The SUV scene in India is currently at an all time high, and is spreading from the entry level micro SUVs like Mahindra KUV100 to full size luxury offerings like the Bentley Bentayga. Within all this hoo-la-la, the Germans have managed to form a likeable customer base in the country, especially in the entry level luxury market. These include the Audi Q3 and BMW X3, which have been the best selling models for both German automakers. And now, there is a new entrant in this particular scene – the New 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan!
The Volkswagen Tiguan has been launched in India, marking the debut of the Tiguan brand in the country. Though the model is currently in its second-generation internationally, this is the first time that the SUV has been launched in India. It is available in two variants – Comfortline and Highline. Both these variants get the same powertrain setup, though there are some feature-related differences.
The Tiguan has been brought into the country as a CKD (completely knocked down) unit, which means that car’s parts will be imported and then it will be assembled at the company’s production facility in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
The Tiguan is based on Volkswagen’s MQB platform, which is basically a modular chassis that can be used to develop vehicles in various body structures and segments. As a matter of fact, the same platform is used beneath the Golf hatchback as well as the new-gen Octavia sedan. This lightweight platform has resulted in a weight reduction of 50 kg on the new-gen Tiguan, in comparison to the earlier model.
Don’t miss: Upcoming SUVs in India
The Tiguan in India is powered by a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine that churns out 141 BHP of maximum power and 340 Nm of peak torque while being mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. It is strange that there is no manual transmission on offer, since the Indian market is still predominantly a manual-oriented industry.
Volkswagen Tiguan India price
As mentioned above, the VW Tiguan in India is sold as a CKD (completely knocked down) unit. This means that the company imports individual parts of the SUV in India and then assembles these parts at the Aurangabad factory. Since the parts are imported, they attract an import duty and a higher excise duty tax. This increases the final price of the Tiguan in India. As a result, the Tiguan is priced at a significant price premium, as compared to its direct competitors like the Hyundai Tucson.
| VW Tiguan Comfortline | Rs 27.98 lakh |
| VW Tiguan Highline | Rs 31.38 lakh |
All prices ex-showroom, Delhi
Volkswagen Tiguan India specifications
The Volkswagen Tiguan in India is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that develops 141 bhp and 340 Nm of peak torque. A 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox is the only transmission option to be on offer. The Tiguan is available only with an all wheel drive system, which is the company’s 4MOTION Intelligent AWD system that also offers variable torque transfer to the rear wheels.
There is also a possibility that a Tiguan petrol variant may be launched in India sometime later in the SUV’s lifetime. However, this will entirely depend on the response that VW gets for the SUV in the Indian market.
| Engine | 2.0-litre TDI Diesel |
| Power | 141 bhp |
| Torque | 340 Nm |
| Gearbox | 7-speed DSG automatic |
| Drivetrain | All Wheel Drive |
Volkswagen Tiguan mileage in India
Volkswagen claims that the Tiguan SUV in India can return 17.06 km/l mileage. This fuel economy figure is purely ideal in nature. As a result, expect the real world fuel economy to hover around the 12 km/l mark.
Volkswagen Tiguan variant-wise features
| Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline features | Volkswagen Tiguan Highline features |
| · LED headlamps with LED DRLs
· 17-inch alloys · Electrically adjustable front seats · Memory function for driver’s seat · Heated front seats · Three-zone Auto Climate Control · 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system · 8-speaker audio system · Apple CarPlay · Android Auto · Bluetooth, AUX/USB/FM/AM inputs · LED taillights |
· 18-inch diamond cut alloys
· Panoramic sunroof · Keyless entry and Go · Push-button start · Gesture-controlled tailgate opening · Reverse Camera · Self sealing tyres |
Volkswagen Tiguan Safety Features
- Six airbags
- Pedestrian monitoring system
- Hill start assist
- Auto hold
- Self sealing tyres
- Rain and light sensor
- Lane Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- ABS with EBD
Volkswagen Tiguan India colours
The Volkswagen Tiguan’s colour palette in India includes five neutral shades. This comes as a departure from the latest trend of introducing flashy colours with every car. However, we believe that the VW Tiguan colours on offer complement the SUV’s overall European and simplimistic styling, thus making it look more mature than some of its competitors.
- Tungsten Silver
- Oryx White
- Deep Black
- Indium Grey
- Atlantic Blue