New Volkswagen Tiguan to be launched in India on May 24; here is all you need to know about the SUV

The launch of German carmaker Volkswagen's Tiguan in India is edging closer. The first hint of its launch comes through the social media handle of the company that has the new image of the car with May 24, 2017 emblazoned on it.

Couldn't have been a mistake, or is it? Though the company has maintained a stoic silence on the date, it is almost certain that auto lovers should mark the May 24 date on their calendars. The production of the new Tiguan is already underway at the company's Aurangabad facility in Maharashtra and the SUV is open for dealer-level bookings against a down payment of Rs. 1 lakh.

To be pitted against segment leaders like Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Trailblazer and the upcoming Skoda Kodiaq in India, the Tiguan is expected to be priced between Rs. 25 lakh and Rs. 30 lakh in India. The Tiguan will be Volkswagen's premium offering in the country and is rumoured to come in two variants — Comfortline and Highline.

Volkswagen has been putting the Tiguan through testing on different terrains in India for quite a while now. The model was caught on camera several times, with the latest one being a set of images of the production-ready Tiguan from just outside the factory where it is made.

Based on the MQB platform of the VW group as opposed to the first generation's PQ35 platform, the new Tiguan is expected to pack 2.0L TDI engine mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The SUV is likely to generate 148bhp and 340Nm of torque and is expected to be offered in both 2-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options.

At the front, the new Tiguan, which is expected to come in the five-seater configuration, flaunts new front bumper with LED DRLs sport front grille and chrome toppings. The cabin of the Tiguan is expected to get an all-black colour theme with piano black inserts on the dashboard and centre console. It is expected to pack features such as panoramic sunroof, head-up display, infotainment system and faux leather upholstery. The Highline trim of Tiguan is rumoured to come with 18-inch alloys, while Comfortline is likely to get 17-inch wheels.