Twelve months ago, concerns about the residual values of the SUV sector would have left fleet managers questioning their future as company cars.

Thousands of pounds were wiped off values and leasing firms wondered how they were going to recoup losses on de-fleeted models.

However, the market has now almost completely recovered, which could again make them tempting to fleets.

Many auction insiders are reporting that all four-wheel drive vehicles and SUVs are being snapped up even if they require work.

Good news then for our long-termer, the Tiguan 2.0 TDI SE Tiptronic.

However, even though its semi-automatic gearbox is one of the best on the market, fleet managers may baulk at CO2 emissions of 199g/km, compared with 167g/km for the manual version – an increase of six benefit-in-kind tax bands.

Fleet managers will also be wary of a quoted economy of 37.7mpg – despite employing the latest ‘smarter driving’ techniques from the Energy Saving Trust, I’m struggling to get 32mpg.

Internally, the rear bench seat, which can be moved to liberate extra leg or luggage space, can also be folded away, expanding the load volume from 395 to a maximum of 1,510 litres.

Standard equipment levels are high – all Tiguan models feature alloy wheels, air conditioning and an MP3- compatible CD player.

And safety conscious fleet managers will be pleased to see ABS with hydraulic brake assist, electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) and a curtain airbag system, also coming as standard.

In addition, one option – at £460 – which could prove invaluable to fleets which suffer regular parking scrapes is a ‘park assist’ system with front and rear sensors.