About a week back, Volkswagen India announced that it would be delivering on its four SUVs promise by the end of 2021. Today, the company has taken a couple of steps forward to meet that target. Leading from the front is the production-ready version of the Taigun, followed by the 2021 T-Roc and the India-spec Tiguan. As for the Tiguan Allspace, that will arrive soon.

Volkswagen Taigun

One cannot emphasize enough how important the Taigun is for Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 project. It will set the tone for future, locally-manufactured Volkswagen models. And, it will play a crucial role in defining the pace at which the SAVWIPL (Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd.) marches towards capturing a 5 per cent market share.

The Volkswagen Taigun is built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, and the whole package has 95 per cent locally procured parts. Those include both the TSI engine options – a 1.0-litre and a 1.5-litre. The former pumps out 113bhp/175Nm, whereas the latter produces 148bhp/250Nm. As standard, both those powerplants will come coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission. Those who want an automatic affair can opt for a 6-speed torque converter with the smaller engine and a 7-speed DSG with the larger one.

The design is unmistakably Volkswagen. Conservative, but not dull. The images shown are of a GT variant, which will pack the gutsier TSI mill. GT badges are on the grille, front fenders and even on the tailgate. Look closely, and you’ll notice that the Taigun boasts the new VW logo. The LED-powered headlamp units also house DRLs. So, if you thought Volkswagen missed out on that one, don’t worry! As for the front and rear bumpers, they look sporty in their own way. Both pack chrome detailing and faux skid plates.

As for the side profile, the design creases are neat and give the SUV a handsome stance. Both wheel arches and the door sills get protective cladding, while the dual-tone alloys span 17 inches in diameter. At the back, the neatly designed boot lid also has a lightbar that, in perspective, joins the taillights. The blacked-out treatment to the light panels is an eye-catcher for sure.

Yes, Volkswagen has also released a list of features. It includes ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, a digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and automatic climate control. Also on offer will be stuff like an electric sunroof, roof rails (unusable), Type-C USB ports for charging, up to six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, hill-hold control and a rear-view camera.

Volkswagen hasn’t set a launch date yet. But, it has hinted that the Taigun will arrive during this year’s festive season. And when it does, it will compete against the Skoda Kushaq, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, MG Hector and the Nissan Kicks.

2021 Volkswagen T-Roc

If you’re looking for design differences, you’ll strain your eyes for nothing. There are no changes to report, apart from the price tag. At Rs 21.35 lakh, it costs about Rs 1.36 lakh more than it did last year. Bookings for the compact SUV are open, while deliveries will start in May this year.

The T-Roc is powered by a 1.5-litre TSI engine with 148bhp/250Nm on tap, while a 7-speed DSG handles transmission duties. The powerplant makes use of the Active Cylinder Technology to enhance fuel efficiency. Based on the load, it can deactivate two out of the four cylinders on the move. Volkswagen says that the switch happens faster than a blink of the eye.

Features? It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, LED headlamps and taillamps, two-zone automatic climate control, leather seats and auto headlamps and wipers. The car also offers an electric parking brake, hill-start assist, paddle shifters, a digital instrument cluster, heated ORVMs, electronic stability control, auto-dimming IRVM, a rear-view camera and tyre pressure monitoring system.

India-spec Volkswagen Tiguan facelift

The Tiguan was discontinued in India before the BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) emission norms kicked in. As for the refreshed version, it broke cover in July last year. Soon, that will arrive in India. Bookings haven’t opened yet, but Volkswagen won’t waste much time to do the honours.

As expected, the Tiguan facelift will be a petrol-only model. It’ll pack the same 2.0-litre TSI engine that also does duty in the Tiguan Allspace, Audi Q2, Audi Q4 and the Skoda Superb. The motor will also power the upcoming Skoda Kodiaq facelift, scheduled to debut in a couple of weeks. With 188bhp/320Nm on tap, the engine will send power to all four wheels via a 7-speed DSG.

Design-wise the refreshed Tiguan boasts sharper-looking headlamps, a tweaked grille and redesigned front and rear bumpers. It’ll also pack 18-inch Frankfurt alloy wheels, and dark-red LED taillamps with new light signatures. In the features department, the SUV will offer stuff like a panoramic sunroof, 30-colour ambient lighting, six airbags, auto-hold, tyre pressure monitoring system, hill start and descent control and Volkswagen’s IQ. Light technology.

2021 Volkwagen Tiguan Allspace

Like the T-Roc and the Tiguan, the Tiguan Allspace will also take the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route to land in India. That means it’ll cost somewhere between Rs 35 – 38 lakh, excluding taxes.

No points for guessing; it’ll be the same as before. So, there’s nothing new in the engine, list of features or looks. That means it’ll have the same powertrain, including the all-wheel-drive 4MOTION tech, as the five-seater Tiguan.

Expect Volkswagen to start accepting bookings for the 2021 Tiguan Allspace in a few weeks. As before, it’ll compete with the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, Mahindra Alturas G4 and the MG Gloster.