The first thing you’ll love about the Tiguan R line is the amazing road presence it has. It’s absolutely phenomenal. And upon taking closer look, you’ll just fall in love with its humongous outer shell.

BHPian Ihtrak recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

My impressions after 2 test drives:

Road presence:
The first thing you’ll love about the Tiguan R line is the amazing road presence it has. It’s absolutely phenomenal. And upon taking closer look, you’ll just fall in love with its humongous outer shell. Agree to some comments that the design doesn’t look as sharp and mature as the previous model. But, the modernity and the curves in this new gen do not look bad though. In fact, it is eye pleasing. If you want to put it into comparison, I would say that the road presence of Tiguan R line is a little more than what you’d experience with a Tata Harrier. For a person who hates SUVs absolutely, I was stunned by the design, after your eyes have gazed through end less compact SUVs on the road. Check it out in person to get a true experience!

Exteriors:
Apart from the design, the Tiguan R line has the IQ lights at the back (which sort of give a 3D dancing look to the rear lights which is good). But I don’t think the headlamps are top of the line. In the UK, you can spec the front lights with the IQ lights. But the variant in India doesn’t have this option is what I think. Yes, it is LED, but I’m not really sure if it is the IQ lights for the simple reason being that it didn’t have the IQ badge on the headlights. Added on, the IQ light adjustment options weren’t present in the infotainment as well. Haven’t had a chance to test the brightness and throw of headlamps since the TD was during the daytimes.

Interiors:
Now this is going to be a very subjective topic. So putting out my views here:

1. The sports seats (mix of Alcantara, leatherette and fabric) is very good. They provide enough support and I felt the seats had just the right amount of cushioning. Also, the fabric not the seats is grey colored, high sheen finish. So I guess cleaning them will not be a problem.
2. The adjustable thigh support (only for the driver’s seat) is a welcome in disguise for someone who is 6ft+ like me. Honestly, if it never had this option, I would have disregarded this car itself because my thighs get sore without proper support during long drives due to my height.
3. Coming to the seat controls, yes all seat adjustments are manual except for the lumbar support. But you have proper manual adjustments for seat recline, height, thigh support (up and down), and forward/backward. This is a bummer for me. Honestly speaking, I would expect electric adjustments at this price point. For the simple reason being that my car would get driven by a mix of hands whenever I’m on trips with my friends. And mind you, you really have to shell out some effort to get the right seat position every time, since there are a bunch of manual adjustment options that you have to get through.
4. Sitting into the driver’s seat, the first thing you’ll notice is the enormously sized infotainment screen (literally onto your face). On my first TD, I felt it to be too much for my liking. But on my 2nd TD, it didn’t distract much and felt that is something that I could live with. ALL vehicle controls get into this infotainment and there are no physical buttons except for:
1. Engine start stop button (I wonder why VW left this out of the screen; maybe you could have put this into the infotainment as well so that the driver gets a little more headache)
2. Centre rotary dial - This houses 2 options. 1 for the volume controls (which I think is pretty useless since you already have the controls in the steering wheel and the bottom portion of the infotainment screen). And another one, if you press the dial once, will take you into the drive modes, which is pretty useful though.
3. Electric parking brake switch.
4. Although all other controls are into the infotainment, navigating through the options is not that difficult. What I feel is if you get used to it, you can navigate with ease considering the fact that the screen is big enough for easy navigation.
5. The wireless charging pads (2 nos) charged my iPhone 13 Pro from 16% to 45% in an hour, which I think is pretty good for a wireless charger. Also, it didn’t heat up my phone during charging and charging happened continuously without overheating warnings on my iPhone.
6. Another subjective topic is the interior ambient lights. The car has a party decoration in the cabin and whether you like it or not is entirely upto you. Personally, I felt the interior lights were a bit overdone and could have been simpler without the gloss back strip running throughout the cabin. You have a plethora of adjustment options for these right from brightness to colors.
7. The back seats were pretty comfortable and people sitting at the back will have a very comfortable legroom even if the person sitting on the front is 6 feet tall.
8. Sunroof ofcourse is present with the controls through a touch slider. Didn’t find it pretty difficult to operate though.
9. The boot again is large sized (~600 liters). But the boot close is manual. No electric close button. (Which is a miss again)

Drive:
Keep in mind that the engine option VW offers for Tiguan R line isn’t the top of the line. In the UK, you have one higher trim petrol engine which spits out 265ps and 400nm. But the one offered in India is 204ps and 320nm.

