Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line: The current facelift model of the Volkswagen Tiguan was launched in India in December 2021, and a new generation model is expected to arrive in 2025. However, it has now been confirmed that a new R-Line variant will be introduced before the current model is discontinued. The Tiguan R-Line is essentially a sporty-looking alternative to the regular Tiguan and here are five key things you should know about it.
Powerful engine
The Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line will be the new top-spec variant in the SUV’s current lineup, which currently only has the Elegance variant. The upcoming trim will get only design updates inside and out, but there will be no changes to the mechanicals and hence the 2-litre turbo-petrol engine from the standard model will make its way to this trim as well.
Sporty exterior
While there will be no changes to the mechanicals, the exterior design will be similar to the facelifted second-generation model that was on sale globally until 2023. It gets a tweaked front bumper, the lower part of which is body-colored, unlike the regular model. It also gets larger air intake channels and a C-shaped chrome element below the headlight units, which have a black theme in the regular model. The headlights and grille remain the same, but the latter gets an ‘R’ badge.
In profile, the big difference is the new dual-tone alloy wheel design that makes the SUV look sharper. The black cladding below the doors on the regular model has been replaced with body-coloured panels. However, the cladding on the wheel arches is present in the R-Line as well.
At the rear, while the taillights and overall design remain the same, the bumper sees some changes in the form of new dual-tip exhaust outlets.
Sporty feel
While the current-spec Tiguan comes with a dual-tone black and grey theme, the R-Line could feature an all-black cabin to enhance the sporty quotient of the Tiguan. The seat upholstery on the Tiguan R-Line could be black to match the cabin theme.
Everything else is expected to remain the same, including the 3-spoke steering wheel, angular AC vents, and touch-enabled AC control panel.
Similar features and safety
There are no changes expected in the features list and the Tiguan R-Line could get features like an 8-inch touchscreen, 10-inch all-digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, 3-zone auto AC, power-adjustable driver seat, and 30-color ambient lighting.
The safety suite is also likely to remain the same, with features such as six airbags, tire pressure monitoring (TPMS), electronic stability control (ESC), hill assist, hill descent control, and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Tough competition
The Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line is expected to be priced from ₹40 lakh (ex-showroom) and is likely to be launched by April 2025. It will continue to rival the Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson, and Citroen C5 Aircross.