Despite its rather odd moniker, the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan is a solid choice in a small yet family-friendly SUV. Allegedly the name “Tiguan” is a combination of “tiger” and “iguana,” with nobody quite able to see the connection. In any case, this well-regarded five-door, five-passenger compact SUV is available in three trim levels, the S, the SE, and the SEL, with all delivered with standard front-wheel drive (FWD). Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system (AWD) is, however, optional with the SE and SEL trims. Stylish, well-mannered, and long on performance - the word “sporty” has even been tossed around - the Tiguan isn’t just another pretty face. Cargo area is a generous 119 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and standard amenities are in abundance in a nicely thought out cabin design. Alas, beware that there are minor rumblings of discontent at a certain lack of cabin storage space.

Powering the entire 2010 Tiguan lineup is a turbocharged 2.0-liter variable-valve-timed gasoline engine that puts out 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque when managed by any of three transmissions. The standard transmission for the Tiguan S is a six-speed manual, with a six-speed auto-manual offered as an option. The SE and SEL trims feature the six-speed auto-manual transmission as standard equipment. Additionally, Volkswagen’s 4Motion six-speed automatic equips those SE and SEL trims where the AWD configuration is selected.

Standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features on the 2010 Tiguan are plentiful enough to keep everyone comfortable and entertained, no matter how far the ride. The base S trim, for example, offers 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth front bucket seats with manually adjusted lumbar supports, reclining, split-folding rear seats, power windows, door locks, and heated outside mirrors, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, cruise control, air conditioning, front storage console with a chilled storage compartment, alloy trim accents, front and rear floor mats, and a single-CD player with eight speakers as standard equipment. The SE adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, trip computer, multi-level-heated front seats, two-way power driver’s seat, fold-flat passenger seat, privacy glass, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth communications technology, 6-CD changer, and satellite radio. The top-shelf SEL tosses in such standard features as 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, power-retractable mirrors, dual-zone climate control, and 600 watts of audio power with 10 speakers.

Options for the 2010 Tiguan range from up-sized alloy wheels, Bluetooth, and a Class II trailer hitch for the S trim to touch-screen DVD navigation, a rear-view camera system, and a huge power-operated sunroof for the SE and SEL.

Safety-wise, the 2010 Tiguan offers standard four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, remote anti-theft alarm, and turn-signal integrated mirrors across the lineup. Both the SE and SEL trims additionally are equipped with standard front fog/driving lights and a post-collision safety system. All trims also offer rear side airbags as an option.

Though regarded as one of the best compact SUVs on the market, the 2010 Tiguan is not without its faults. Owners of ’09 Tiguans complain about such glitches as turbo-lag, a dearth of exterior colors, little cabin storage space, and the distressing lack of turbodiesel availability. A larger gas tank, minor customer service issues, and sub-standard audio components also drew owner complaints.

In general, however, better-than-expected mileage, performance, handling, a firm-but-comfortable ride, and sublime exterior styling have owners praising the ’09 Tiguan. Such individual features as the panoramic sunroof, placid cabin, available AWD, and easy-to-decipher DVD navigation system also draw kudos from owners of the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan, all of which bodes well for 2010.