Previously, Volkswagen's IDA voice assistant enabled control over infotainment, navigation, and climate systems, along with answering various questions. Now, with ChatGPT, the functionality has significantly expanded. Drivers can obtain information on tourist attractions, historical sports events, or even solve math problems, all through conversational interaction without taking their eyes off the road.

Also read: Volkswagen R Unveils Lighter, High-Performance Wheels For New Golf R Models

Using ChatGPT is straightforward and requires no additional accounts. Existing Volkswagen Connect/VW Connect Plus users can activate the IDA voice assistant by saying “Hello IDA” or pressing a button on the steering wheel. If a query cannot be answered by Volkswagen’s system, it is anonymously forwarded to ChatGPT, which provides a response in the familiar Volkswagen voice. ChatGPT does not access vehicle data, and all queries and responses are deleted immediately to ensure data protection. The voice assistant can be deactivated in the Volkswagen app or the infotainment system’s privacy settings.

Also read: VW India Standardizes 6 Airbags Across All Taigun and Virtus Variants

The technology, showcased at CES 2024, supports English (US), English (UK), Spanish, Czech, and German. This integration is a result of Volkswagen’s collaboration with Cerence Inc., leveraging Cerence Chat Pro to provide accurate and relevant responses to a wide array of queries.

The VW Tiguan is now available to customers with new and fresh dual-tone Storm Grey interiors, along with the much-in-demand wireless mobile charging feature that allows the customer to charge their mobile phone on the move. The enhanced Tiguan is also RDE norms compliant. The feature-enhanced Tiguan is available for customers at an attractive price of INR 34.69 lakh (ex-showroom).

Aiding customers to park quickly and smartly in the tightest spaces, the updated VW Tiguan is equipped with Park Assist (Level 1 ADAS system). With Park Assist, it's like having a personal parking attendant.

The updated Tiguan will be available to customers across the Volkswagen India network of 157 sales and 124 service touchpoints across 115 cities in India.

The VW Tiguan Exclusive Edition enhances the design and utility of the carline with features such as load sill protection at the rear, sporty 18-inch Sebring Sterling Silver wheels, aluminum pedals and dynamic hubcaps. The Exclusive Edition badging can be prominently viewed on the exterior and interior of the Tiguan. It is available in the Pure White and Oryx White exterior body colors.

Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India said, “The VW Tiguan is our global best-seller that has received a phenomenal response from customers. We are delighted to introduce the ‘Exclusive Edition’ on the Tiguan with additional design and utilitarian features that further enhance the appeal of the car. Built on the globally acclaimed MQB platform, the Volkswagen Tiguan offers an impeccable combination of style, performance, premium-ness, safety, functionality and class-leading features.”

The new Tiguan comprises intelligent and adaptive LED matrix headlights with IQ. Lights, that have a more commanding on-road stance and guide the driver through the different light conditions & driving modes across the varied terrains with enhanced convenience and comfort. Furthermore, the Volkswagen Tiguan comes equipped with a 20.32cm touchscreen infotainment system with gesture control, Illuminated scuff plates, USB C-ports, Vienna leather seats, soft touch dashboard, 30 shades of multicolor ambient lights, flat bottom multi-function steering wheel, a three zone Climatronic air-conditioning system with touch control and a panoramic sunroof that complements the look of the Tiguan.

Ensuring ease and comfort of driving, the Tiguan comprises of an advanced reverse camera giving 4 different views to the customer. The drive assist technologies further makes every drive memorable and pleasurable. With great power comes great responsibility and therefore the Volkswagen Tiguan comes fully equipped with safety features such as six airbags, anti-brake locking system (ABS), ESC, anti-slip regulation (ASR), EDL, hill start assist, hill descent control, engine drag torque control, active TPMS, 3 head-rests at rear, 3-point seat belts, ISOFIX, and driver alert systems.

VW India will increase the prices by up to 2% across its entire product portfolio. The revised prices will be effective from 1 Oct 2022. The German auto maker has said that it has taken this step due to the rising input costs.

