Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line 2025 India: A Design Downgrade

Launched on April 14, 2025, the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line 2025 arrives in India as a fully imported premium SUV, priced at ₹49 lakh (ex-showroom). Powered by a 2.0L TSI EVO engine with 204 PS and 320 Nm, it boasts a 15-inch touchscreen, 4MOTION AWD, and a 5-star EURO NCAP rating. Aimed at enthusiasts, it competes with the Skoda Kodiaq and Hyundai Tucson in India’s luxury SUV segment. However, its exterior design—marked by a softer, less bold aesthetic—falls short, especially when compared to rivals like the Suzuki Grand Vitara. While the cabin and tech impress, the new look fails to stand out, potentially alienating traditional buyers. Here’s our critical take on the Tiguan R-Line 2025 India.

Exterior Design: Less Macho, Less Distinctive

The Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line 2025’s exterior redesign sacrifices the macho, commanding presence that Indian SUV buyers crave, resulting in a vehicle that feels less bold and fails to stand out. Unlike the outgoing Tiguan’s chiseled, rugged stance, the new model adopts smoother, rounded edges that strip away its sharpness, giving it a softer, almost generic look. The 19-inch Coventry dual-tone alloys, while stylish, appear less bold than the previous model’s chunkier wheel designs, diminishing the SUV’s aggressive appeal on Indian roads. The front fascia’s connected LED light bar and illuminated VW badge aim for a futuristic vibe but lack the gravitas of competitors like the Skoda Kodiaq. Most disappointing is the rear, where sporty, sculpted taillights have been replaced by a generic LED strip resembling a cheap tube light, devoid of character. In contrast, it looks like the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Measuring 4539 mm long and 1859 mm wide, the Tiguan’s compact proportions are undermined by this tame design, which struggles to turn heads. User feedback on CarWale calls it “less imposing” and “forgettable,” noting that colors like Cipressiono Green and Persimmon Red can’t salvage the lackluster styling. For ₹49 lakh, the Tiguan R-Line should have retained its bold, distinctive edge.

Tiguan R-Line 2025: Generic LED taillight strip lacks character.

Grand Vitara:Tailights.

Tiguan R-Line Price India

At ₹49 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tiguan R-Line is a premium offering, justified by its import status and tech but steep for a 5-seater. The 2.0L TSI EVO (1984 cc) delivers 204 PS and 320 Nm, paired with a 7-speed DSG and 4MOTION AWD. It achieves a ~600 km range (47.7L tank, 12.58 kmpl ARAI) and a ~7.5-second 0-100 kmph sprint, competitive but not class-leading. On-road prices in Delhi hit ~₹56 lakh, making it pricier than the Skoda Kodiaq (~₹45 lakh).

Drive Feel

The Tiguan R-Line 2025 offers engaging dynamics but falters in comfort. Its 204 PS engine and 320 Nm torque provide strong highway performance, with the 7-speed DSG delivering smooth shifts. The 4MOTION AWD and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC Pro) with 15-level adjustability ensure sharp handling, praised for “Golf-like” reflexes on twisty roads. However, the adaptive suspension, tuned for sportiness, feels stiff on Indian potholes, especially with 19-inch wheels, as noted by users on CarWale. Eco, Comfort, and Sport modes adapt well, but low-speed ride quality disappoints, with slight hesitancy when accelerating from a stop. For city commutes, this could be a dealbreaker.

Features

• Infotainment: 15-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, IDA voice assistant.
• Dashboard: 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, head-up display, 30-color ambient lighting.
• Safety: 9 airbags, 21 Level 2 ADAS (Lane Assist, Front Assist), Park Assist Plus.
• Comfort: Massage seats, 3-zone Climatronic, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging.
• Exterior: LED headlights with light bar, 19-inch Coventry alloys, illuminated VW badge.

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