The drive is where this car surprised me. Although the engine is the 2nd best in its offering, the output is more than enough to keep your spirited driving up and take quick overturns with a blast of torque. And I feel this is more than enough for our Indian roads. The gear shifts are blazing fast to the extent that you wouldn’t be able to notice the feel of gear shifts unless you keep a very keen eye on it. When you put your heavy foot down, it downshifts and takes the challenge with lot of ease. One thing to keep in mind again here is that there is a slight (maybe half a second) lag in the bottom range before it blasts that torque. It will take a little bit of getting used to, in order to learn how to handle that slight initial lag. And the mid and top ranges just pull you through and through so that there is no shortage of horsepower.

And Yo man, the DCC is an amazing thing that has happened to this car. The suspension naturally is a little bit on the stiffer side. But that is what you want if you’re looking for performance. Put it into comfort mode, and it just swallows up all the light to medium undulations on the roads with great confidence. Also it took on mighty speed breakers in comfort mode with a lot of ease with decent speed. But if you’re literally riding on a rocky trail where there are ups and down right and left, even in comfort mode, the suspension is pretty stiff. But for the normal road conditions of India (including rough patches), it gets through most of them with ease and confidence in comfort mode unless you’re driving on a trail.
You can really utilize the Sport mode only in an Expressway or a highway (if you’re confident on the road quality), since taking any rough patches in sport mode gives you a hit. You don’t feel any loss of control in the steering though. But if you encounter rough patches in Sport mode, the cabin gets jarring and you can feel strong thuds due to the suspension being in its tightest state in Sport mode. And not only that, of course in the Sport mode the engine is even more evil enough so as not to let 99.9% of fellow drivers to overtake you.

High speed stability & cornering:
The high speed stability is excellent in a straight line over a little stretch and it was confidence inspiring. No cabin noise, and I did not feel much of wind noise as well. You can do lane changes as well at high speeds with ease. But that is where it all ends. If you’re doing 100+ and taking a corner, it isn’t that confidence inspiring. It makes you slow down to take on corners. It has got to do with the higher stance and due to the fact of it being a SUV in all logical sense.

Verdict:
If you’re looking for a well built German without the big 3 names, if you’re looking for a kick of performance to be available on tap for you every time you need it, if you’re looking for comfortable and spacious cabin in true German quality, if you’re looking to make a statement, GO FOR IT maybe when VW offers the year end discounts. Keep in mind that there are a few critical misses that I pointed out though, including the electric seat controls, the IQ headlights etc.

But if your’e a person who doesn’t mind the lower stance of sedans/hatches, would like to take on corners with great confidence, willing to loose a bit of practicality, wait for the Golf GTI or the Octavia VRS or the Superb!

Both are different in their own world. The final decision comes up-to what sacrifices you’re willing to make…

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Dropped by the local VW dealership in Bangalore to check out the newly launched Tiguan R-Line.

BHPian robimahanta recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Dropped by the local VW dealership in Bangalore to check out the newly launched Tiguan R-Line. Although test drives haven’t begun yet (expected next week), got a good feel for the vehicle’s design and interior. Here are some quick observations:

Looks well-proportioned and sharper than the new Kodiaq, which now leans more towards an MPV-like stance.

Supportive and comfortable with plenty of adjustment options, even though they're manually operated. Frankly, electric seats may not be missed.

Rear seats have recline and slide option

Ample cubbies and USB-C ports throughout

Big and deep boot

Felt lined door pockets

Feels premium overall, with a sporty edge thanks to the R-Line package.

