VolksWagen Tiguan.. The most awaited car in India....

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.