In other news, VW India has started exporting the Made-in-India Virtus. The first shipment of 3000 cars has being recently sent to Mexico from the port of Mumbai.

With this move, the Group marks another significant milestone in its INDIA 2.0 journey as the Virtus joins the Volkswagen Taigun, which was the first in a range of vehicles built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, to be exported from India.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India said, “The beginning of Onam festivities, marks the onset of the festive season across India. As a brand, it is an absolute honor to be joining the festival celebrations and auspicious occasions of our customers, by delivering happiness and cheer through their newest family member, a Volkswagen. We wish all our customers a happy and safe festive season.”

With Taigun being the most-awarded SUVW, the Tiguan being our global best-seller and the Volkswagen Virtus that has broken records at the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records through the efforts by our dealer partners. The Brand has a long-standing legacy of offering strong, sturdy German-engineered cars that are safe while retaining the fun-to-drive experience.

In H1 2022, VW sold 21,588 units of its product portfolio versus 10,843 units in H1 2021 which has led to the growth. The performance has been enabled by the India 2.0 products, the bold & dynamic Taigun and the striking & exhilarating Virtus.

The overwhelming and impressive customer response to the newly launched Virtus has reignited the premium midsize sedan segment, leading to the organization of mega delivery programs across India. Since the day of the India global launch, Volkswagen delivered over 2,500 Virtus models through the mega delivery program.

Speaking about the results, Mr. Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India said, “Our newest entrants, the bold & dynamic Taigun and the striking & exhilarating new Virtus have received a phenomenal response from customers since their introduction. The love and growing demand have resulted in us doubling our sales in H1 2022 as compared to H1 2021. Amidst the industry challenges that are impacting the supply chain, we are witnessing a high demand for our youngest and freshest product portfolio in the Indian market. This overwhelming response coupled with our 360° efforts will make 2022 a highly successful year for Volkswagen in India.”

Volkswagen boasts of a strong and performing network of 152 sales touch points, 120 service facilities present in 114 cities that covers more than 80% of India’s geography. It has also launched several initiatives under the Sarvottam 2.0 program that ensures the Brand is accessible across its interfaces throughout the customer journey.

There are two variants of the Tiguan AllSpace that have been spied. One of them looks the the standard model while the other could be a top-spec R trim. Revisions to face include revised headlamps that are much sleeker than before with new LED DRLs and a reworked grille as well. The lower bumper too has been completely changes for a more sportier look. In profile, the Tiguan AllSpace features more prominent lines and at the rear, there's revised LED tail lamps and a reworked bumper as well.

Also Read : Production-Spec Volkswagen Taigun Global Debut On March 31, 2021

The top-spec R Trim differentiates itself with body-coloured bumpers and skirts, larger alloy wheels, and sporty embellishments on the bumpers. Although we do not get a glimpse inside the cabin of the Tiguan AllSpace facelift in these images, we expect it will be similar to the 5-seater Tiguan and few in number. Updates to the interior of the 5-seater Tiguan included a new steering wheel, a larger infotainment display, and touch-based climate controls. We expect similar updates for its larger sibling as well.

Just as the standard Tiguan facelift is headed to India very soon this year, we expect the Tiguan AllSpace facelift to make it to our shores by next year as well. Under the hood, however, it will continue to be a petrol-only SUV. That means it will continue to be powered by the same 190hp/320Nm 2.0-litre TSI engine as before, mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. There is still sometime before Volkswagen officially reveals the Tiguan AllSpace facelift globally.

Back here in India, VW sold out all 1,000 units of the pre-facelift Tiguan AllSpace by the end of 2020, along with the T-Roc. The carmaker recently announced that the second batch of the imported pre-facelift model will be re-introduced soon. The second batch of the Tiguan Allspace will be priced at INR 34.20 lakh (ex-showroom). The facelifted version is likely to arrive by 2022 after its unveiling, probably by the end of this year.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Volkswagen updates and other four-wheeler news.

