With most of the carmakers are busy in making plans for upcoming Geneva Motor Show, the German automaker come ahead and announced the Indian lineup for 2017. This includes the new Tiguan SUV, which will be launched around April this year, followed by the new Passat in June same year. Both models will be assembled locally at the company’s facility in Chakan. What’s the most interesting thing is that these are going to be the first two MQB-based cars assembled from VW India.
First showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, the new India-based Tiguan will sport a 2.0-litre diesel engine coupled to a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. Dimensionally, it measures 4,486 mm in length, 1,839 mm in width and 2,095 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,677 mm. Once launched, it will take on the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour in India. Expect price for this SUV to start at INR
The Passat, on the other hand, will use a 2.0-litre TDI engine mated to a 6-speed DSG gearbox. Dimensionally, it measures 4,767 mm in length, 1,832 mm in width and 1,456 mm in height. Back in November last year, the company has also imported a smaller 1.6-litre TDI Passat trim in India for homologation process, however, there is no such report of introducing this model in India as of now. On the pricing aspects, the new Passat is expected to cost around INR 30 lakh (ex-showroom).
Commenting on the 2017 launch announcement, Mr Michael Mayer, Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India said, "2017 marks 10 years for Volkswagen in India and at this opportune moment, we reiterate our commitment with a strong product line-up aimed at fostering our growth momentum in the country. With the successful launch of the Ameo and introduction of GTI recently, Volkswagen marked its presence in the Compact Sedan and Performance car segment. With exciting new products across the segments, we are now ready to enter the SUV segment with Tiguan and luxury segment with the all-new Passat. The slew of launches will ensure every car buyer finds a car to meet their requirements at our showrooms."
