Volkswagen to launch 2 new SUVs in India in 2019
Volkswagen to launch T-ROC and the Tiguan Allspace in India this year.
We informed you earlier that Skoda is leading the Volkswagen Group’s India Plan 2.0, which includes achieving higher localisation for India-specific products. Skoda is working on a locally developed MQB AO IN platform, which will be used to develop at least 4 to 6 new cars. These new cars will be sold under Skoda and Volkswagen nameplates in India. While Volkswagen will launch the T-Cross and the new-gen Vento, Skoda will bring the Kamiq and the new-gen Rapid.
Apart from these cars, Volkswagen will also give major facelift to its existing Polo and Vento. The company is also planning to offer a wide range of SUVs for the Indian buyers. Before introducing the affordable T-Cross, VW is aiming to establish itself in the fast growing SUV market of India. This year, the German car brand will introduce 2 new SUVs including the T-ROC and the Tiguan AllSpace 7-seater.
This will be brand’s next premium SUV to challenge the likes of Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson. It is expected to be launched before the end of this year. The new T-ROC will be imported under the Government’s new scheme that allows 2,500 units to be imported without local homologation. It will come as a fully-loaded model and is likely to be priced in the range of Rs 17 lakh – Rs 20 lakh. The SUV will only be offered in a petrol version. It is likely to be powered by a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine paired to a 7-speed DSG unit.
Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace or LWB
The German automaker is also planning to launch the long-wheelbase version of the Tiguan SUV in India in 2019. This model will arrive as a CKD unit and will be assembled at the Group’s Aurangabad facility. The Tiguan LWB model be a 7-seater SUV, which will challenge the new Honda CR-V. It measures 4,712mm in length, 1,839mm in width, 1,673mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,791mm, which makes it 226mm longer than the 5-seater Tuguan and has 110mm longer wheelbase. It is expected that the new model could replace the 5-seater Tiguan. The LWB model is likely to come in front-wheel-drive option only. It is likely to share the 2.0-litre diesel engine with the existing model.
