Volkswagen launches Tiguan SUV in India at ₹27.68 lac
Two trims, one engine, competitive features
If you’re in the market for a ~₹30 lac SUV and find yourself in a VW showroom, chances are your stay will be short, whether you buy the new Tiguan or not. We hoped earlier that Volkswagen wouldn’t skim on the spec sheet with the Indian model, and it appears our prayers have been answered. The new Tiguan is available only in one 2.0-litre diesel motor option generating 143PS/340Nm, in Comfortline and Highline variants. Prices are ₹27.68 lac and ₹31.05 lac, ex-Mumbai, respectively. So you choose one or the other, or walk away Googling the location of the nearest Toyota and Ford dealership.
To be sure, the prices that VW is asking will give buyers pause, because there are already larger, more proven alternatives in the market. But if you’re feeling a hankering for something European, the Tiguan comes with the goods. You get 4MOTION all-wheel drive, a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission, full-LED lighting, a panoramic sunroof, rain and light sensors, 6 airbags, self-sealing tyres among a host of other features.
The Tiguan is a sharp-looking SUV. We’d venture to call it smarter looking than it’s corporate cousin the Skoda Karoq, which is coming next year. The creased, angular sheet metal work blends well with similarly designed lighting. The glass area also ends up looking airy without any unusual obstruction up front or out back.
Inside, you get ‘Vienna’ leather seats and three-zone “Air Care Climatronic” AC with an allergen filter, which should help you when traversing the thick, soupy smog of some of our fair metros. The available touchscreen infotainment unit supports Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and the 4MOTION all-wheel drive has modes switchable between Normal, Snow, Offroad and Offroad-individual. With 149mm of ground clearance, we’d advise against any serious bouldering. Sadly, VW has left out the full-TFT driver display like we’ve seen in recent Audis — this is available on international Tiguan models.
The Tiguan slots into a segment all on its own: an European SUV that isn’t from a luxury car manufacturer. Obvious rivals will be the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour, both of which are larger and decently-specced. The upcoming Jeep Compass will also give it a run for your money. We suspect the Tiguan will find a market, though not as large as it’s varied competition.
Prices (ex-showroom)
Comfortline ₹27,68,492 (Mumbai), ₹27,98,000 (Delhi)
Highline ₹31,04,795 (Mumbai), ₹31,38,000 (Delhi)
