Volkswagen had announced to launch the Taigun mid-sized SUV and the Tiguan 5-seater facelift in the country before the end of this year. The Taigun is rumoured to be launched by August 2021, while the Tiguan 5-seater SUV launch is expected in June 2021. The 5-seater Tiguan was earlier planned to be launched in early May 2021; however, it has been pushed to June end due to rising COVID-19 cases.
Select Volkswagen dealers have also started accepting pre-bookings for the SUV at a token amount of Rs 50,000; however, VW is yet to make an official statement on the same. In fact, unofficial bookings of the Taigun has also been started. For people not in the know, Volkswagen had discontinued the Tiguan in 2020. The company had unveiled the updated model in March 2021, which comes with design changes and BS6 compliant engine.
The previous model was offered in both petrol and diesel guise. However, the BSVI compliant 5-seater Tiguan will be offered in petrol version only. It will receive a 2.0-litre, turbocharged petrol engine that produces a maximum power output of 187bhp and a peak torque of 320Nm. Power will be transmitted to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG. The SUV will also get Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system.
In terms of styling changes, the 2021 VW Tiguan 5 seater gets new front design, which is inspired by the European Touareg and the Atlas Cross. It gets new front grille and sharper headlamps, new front bumper with triangular-shaped fog lamp clusters and revised air-intakes. The top-end model could also get LED Matrix headlamps. The SUV gets slightly revised rear profile with upgraded L-shaped LED tail-lamp and revised bumper with a diffuser plate and ‘TIGUAN’ lettering on the centre of the tailgate. The SUV will also get newly styled alloy wheels.
The Tiguan facelift interior will retain most of the features from the pre-facelift model. It come with a touch interface for the climate control system. The SUV gets a digital instrument console, a new multi-functional steering wheel, 30-colour ambient lighting, connected car, electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function. The SUV will also get a panoramic sunroof. It will sport an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, leather seats, a 3-zone climate control and an 8-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat.
The Tiguan facelift will be equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, hill start and descent assist, and a tyre pressure monitoring system for safety and security. Likely to cost around Rs 25 lakh to Rs 28 lakh, the VW Tiguan 5-seater will be positioned against the Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass and the Citroen C5 Aircross.
