Business and Pleasure: Equilibrium Achieved?

Can the third iteration of the Volkswagen Tiguan premium midsize SUV in its R-Line guise for India achieve something that is near impossible to perfect?

- Gaurav Davare

BUSINESS AND PLEASURE. TRY AND achieve an equilibrium with these two elements and it tends to lead to a bit of a sticky situation for everyone involved. But what if I told you that there is a rare instance where it is possible? That’s where the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line comes into the picture and I'll explain why, because I spent some quality time behind the wheel of this new premium midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV).

We all know the Volkswagen Tiguan nameplate for its corporate identity, but with the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line things go in a sporty direction, similar to what Hyundai do with their N Line range or BMW with the likes of the M340i. Yes, much of the silhouette, especially the upright nose that commands respect, has been retained but the character-lines are now softer, there’s a sleek glass strip connecting the more modern LED headlights, and the daytime running lights (DRL) are noticeably sleeker.

The real sporty elements can be seen below the “Volkswagen” logo with a massive honeycomb-like mesh radiator grille and the aggressive front bumper getting air curtains to optimize air-flow. Next up is a swankier set of 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, although a sportier spoke design would’ve been nice as it seems to be a little too inspired by EV wheel designs. Being an R-Line model, of course, there’s a smattering of “R” badging on both sides of the front fender and the front glass element. The cherry on top of the sporty exterior is blacked-out elements on the already aggressive front and rear bumpers and the wheel cladding. Overall, it sheds some of its erstwhile corporate identity to incorporate a sporty persona that is pleasurable to the eyes.