VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN R-LINE

Volkswagen’s premium SUV aims to level-up with its generation change

- ABHAY VERMA

I have some interesting memories with the Volkswagen Tiguan, having driven it extensively across the country. It’s also an SUV that’s always blended great driving dynamics to excellent comfort, while boasting the solid build quality Volkswagens are known for. Things have changed in a big way for the Tiguan this time though, with Volkswagen bringing in the new generation Tiguan in the sportier, R-Line trim. Interestingly, it comes in via the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route, making it more expensive. It is worth the updates and the higher price tag? I spent a few days with the SUV to find out.

A big change is the new design language. We've always known the Tiguan to look boxy, but the Tiguan R-Line feels like a radical departure with its curvier lines, while also being longer and wider. While that makes sense, it is interesting to note that the wheelbase is identical to the previous generation Tiguan, and that this new Tiguan is also shorter in height. The Matrix LED headlamps are more rounded and have a thick slat housing the two-dimensional Volkswagen logo in between, while the DRLs stretch across the width, helping the face look contemporary. The bumper design is aggressive and gets lots of gloss black finishes, along with a wide chrome strip and a faux mesh with large air dams.