[Image Source]

While the old VW Tiguan was available with a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, the new VW Tiguan will be sold with a 1.5-litre TSI EVO petrol engine. The diesel engine came in the tuning of 143 PS/340 Nm, with 7-speed DSG and 4Motion as standard.

The petrol engine will be the same one as in the Skoda Karoq, producing a maximum power of 150 PS and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. At a later stage, it could be offered with a 48V mild-hybrid system to make up for the non-availability of a diesel engine. A 7-speed DSG would obviously be standard, but 4Motion isn’t expected in the new VW Tiguan with petrol engine at launch.

The 2021 VW Tiguan has already leaked partially, via spy shots captured during the shoot of its promotional material. The VW Tiguan facelift has a more expressive front fascia with 2020 VW Golf-inspired, sleeker headlights featuring IQ.Light LED matrix technology, and new front bumper and new radiator grille. At the rear, tweaked LED tail lights, new bumper and 'TIGUAN' block letter branding on the tailgate are expected to be the main changes.

As for the interior changes, the VW Tiguan should receive a new virtual instrument cluster and new infotainment systems, both from the MIB 3 family. Volkswagen could launch the new Tiguan compact SUV in India as early as at the end of this year. The company will locally assemble the new compact SUV and is expected to price it anywhere between INR 23-26 lakh (ex-showroom). For reference, the old model was priced from INR 27.49 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read: VW T-Roc almost sold out in India, local assembly possible

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Volkswagen updates and other four-wheeler news.

[Source: autocarindia.com]

Regular readers would know that this isn’t the first appearance of the 2021 VW Tiguan. Spy shots have already leaked the future SUV in all its glory. The facelifted model will have a more expressive design.

The new VW Tiguan will likely have a more compact radiator grille in a shape reminiscent of the VW T-Roc, the new brand logo, newly designed, VW Golf Mk8-style, LED Matrix headlamps and a revised bumper with triangular side air inlets at the front. One of the spy shots had shown a different front bumper design, probably of the R-Line trim. At the rear, expect tweaked tail lamps, revised bumper and the model name in block lettering on the centre of the tailgate.

Inside, the Mk2 VW Tiguan should receive Volkswagen Group’s MIB 3 infotainment system the third generation of the Modularer Infotainment-Baukasten (MIB3) infotainment system that will keep it permanently online. The new hardware and software in the MIB3, like in the facelifted Mk8 VW Passat, should form a digitally linked unit with a new Digital Cockpit.

Announcing the 2021 Tiguan, Volkswagen has confirmed a plug-in hybrid variant for it, one that will likely come with a GTE suffix in the name. We expect the company to introduce the 2.0-litre TDI Evo diesel engine also in the Mk2 Tiguan with its mid-cycle refresh. This engine should come in two versions: 150 PS/340 Nm (with 6-speed manual transmission) and 150 PS/360 Nm (with 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission).

Also Read: VW Tiguan Allspace launched in India, priced at INR 33.13 lakh

The new VW Tiguan will debut soon, and a similar new VW Tiguan Allspace should follow soon after. Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Volkswagen updates and other four-wheeler news.

The VW Tiguan Allspace is offered in India in only one configuration, and it's a decently loaded one. On the styling front, it packs features like LED headlamps, LED DRLs, dark red LED tail lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof and illuminated scuff plates (front).

Comfort and convenience features of the VW Tiguan Allspace include fully digital instrument cluster, electric parking brake, 3-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable driver seat with memory function and power-adjustable lumbar support, front seat heating, Vienna leather seat upholstery, power-adjustable ORVMs with memory function, cruise control, kick-activated tailgate and much more. The infotainment system is the Composition Media unit, which doesn't include satellite navigation.

The longest list is perhaps of the safety features. 7 airbags including a knee airbag, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Hill Descent Control, front and rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, front and rear fog lamps, and ORVM heating are some of the noteworthy mentions.

The VW Tiguan Allspace is 4,821 mm long, 1,839 mm wide and 1,674 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,787 mm. It is available in only the 7-seat version in our market, with up to 1,274 litres of boot space. Under the hood, there's a BS-VI 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 190 PS at 4,200 rpm and 320 Nm of torque at 1,500-4,100 rpm. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system are standard.

