Few cars illustrate the growth of the compact SUV sector better than the Tiguan.

Its popularity is such that, even though it is just entering its second generation, it is one of VW’s best-selling cars, trailing behind only the ubiquitous Golf and Polo, and the arrival of the new model can surely only cement its status.

The new Tiguan is much beefier than the outgoing model and, as a consequence, it wears its SUV tag with more confidence.

It’s bigger, one of the largest SUVs in its class, but not in every direction. It’s 30mm wider, 60mm longer with an extra 77mm between the wheels but the roof is 33mm lower than the model it replaces.

A sleeker bumper and more intricate headlight design and daytime running lights help enliven things at the front while LED taillights give the rear a crisper, more modern look.

There are five trim levels to choose from: S, SE, SE Nav, SEL and R-Line.

The base model is a little light on equipment but you do get air con, 17in alloys, touchscreen infotainment system, automatic lights and lane-keeping assistance.

SE adds 18in alloys, electric folding mirrors, parking sensors, cruise control and Apple CarPlay. If you want sat nav you’ll have climb a little higher into the spec tree and pick the SE Nav.

Off-road models – though we all know that the likelihood of all but a few SUVs seeing anything other than tarmac is small – get higher approach and departure angles and underbody protection.

Top-of-the-range R-Line models get 20in alloys, sportier front and rear bumpers and bi-xenon headlights. Inside two-tone seats add a little visual excitement.

4MOTION all-wheel drive and the seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox are only available on SE models and above. Basic spec versions have to make do with front wheel drive and a six-speed manual. Though make do is a little harsh because the manual box is delightfully slick with a nice, positive action.

Diesel options start with the 114bhp 1.6-litre but the 148bhp or 187bhp 2.0-litre power plants are likely to prove more popular. If those choices don’t whet your whistle there’s also a 237bhp 2.0-litre bi-turbo available.

If unleaded is your preference there’s a 1.4-litre TSI on offer with either 123 or 148bhp or a 2.0-litre turbo with 178bhp on tap.

Inside it’s as you were to a degree. The dash is as sensibly laid out as ever, with the emphasis on practicality rather than creativity. That’s never a bad thing and anyone who’s driven a Golf or Passat will revel in the familiarity.

The most obvious change is the inclusion of VW's 12.3in Active Info Display where the conventional analogue dials would normally be found. It’s not dissimilar to Audi’s Virtual Cockpit in its functionality and can be used to display navigation updates, vehicle settings and media information. It is, perhaps, a little less immersive that Audi’s offering but equally effective.

There’s also a head-up display available should you absolutely refuse to take your eyes off the road, and surround-view cameras if you require greater assistance with your parking.

As we all know, there’s lots of space. So much that it’s impossible to imagine it all. VW have managed to cram quite a lot of it into the new Tiguan. More than most of its rivals, in fact.

It sits on the same MQB architecture as the Golf and Passat and as a result offers considerably more room than before. Three adults should be comfortably accommodated in the back – with two up front – without any complaints about head or leg room.

There’s plenty of convenient places – large doorbins, deep central storage and a large glovebox – to stash the kinds of odds and ends that I’m constantly finding in my pockets which means that I’d probably only have to empty them out maybe once a month. Nice.

The boot will swallow 520 litres of whatever you have 520 litres of. If that’s not enough – food shopping at Christmas perhaps? – you can slide the rear seats forward to liberate an additional 95 litres which, by my reckoning, is about right for the wine list.

If that’s still not enough folding the 40/20/40 split folding rear seats flat increases capacity to 1,655 litres. The boot floor is wide and deep, and the big, square rear hatch makes loading easy.

How does the new, bigger, better-looking Tiguan fare on the open road? Quite well as it happens.

It isn’t the most thrilling car to drive, but it is comfortable and easy to live with. That’s not to say it’s dynamically incapable of putting smiles on faces just that’s clearly not where VW intended its strengths to lie.

The Tiguan, in middle of the road spec at least, is a common or garden family car. It’s ride errs on the softer side, ensuring that occupants are pampered rather than pounded, cossetted rather than clobbered.

It’s quiet, very refined and relaxed. The compliant ride doesn’t sacrifice body control. The Tiguan’s mass is kept nicely in check through corners and the chassis generally answers all the questions the driver poses.

The driving position is spot on thanks to huge flexibility in steering wheel and seating adjustment. You also get an excellent view of the road ahead, while all-round visibility is laudable.

Power delivery is smooth and, at least in the few models I spent a brief time with, linear. The diesels aren’t shy in reminding you what they are at start-up but they quickly settle down and, on the move, are largely inaudible.

I only spent a brief time with a few of the models in the Tiguan range but it’s clear that, while it builds on VW’s core strengths – refinement and build quality are as excellent as ever – it manages to move the game on significantly with a smart new look, flexible, spacious cabin, greater comfort and improved technology.

It isn’t particularly thrilling to drive but I doubt that will concern prospective buyers, and the prices are on the high side but if you understand the Tiguan for what it is, a premium product, being asked to pay that little bit more makes perfect sense.

VW Tiguan range

Prices from: £22,510

Engine: 1.4-litre TSI

Transmission: 6-speed manual driving the front wheels

Max power: 127bhp

Max torque: 148lbft @ 4,000rpm

Max speed: 118mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 10.5sec

Urban: 37.7mpg

Extra urban: 53.3mpg

Combined: 46.3mpg

Emissions (CO2): 139g/km

For more information about the VW Tiguan visit www.volkswagen.co.uk/new/tiguan-nf/home