I've got a 2.0TDI 150bhp Tiguan, 2018. That's a MK2.
Generally speaking the diesel is more frugal on fuel. They say, despite it's higher position the driving experience is very Golf-like. The boot is okay, there are similar vehicles with bigger ones and you won't be getting a big red in there easily, although of course with the back seats down, that's a different matter. I think if you do the odd trip out in it, the normal diesel worries are kept at bay, wouldn't get one just for a school run vehicle for example though. The auto box is by all accounts excellent although the manual version is fine and has less reliability issues. My local mechanic said get a manual and don't get a 4motion. I half listened to him and got a 4motion. I've only had it for a couple of months though and it's been great so far.
If you do go for a diesel, there's 3 power versions: the 150 which is fine, the 190 which is fine too with a little more poke and the GTI type version that, for a family/substitute stalking car isn't a good thing. Apart from anything else, the 20" wheels and skinny tyres are a no no for any rough stuff, even farm tracks really. If you get a 4motion one, the Haldex AWD system can give problems long term, but if looked after proves reliable.
They are (apart from the go faster version) a car orientated around high MPG. I went to a clay ground today, which involved a 120 mile round trip on a single carriageway A road, a bit of motorway and going round a city on the roundabout laden ring road. It did 52 MPG for the whole trip. Somewhat different to the Discovery 4 I previously had.
Just don't ask how I did on the clays....