Infotainment Screen: Large central screen dominates the dashboard. While crisp and modern, it looks almost like an iPad stuck onto the dash – may not be to everyone’s taste. Nice size steering which isn't too thick and has perforated leather

Lots of colours, light strips (connecting front and rear lamps), and glossy piano black surfaces – it’s the current trend, but could feel a bit too much

The front chrome strip was unnecessary

Rear has iQ light

No Keyless Entry – surprising omission at this price point.

No 360-degree Camera – especially given the car’s size.

No Spare Tyre – Only a repair kit with air compressor

Comes with 255/45 R19 100V Hankook Ventus Evo SUV tyres in an uninspiring alloy design

Familiar 2 litre tsi without any branding on the cover

Recent VW price list from Bangalore (at 61.79 it is around 3-4 lacs more expensive than the on road price of Q3 Premium Plus). Sales guys are currently unaware whether the extended warranty and service package is extra or included in the price.

Looking forward to the test drive next week.

Cheers!

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Deliveries of the Tiguan R-Line will start from April 23 onwards

Volkswagen has announced the launch of the Tiguan R-Line in India. The SUV is priced at Rs 48,99,900 (ex-showroom).

The Tiguan R-Line is a sportier version of the standard Tiguan. The SUV is based on the MQB evo platform and measures 4,539 mm in length, 1,859 mm in width and 1,656 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,680 mm.

The Tiguan R-Line gets a sporty front bumper with large vents, a gloss black fascia and LED light bars at the front and rear. The SUV rides on 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, it gets sports seats, a 3-spoke steering wheel with a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch central touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The R-Line comes loaded with a tonne of safety nets. These include Level 2 ADAS, with 21 driver assistance and safety features such as lane change assist, rear traffic alert, emergency braking system, lane keeping assist, Park Assist Plus and Active Cruise Control. It also has 9 airbags, TPMS, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, and disc brakes on all four wheels.

In India, the Tiguan R-Line is offered with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 201 BHP and 320 Nm. The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The Tiguan R-Line uses VW’s 4 Motion all-wheel drive system with a new generation of Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC Pro) and a Vehicle Dynamics Manager that controls functions of electronic differential locks (XDS) and shock absorbers. The system can also apply brake pressure to individual wheels and control shock absorber damping to offer neutral, stable and precise driving.

The Tiguan R-Line will be available in Persimmon Red Metallic, Cipressino Green Metallic, Nightshade Blue Metallic, Grenadilla Black Metallic, Oryx White with Mother of Pearl Effect & Oyster Silver Metallic colour options.

Pre-bookings for the Tiguan R-Line are already open. The SUV will be launched on April 14.

Volkswagen is all set to launch the Tiguan R-Line in India later this month. The carmaker has now shared some more details of the upcoming model.

The Tiguan R-Line is based on the MQB evo platform. It features VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system with a new generation of Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC Pro) and a Vehicle Dynamics Manager that controls functions of electronic differential locks (XDS) and shock absorbers. The system can also apply brake pressure to individual wheels and control shock absorber damping to offer neutral, stable and precise driving.

The Tiguan R-Line will be equipped with Level 2 ADAS, with 21 driver assistance and safety features. These include lane change assist, rear traffic alert, emergency braking system, lane keeping assist, Park Assist Plus and Active Cruise Control.

The R-Line version of the Tiguan will also come with 9 airbags, TPMS, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, and disc brakes on all four wheels.

In India, the Tiguan R-Line will be offered with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 201 BHP and 320 Nm. The engine will be paired with a 7-speed DSG.

The Tiguan R-Line will be available with Park Assist Plus and Park Distance Control.

Volkswagen recently opened pre-bookings for the Tiguan R-Line in India. The carmaker has now shared some more details of the SUV ahead of its launch.

The India-spec Tiguan R-Line will be equipped with LED Plus headlights, LED taillights and 19-inch 'Coventry' alloy wheels. The SUV will be available in six colour options: Persimmon Red Metallic, Cipressino Green Metallic, Nightshade Blue Metallic, Grenadilla Black Metallic, Oryx White with Mother of Pearl Effect & Oyster Silver Metallic.

