VOLKSWAGEN started to get to grips with the compact crossover sector back in 2008, with the introduction of the smart Tiguan SUV.

First of all it looked good, with chunky bumpers and a sump guard to help provide it with something of a macho look, yet it also had an air of simplicity which has helped it stand the test of time.

There was 4Motion all-wheel-drive as standard, enough to see it plough safely on through anything the elements could throw at it ... although front-wheel-drive only models quickly in joined in the fray to keep those "fairweather" drivers happy.

As an SUV, the 4Motion Tiguan was a joy to behold, both around town and on the motorway, yet it could also do the business when taken off the black stuff.

Stable yet agile on the hoof and with its precise steering, heavily-rutted farm tracks, steeply-inclined fields and even ploughing through a river ford was to prove nothing more than an elementary challenge for this cheeky chappy.

Back in the early days, VW offered the choice of a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine along with a larger two-litre version.

However, there was also a two-litre TDI diesel edition which would turn out to be the powerhouse of choice for the likes of farmers, the horsey set and those who had to hook up to a trailer, boat or caravan as part of their everyday lives.

With its roomy interior and uninhibited visibility, it also proved popular with mums for the daily school run and weekly shopping trip ... more especially if the machine was fitted out with the optional park assist system which more or less parallel parked the car up by itself.

Inside, the interior was kitted out with the usual high-quality fixtures and fittings we now expect from any Volkswagen vehicle, so it could mix and match with the more premier branded offerings, yet at a price that put its highly-priced competition to shame.

As a used SUV, the Tiguan makes a great buy. Like all Volkswagens, it's pretty much unbustable and no matter which engine you go for, it will run and run pretty much for ever, while its superb economy is yet another bonus.

Safety features on 4Motion models included ESP, traction control, hill descent, electronic differential lock and an array of front, side and curtain airbags.

A host of options, including the likes of an automatic or DSG gearbox, satellite navigation, upgraded sound system, fold-away towing bar and the above mentioned park assist are worth searching out, although these add-ons will help push up the price of well-cared for used models.

A 2010 10-plate two-litre TDI 4Motion model in entry-level S trim with around 60,000 miles on the clock will set you back anything from £7,515 to £10,135, while a similar-plated higher spec R Line model rises to between £10,165 and £13,965.

Move on to 2011 and 11-plate models showing around 50,000 miles and you will have to pay anything from £8,735 to £11,105 for the S model and between £11,680 and £15,295 for the more upmarket R Line version.