Also Read: India-bound VW ID.4 electric SUV prototype revealed, to be launched in RWD variant

The VW Tiguan Allspace competes with the Honda CR-V in India. Like the German SUV, the Japanese SUV is available in only its 7-seat version in our market. Its prices start at INR 28.27 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The 2020 VW Tiguan implements design cues borrowed from the 2020 VW Golf and the 2020 VW Passat (B8). The more expressive radiator grille is reminiscent of the mid-size sedan, while the sleeker headlights remind of the compact hatchback.

Unlike the old VW Tiguan, the VW Tiguan features IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, which were first used in the third-gen VW Touareg and then introduced in the latest mid-size sedan and compact hatchback. Also new at the front should be sliding turn indicators. The front bumper, which is also new, indicates that we are looking at the sporty R-Line trim of the 2020 VW Tiguan here.

Changes at the rear may include a new bumper, tweaked LED tail lights and ‘TIGUAN’ in block lettering on the tailgate. A more compact steering wheel, new Active Info Display virtual instrument cluster and MIB3 infotainment systems should be among the main interior changes of the 2020 VW Tiguan.

There’s no word on the mechanical changes yet. However, reports claim that, unlike the old VW Tiguan, the new VW Tiguan will have a hot R variant sporting a ~300 PS 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine. The VW Tiguan R will reportedly be showcased in concept form this year.

Also Read: Next-gen VW Vento teased - Specs & features revealed

The facelifted VW Tiguan 5-seat C-SUV should reach India in 2021. The VW Tiguan Allspace, which will be launched in India after March, will likely get a facelift internationally later this year. Pre-bookings for the same are now open in India.

[Image Source: instagram.com]

The spy shot was captured during an ad shoot, which suggests that the facelifted VW Tiguan is close to being officially unveiled. It could debut at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show in March. The facelifted VW Tiguan Allspace should follow shortly after, with a possible world premiere in the USA or China. India, though, will be stuck with the old VW Tiguan Allspace until 2021 easily.

The picture quality is not exactly high-definition, but enough to hint that the new VW Tiguan sports all-new headlights (likely Matrix LED units) inspired by those of the 2020 VW Golf and a newly designed radiator grille inspired by that of the third-gen VW Touareg. The bumper doesn't appear to be different from that of the old model just yet, it is likely to be slightly revised, and so is the lower grille. The bumper design and the black alloy wheels suggest that the unit seen here may very well be the R-Line variant.

At the rear, the tail lights should carry new graphics and the bumper may be a remodelled one. Also, the tailgate will likely boast the 'Tiguan' branding in the block letters, similar to what's seen on newer models such as the Arteon, the eighth-gen Golf and the third-gen Touareg.

Also Read: Auto Expo 2020: Volkswagen announces 4 SUV debuts, teases MQB A0 IN SUV

On the inside, expect the new VW Tiguan and new VW Tiguan Allspace to include an enhanced fully digital instrument cluster and new infotainment systems with all-time online connectivity through eSIM, from the MIB 3 family. There's no word on the mechanical changes yet, but a full-blown R variant with a 300 PS+ 2.0L TSI engine is expected to be introduced in the new VW Tiguan at a later stage.

[Source: automobile-magazine.fr]

Four new SUVs by VW for the Auto Expo 2020.

1. VW T-Roc - Indian Premiere

The VW T-Roc has been spotted in India several times in the past. It is going to be placed above the VW MQB A0 IN SUV. It will be a niche product and identical to the version that is present in the European markets. To be imported as a CBU from Palmela, Portugal, it will be offered with only a 1.5-litre TSI Evo petrol engine linked to a 7-speed DCT. An AWD system will likely be standard. With a retail price of around at least INR 20 lakh will rival the likes of Hyundai Tucson and Jeep Compass.

