The second generation 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is lighter than its predecessor and assembled at VW’s Aurangabad plant
The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan SUV was spied testing several times since last year on Indian roads and its launch was confirmed to happen earlier this year by the German brand. The recent undisguised pictures of the second generation premium SUV suggest that the model was not far away from being available to buy and arose the enthusiasm even further. It has finally entered India now squashing the four years absence since VW left the SUV space after the discontinuation of the Touareg.
Priced from Rs. 27.68 lakh for the Comfortline variant, the top-end Highline carries a price tag of Rs. 31.04 lakh (both, ex-showroom Mumbai). Both the grades will get the standard 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system. The bookings for the Tiguan have begun in Volkswagen showrooms across the country and it is offered with five-seat configuration only. The Tiguan’s production at the Volkswagen Group’s manufacturing facility in Aurangabad, after being imported as CKD(Completely Knocked Down) kits, had begun already too as June is targeted for the model’s delivery. The new-gen VW Tiguan debuted in India at the Auto Expo 2016 in early February following its global premiere at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show the previous September.
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It features increased proportions and less kerb weight compared to the predecessor. Sitting on the Volkswagen’s modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform that underpins the new Passat and Octavia, the SUV currently derives power from a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine producing 125 PS of maximum power output and the top-of-the-line 2.0-litre TDI diesel motor dishing out 140 PS for the international markets. The latter is the only option for India developing as much as 340 Nm of peak torque.
In foreign markets, both manual and seven-speed dual clutch automatic DSG gearboxes are offered with two and 4MOTION four wheel drive options to choose from as per customers’ preference but India will only get the aforementioned DSG automatic. The Tiguan GTE plug-in hybrid version derives power from a 1.4-litre petrol engine and an electric motor combined to give a power output of 215 hp and we can expect that in the years to come.
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It is said to return a fuel economy of 52.63 kmpl and the electric motor is alone designed to run for up to 50 kilometres. The new SUV competes against the likes of Ford Endeavour, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Fortuner, upcoming Skoda Kodiaq, etc. It will be launched as part of the German brand’s move to introduce three new products for India as following Ameo’s launch, the Tiguan and Passat’s arrivals are going to happen.
The main features in the Tiguan are satellite radio and Bluetooth, keyless entry, push-button start function, newly designed 17-inch or 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, Volkswagen in-car connected services, rear-view camera, heated seats and lumbar adjustment for the co- passenger and driver, sturdy roof rails, automatic headlights and wipers that senses rain, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, etc.
The range-topping Highline grade is substituted in place of the R-line variant in global markets. It comprises of three-zone automatic climate control, eight-inch screen with smartphone integration, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink support, leather seats, illuminated scuff plates, Dark Grid inserts for dashboard and front door panels and panoramic sunroof among other equipment featured. The new Tiguan is sleeker thanks to the dual LED headlamps up front and it’s 50 kilos lighter than the first generation model.