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      Competition check: Volkswagen Tiguan

      Desirazu Venkat

      Desirazu Venkat

      The global SUV onslaught is making its way to India and it looks like VW wants to be one of the first to jump on the bandwagon. It has begun this process by launching the Tiguan SUV which it showcased to India at the Auto Expo last year. It is now available in India across two variants Comfortline and Highline trim which have been priced at Rs 27.68 lakh and Rs 31.38 lakh (Ex-showroom Delhi). This pricing has put it in the range of the entry-level crossovers from the big German three and our competition check takes a look at how it stands up to its nearest rivals. We had expected that Volkswagen would price the Tiguan closer to the likes of the Hyundai Tucson in the low 20s. However, given the features that are available and possible cost of operations, it seems that VW decided to target crossovers one level higher, thus giving aspiration value to the vehicle.    

      VW Tiguan competition check

      BMW X1
      The top-of-the-line Tiguan takes on the entry-level BMW X1 which is the sDrive 20d variant as they are at similar price points. Both are evenly matched in terms of proportions and sport a similar design due to the crossover influence. However, here the Tiguan is better in terms of features and is a marginally bigger car. It also offers more kit in the cabin as compared to the X1. However, the X1’s ace up its sleeve is that 2.0-litre diesel engine which produces 188bhp/400Nm while the Tiguan’s mill churns out a much smaller 141bhp/340Nm. The former is only FWD while the Tiguan has AWD as standard.

      Mercedes-Benz GLA
      It is a similar story like the X1 when you compare the GLA and the Volkswagen Tiguan. Here too, it is comparison of the top-of-the-line Highline trim of the Tiguan and the entry-level GLA 200 Sport CDI. The Tiguan is slightly longer than the GLA in overall length but has a marginally smaller wheelbase. In terms of features both cars have all the basics to keep them level and there is a large amount of give and take between both vehicles. The Tiguan has LED head lights, three-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof but the GLA has a more intuitive infotainment system, seven airbags and of course that Mercedes-Benz badging.
      The German automaker has targeted these models as its main rival indicating that it wants to take the brand upwards in terms of what is on offer. It has to battle the fact that while the offering (Tiguan) may be fully packed, the brand value held by BMW and Mercedes-Benz is far higher and will still command a higher recall than the VW badge. 

      Volkswagen | Tiguan | Volkswagen Tiguan