Volkswagen Tiguan To Launch On May 24
The Tiguan is the most anticipated locally-assembled product from Volkswagen in recent years
Volkswagen has announced that it will launch its mid-sized SUV, the Tiguan, on May 24. The Tiguan was first unveiled in India at the 2016 Auto Expo and entered local assembly in March this year. The Tiguan will be followed by the all-new Passat, which is also expected to be locally assembled in the country.
The Tiguan is set to become the first VW model in India to feature VW Group's MQB (modular transverse matrix) platform. This platform is already seen on the Skoda Octavia, Superb and the Audi A3 in the country. The upcoming Skoda Kodiaq too features the same platform.
Initially, the Tiguan will only come with an option of a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine (possibly in the 177PS/350Nm state of tune) mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (VW’s DSG transmission). Expect VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive powertrain option as well.
The Tiguan will enter a segment which was dormant for several years. This segment has hardly witnessed any sales with products like the petrol-only Honda CR-V and the quirky-looking Skoda Yeti. Over the last six months, however, this segment has come alive thanks to the launch of the Hyundai Tucson.
Iconic American carmaker Jeep will also enter this space next year with the all-new Compass. The Compass will be Jeep’s first made-in-India SUV with heavy localisation of parts.
The tough looking replacement for the Skoda Yeti, the Karoq, will also be launched in the country later next year. Honda too is likely to join the party in 2018 with their fifth-gen Honda CR-V, which will be available with a diesel engine this time around.
Looking at its competitors, Volkswagen is likely to price the Tiguan in the vicinity of Rs 25 lakh. Stay tuned to CarDekho for the launch of Volkswagen’s all-new SUV on Wednesday.