Volkswagen India confirmed that it will showcase three
all-new products at the upcoming Auto Expo 2016. One of these products will be
the all-new 2016 VW Tiguan. The GTE concept might be shown at the event,
however, we can expect the Tiguan's production version to be launched in India
some time in 2016. The new Tiguan debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in
September 2015. It is based on the MQB platform, making it lighter than the
outgoing model. The new Tiguan boasts of an all new design, better equipment,
and a refined engine lineup. Its introduction in the Indian market will mean
VW's entry into the compact SUV segment in India.
Exterior:
The Tiguan's design is influenced by the VW Cross Coupe GTE
showcased at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. It measures 4,485mm in length, 1,839mm
in width, 1,633mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,682 mm. As compared to the
outgoing model, this new vehicle is larger than in size (70mm longer, 30.5mm
wider and 76mm longer in wheelbase). Up front are a pair of angular LED
headlamps with LED DRLs directly flowing into the grille and chrome elements on
the front wing.
The car rides on large 18-inch diamond cut alloy rims and
gets a chrome line that runs across the side. There is also a chrome
underlining for the window line and roof rails. At the back, a sleek pair of
new horizontal LED tail lamps are visible and a new roof spoiler adds to the
appeal. A chrome appliqué on the lower fascia and twin chrome exhaust tips
complete the rear look.
Interior:
The upcoming VW Tiguan's cabin is similar to the previous
car's layout but gets a premium design with new leather and other materials. VW
globally offers an optional 12.3-inch Active Info display from the 2015 VW
Passat, which displays the instrument dials and navigation in full screen. A
five-inch non-colour infotainment display is standard while an eight-inch
infotainment touchscreen is available as optional equipment. The latter two
might be available in the India-spec variant.
The SUV also features a new three-zone automatic climate
control system called Pure Air Climatronic. The other highlights in the Tiguan
include a large panoramic sunroof and electric four-way lumbar support and
massage function for the front seats. On the safety front, even in the base
variant, VW is expected to offer safety features like the Automatic
Post-Collision Braking System, City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring
and Lane Assist departure warning system. There are in all, seven airbags,
including a knee airbag on the driver’s side. The top-of-the-line versions will
be equipped with adaptive cruise control (ACC), Side Assist (lane-changing
assistant), Pre-Crash proactive occupant protection and Area View (360-degree
view).
Engine and gearbox:
There is no official word from VW about the powertrain yet.
However, we can expect the Tiguan to be powered by a choice of 1.4- and
2.0-litre TSI petrol engine options and on the diesel front, the 1.6- and
2.0-litre TDI diesel units. The transmission options might include the
seven-speed DSG unit or maybe even the new 10-speed DSG gearbox.
Price and competition:
The VW Tiguan is expected to be available in Trendline,
Comfortline and Highline trims. It will go up against the crossovers like the
Audi Q3 and BMW X1 in the Rs 28 lakh to Rs 38 lakh price segment in our
country.