It has the Golf GTI’s 162kW EA888 four-pot engine and matches it to 100km/h (6.5sec).

It has a lap timer in the infotainment system. And with the popular R-Line option pack it looks half angry with a smart bodykit and those chunky 20-inch wheels. So is the new Tiguan 162TSI – the hottest version of Volkswagen’s ‘baby’ SUV yet – a Golf GTI on stilts?

No, it isn’t. And though we have no idea if they were ever tempted, Volkswagen’s done the right thing by not fitting GTI badges. Not only would have been confusing – the GTI badge has never gone on an all-wheel drive car, let alone an all-wheel drive SUV – but it would have been wrong. Tiguan 162TSI is what this car is.

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI front

Around town the Tiguan is brilliant and even people not interested in performance driving should grab the $4000 R-Line pack for the ride-transforming adaptive dampers alone.

2017 VW Tiguan 162TSI interior

Parked next to the old Tiguan the new one is noticeably larger but still reasonably compact, its respectable 1637kg helping maintain relatively perky performance. Boot it and the 162TSI accelerates rapidly if uneventfully, the 4MOTION ensuring fuss-free traction. The sound is very mild mannered – it won’t be attracting attention – with a subdued turbo whistle and muted DSG fart.

The R-Line’s adaptive dampers, in their firmest Sport mode, work well on a smooth road but quickly lose compliance and make driving fast unpleasant when the road gets bumpy. Thankfully an Individual mode lets you combine a sporty engine and DSG with softer dampers, making the 162TSI a surprisingly fast, compliant and engaging back-road burner.

2017 VW Tiguan 162TSI side

Until then the 162TSI, though the fastest Tiguan yet, remains a brilliant daily driver – not a car you’re likely to drive for driving’s sake, but one in which you’ll happily take the scenic detour.

2017 VW Tiguan 162TSI front turning

LIKE: Pretty zippy; ride; comfort; interior DISLIKE: It does sporty well but it’s not a performance car

SPECS Engine 1984cc inline-4, DOHC, 16v, turbo Power 162kW @ 4500-6200rpm Torque 350Nm @ 1500-4400rpm Weight: 1637kg 0-100km/h: 6.5sec (claimed) Price: $48,490