2. VW I.D. Crozz II concept - Indian Premiere

The VW I.D. Crozz concept was displayed for the very first time at the 2017 Shanghai Motor Show. Later on, its updated version was revealed at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show and named VW I.D. Crozz II. For the uninitiated, the I.D. Crozz/I.D. Crozz II is a pure electric SUV-coupe underpinned by Volkswagen's dedicated EV platform called MEB. Its production version will be unveiled later this year and could make it here as a CBU import from Zwickau, Germany in the distant future before the first-ever locally made Volkswagen EV. 

3. VW MQB A0 IN SUV - World Premiere:

The VW MQB A0 IN SUV will take the centre spot at Volkswagen's pavilion at Auto Expo 2020. The teaser image suggests that it will look close to the Euro-spec VW T-Cross, although chances are it will carry a different name in India, so as to be not deemed as a 'crossover utility vehicle (CUV)'. It will be launched a few months after the Skoda MQB A0 IN SUV, the production version of the Skoda Vision IN concept, in 2021.

4. VW Tiguan Allspace - Indian Premiere

The VW Tiguan Allspace has been under speculation for India for a long time now and it has also been caught undergoing testing in the country on several occasions last year. Now the VW's teaser image for Expo only confirms that it, in fact, will make its Indian debut next month at the Expo. It is expected to retail at around INR 30 lakh (ex-showroom).

The VW Tiguan Allspace will be a direct competitor to the likes of the Honda CR-V, the Skoda Kodia and the Toyota Fortuner. It will be sold in only the 7-seat version here, with a 2.0L TSI petrol engine as standard.

Internationally, Volkswagen usually equips the Tiguan Allspace R-Line with unique bumpers and sill extension, 19-inch Sebring alloy wheels and a distinctive rear spoiler. In India, however, customers will have to settle for 17-inch Tulsa alloy wheels. The R-Line grade's exclusivity includes progressive steering and selectable drive modes as well.

R-Line is the range-topping equipment line of the VW Tiguan Allspace, and so, many premium features like LED headlamps, darkened LED rear combination lamps, Active Info Display fully digital instrument cluster, 8-inch Discovery Media navigation system with clear glass screen, sports seats (front), etc. are standard.

The VW Tiguan Allspace is the extended version of the regular VW Tiguan which is already present in the country. For the record, it comes with a 215 mm longer body (4,704 mm) and a 110 mm longer wheelbase (2,791 mm). It offers more +60 mm knee room for the passengers in the rear seats and an additional 115 litres of luggage space (730 litres). More importantly, it offers two third-row seats. The 7-seat version is optional internationally, but it will be standard in India.

As far as the overall exteriors go, the VW Tiguan Allspace is similar to the VW Tiguan. The front-end features a different contour and sits slightly higher. The front main grille gets a tweaked design and uses differently designed chrome bars, though the overall shape remain the same. At the back, the rear quarter glass is significantly larger, while the lower line rises towards the top, similar to what's seen on the VW Atlas. All these design tweaks give the Tiguan Allspace a very VW Atlas (VW Teramont)-like styling.

The VW Tiguan Allspace will employ a 2.0L TSI engine in India. The output figures remain a mystery as of now, but we expect the 132 kW (180 PS)/320 Nm version here. The 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and the 4MOTION AWD system could be standard in our market.

Also Read: Everything you need to know about the VW I.D. Crozz II EV concept

In terms of pricing, the VW Tiguan Allspace may cost somewhere around INR 30 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. Replacing the VW Tiguan, it will be pitted against the Honda CR-V, the Skoda Kodiaq, the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour in our market. It will be one of the four VW SUVs to be launched in the country by 2021.

[Source: Team-BHP]

For the uninitiated, the VW Tiguan Allspace is the longer version of the already present VW Tiguan. It sports a 215 mm longer body (4,704 mm) and a 110 mm longer wheelbase (2,791 mm). The use of the longer body has enabled VW to open up to +60 mm knee room for the passengers are the rear seats. Moreover, this has also contributed to an additional 115 litres of luggage space (730 litres). Unlike the Tiguan, the Tiguan XL is optionally available in a 7-seat version. Our market will most likely get the 7-seat version as standard.