Inside, the sporty R-Line version comes with comfort seats with massage function and lumbar support, 3-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The SUV also gets aluminium pedals, an illuminated R-Line logo on the dashboard, two wireless charging pads, and 30-colour ambient lighting.

Besides this, the Tiguan R-Line will be available with Park Assist Plus and Park Distance Control, among other safety features.

In India, the sporty Tiguan will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 201 BHP and 320 Nm. The engine will be paired with a dual-clutch transmission and VW’s 4 Motion all-wheel drive system.

Bookings for the Tiguan R-Line are already underway.

Volkswagen has removed the Tiguan from its official website, which suggests that the model may have been discontinued ahead of the Tiguan R-Line’s market launch.

In India, the Tiguan was available in a single Elegance trim. It was powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 187 BHP and 320 Nm and came with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The new Tiguan R-Line is a sportier version of the standard model. It will be powered by the same 2.0-litre engine, albeit producing 201 BHP and 320 Nm. It will be paired with a 7-speed DSG and 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

Bookings for the Tiguan R-Line are already underway. The SUV will be imported via the CBU route. Prices will be announced next month.

The Tiguan R-Line will be offered with a 2.0L TSI engine producing 201 BHP and 320 Nm and all-wheel drive.

Volkswagen has started taking pre-bookings for the Tiguan R-Line in India. Prices will be announced next month.

The Tiguan R-Line is a sportier version of the standard Tiguan. The SUV measures 4,539 mm in length, 1,859 mm in width and 1,656 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,680 mm.

The Tiguan R-Line features a striking R-inspired design. It has an aggressive front bumper with large vents, a gloss black fascia and LED light bars at the front and rear. The SUV rides on 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the Tiguan R Line gets sports seats, a 3-spoke steering wheel with a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch central touchscreen.

In India, the Tiguan R-Line will be offered with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 201 BHP and 320 Nm. The engine will be paired with a dual-clutch transmission and VW’s 4 Motion all-wheel drive system.

The Tiguan R-Line will be available in Persimmon Red Metallic, Cipressino Green Metallic, Nightshade Blue Metallic, Grenadilla Black Metallic, Oryx White with Mother of Pearl Effect & Oyster Silver Metallic colour options.

This year, Volkswagen will also launch the Golf GTI in India. The carmaker is inviting customer interest for the sporty hatchback on its official website.

For the Indian market, VW is likely to offer the 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a 7-speed DSG and the 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

Earlier this month, VW confirmed that it will bring the Tiguan R Line, along with the Golf GTI, in India but did not share an exact date. However, the German carmaker has now announced that the VW Tiguan R Line will be launched on April 14. It will be brought to the Indian shores via the CBU route and the bookings will be opened soon.

In the international markets, the VW Tiguan R Line comes in multiple engine options - a 1.5-litre petrol mild-hybrid, a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid, a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel. For the Indian market, VW is likely to offer the 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a 7-speed DSG and the 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

Being the range-topping variant, the VW Tiguan R Line has been given a more sporty treatment on the outside compared to the standard Tiguan. For example, there is a more aggressive front bumper with large vents and a gloss black fascia. The SUV also comes with LED light bars at the front and rear, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels.

On the inside, the VW Tiguan R Line has sports seats, a 3-spoke steering wheel, a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch central touchscreen.

The Golf GTI and Tiguan R Line will be imported via the CBU route.

Volkswagen has confirmed that the Golf GTI will be launched in India in Q2 2025. In addition to the sporty hatchback, the carmaker will also introduce the Tiguan R Line.

The 'R Line' is the top-of-the-range variant of the Tiguan. It also has a more sporty appearance compared to the standard model. The SUV features a more aggressive front bumper with large vents and a gloss black fascia, LED light bars at the front and rear, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the Tiguan R Line gets sports seats, a 3-spoke steering wheel with a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch central touchscreen. 

The Tiguan R Line comes with a range of powertrain options. These include a 1.5-litre petrol mild-hybrid, a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid, a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel. In India, VW is likely to offer the 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with a 7-speed DSG and the 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

The Golf GTI is a performance version of the standard Golf. It is powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine that makes 261 BHP and 370 Nm and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.