, reach and use. Seats are on the firmer side, and support shoulders and thighs well.

        Where to put all your stuff? There's less space than some of the other guys, but it is enough for most tasks. With rear seat folded down, maximum capacity is listed at 56.1 cubic feet. And there is a split in the rear seat to push through the ladder or fishing poles.

        Tiguan safety is enhanced with six airbags and an electronic stability package.

        The tiger-iguana comes in three trim levels. Jump into the base Tiguan, the S model, and it's not so bad at $23,800 or so. Nicely equipped: the same turbo engine as the other trims (front wheel drive, though), 16-inch alloys wheels, eight-speaker sound system, aluminum trim inside.

        Move up to the SE and get 17-inch wheels, fog lights, upgraded audio with satellite. Top-line SEL with all-wheel-drive gets you 18-inch wheels, leather seats, 12-way power seats with memory setting, rain-sensing wipers and other niceties.  But now the price climbs over $30,000, enough to make you reconsider the cheaper competition.

        Still, the pep, quality of materials and handling may justify the extra expense. The car folks at Consumer Reports, whose tests I respect as much as any car mags, ranked the Tiguan high, calling it "luxurious, well finished and impressively quiet'' in its September issue. It even outpointed an Infiniti (EX) and Land Rover LR2.   

        OK, money matters. But so does a peppy ride and crisp handling.

   BASE PRICE: $23,800