Volkswagen has announced that the Tiguan facelift will be launched in India on December 7. The 5-seater SUV returns to India in an updated avatar and will join Volkswagen’s SUV line-up alongside the smaller Taigun and the bigger 7-seater Tiguan AllSpace. Here’s five key points about the upcoming SUV.
- Updated Tiguan gets new Matrix LED headlights and 18-inch alloys
- Powered by 190hp, 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine
- Will be locally assembled
1. Tweaked exterior design
The new Tiguan carries forward the squared-off, almost boxy design of its predecessor. However, the headlight, which is sharper and tapers towards the end, also features LED Matrix technology. The grille has also been tweaked, while the front bumper now gets triangular-shaped fog light clusters and slated air intakes, which help it stand out from the old Tiguan.
Along the sides, the Tiguan facelift gains a new design for the 18-inch alloys, while at the rear, it gets a re-profiled bumper, new LED elements in the tail-lights and Tiguan lettering on the tailgate.
2. Reworked interior
Inside the cabin, the Tiguan facelift is similar in design and layout to the Allspace, with a notable change being the climate control system touchscreen – that replaces the traditional buttons and knobs. The Tiguan is also expected to get Volkswagen’s new steering as seen on the Taigun, replete with the brand’s new logo.
In terms of features, the Tiguan facelift will come with a powered panoramic sunroof, leather seats, ambient lighting, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car tech, three-zone climate control, an eight-way powered driver’s seat and more. Safety features such as six airbags, ABS, ESP, hill start and descent assist, a tyre pressure monitor, ISOFIX anchors and a Driver Alert System will be standard as well.
3. New turbo-petrol engine replaces the diesel
Much like the rest of the Volkswagen Group, the new Tiguan will also ditch its 143hp, 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine in favour of a 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine.
This engine is a four-cylinder unit that puts out 190hp and 320Nm of torque and also does duty in the Tiguan Allspace and Skoda Superb. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox will be standard with this engine, along with Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system.
4. Will rival premium 5-seater SUVs
The updated Volkswagen Tiguan will face competition from other petrol-powered, monocoque, 5-seat premium SUVs, such as the Jeep Compass (Rs 17.29 lakh-25.84 lakh) and the Hyundai Tucson (Rs 22.69 lakh-24.37 lakh). However, unlike the Tiguan, both these rivals can also be opted with a diesel engine.
5. Expected price in India
The new Tiguan will be locally assembled (CKD unit) in our country and not locally manufactured. Hence, prices for the facelift are expected to start at Rs 26 lakh and go up to Rs 29 lakh (ex-showroom), which is more expensive than both its rivals.
Jeep Compass prices are ex-showroom, India
Hyundai Tucson prices are ex-showroom, Delhi
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