In terms of exteriors, the Tiguan Allspace/XL isn't much different in comparison to the model it is based on. The front-end is slightly higher set and features a different contour. The radiator grille uses differently designed chrome bars but the shape of the front grille looks unaltered. The rear quarter glass is significantly larger and the lower line rises towards the top, as seen on the VW Atlas. The various tweaks are intended at giving it a very VW Atlas (VW Teramont)-style look.

We firmly believe that VW Tiguan Allspace/XL will be launched as a replacement to the VW Tiguan. It will sport a 2.0L TSI engine, though the official specs and performance figures are still under covers. We hope that our market will get the 132 kW (180 PS)/320 Nm version, along with the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and the 4MOTION AWD system.

The VW Tiguan Allspace/VW Tiguan XL is expected to cost around INR 30 lakh (ex-showroom). It will be a direct rival to the likes of the Honda CR-V, the Skoda Kodiaq, the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour among a few others.

Also Read: 2020 VW Passat (facelift) spied in India for the first time

In similar updates, Volkswagen has officially confirmed that it plans to launch four SUV models in India by 2021.

[Image Source: rushlane.com]

The VW Tiguan Allspace is the longer version of the regular VW Tiguan which is already sold in India. The Allspace variant has a 215 mm longer body (4,704 mm) and a 110 mm longer wheelbase (2,791 mm). It offers +60 mm knee room for the rear seat passengers and an additional 115 litres of luggage space (730 litres). More importantly, unlike the VW Tiguan, it is made in a 7-seat version as well. India will get the 7-seat version only.

The exterior design of the VW Tiguan Allspace is not all that different from its donor model. The front of its hood has a different contour and it is higher. The chrome bars on the radiator grille have been designed (differently) to blend in with this change. These tweaks might remind one of the VW Atlas (VW Teramont). The silhouette, obviously, is slightly different, beginning from the rear door handle. The rear quarter glass is much larger in the LWB version. The lower line rises towards the top, which is similar to the design of the VW Atlas. Also, the rear section is longer.

The VW Tiguan Allspace will be a replacement for the VW Tiguan in India. Under the hood, it will have a 2.0L TSI engine, the specifications of which are yet to be disclosed. Our bet is on the 132 kW (180 PS)/320 Nm version, along with 7-speed DSG dual-clutch AT and the 4MOTION AWD system.

Also Read: MQB A0-based VW Nivus SUV-coupe - IAB Rendering

Expect the VW Tiguan Allspace to be priced from around INR 30 lakh (ex-showroom). It will rival directly the Honda CR-V, as well as the Skoda Kodiaq, the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour among others.

[Image Source: Overdrive]

Steffen Knapp, director, Volkswagen passenger cars said, “We will showcase our new brand philosophy and strategy for India 2.0 as well as three of our new SUV offerings at the Auto Expo 2020. The first ones of these will be launched in the second quarter of next year and our smallest SUV, nicknamed A0 SUV, will be rolled out in 2021.”

The first upcoming VW SUV in the list will likely be the VW Tiguan Allspace. Since Volkswagen will probably want to work on upgrading/replacing an existing model to BS-VI, and as the VW Tiguan is already present in the market, getting the VW Tiguan Allspace in India should be relatively an easier task. The replacement of the VW Tiguan with the VW Tiguan Allspace will make more space for the VW T-Roc to slot it. The second launch should be the VW T-Roc, in late-2020. For the uninitiated, its road-testing in India has begun. It will likely be the torchbearer of the 1.5-litre TSI Evo petrol engine in the country.

In early 2021,  VW's answer to the Kia Seltos, the MQB A0 IN based SUV that will be unveiled in concept form at Auto Expo 2020, will be launched in India. This will be its biggest launch in our market following the VW Vento back in 2010.

Also Read: MQB A0-based VW Nivus SUV-coupe

The fourth model has to be the third-gen VW Touareg, and it will most probably be launched by end-2021. By then, it will likely have received a facelift, and expect our market to get the updated model directly.