Tag - Tiguan R Line flop India

Key highlights VW Tiguan R Line receives INR 3 lakh discount, including INR 2 lakh flat cash benefit. Launched in April 2025 at INR 49 lakh (ex-showroom) as a fully imported CBU. Slow sales and unsold inventory prompt early price correction. Volkswagen India’s flagship SUV, the Tiguan R Line, has hit a rough patch just three months after its launch. Introduced in April 2025 at INR 49 lakh (ex-showroom), the premium SUV is now available with benefits of up to INR 3 lakh, including a INR 2 lakh flat cash discount. The Tiguan R Line was launched as a fully imported CBU, aimed at buyers seeking a sporty, feature-rich alternative to the Toyota Fortuner and Jeep Meridian. However, early sales data suggests that the SUV is struggling to find takers, with double-digit monthly sales and unsold inventory from its initial batch of 300 units. What went wrong? Despite its 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 204 bhp and 320 Nm, paired with a 7-speed DSG and 4Motion AWD, the Tiguan R Line failed to resonate with Indian buyers. Key factors contributing to its poor performance: High price tag compared to rivals like Fortuner and Gloster Lack of diesel option, which remains popular in this segment Limited brand perception in the premium SUV space CBU import status, leading to higher taxes and limited localisation Feature-rich but overpriced? The Tiguan R Line packs a solid feature list: 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster Three-zone climate control Powered front seats with massage function Level 2 ADAS, HUD, and wireless charging But even with these bells and whistles, buyers seem unconvinced. The Fortuner, despite its dated interior and lack of ADAS, continues to sell over 2,500 units monthly, dwarfing Tiguan’s numbers. Volkswagen’s response The discount is part of Volkswagen’s July 2025 AutoFest campaign, which includes offers across the Virtus and Taigun lineups as well. Dealers are now pushing the Tiguan R Line with exchange bonuses, loyalty rewards, and scrappage incentives, hoping to clear existing stock. Our thoughts This is a classic case of great product, wrong market fit. The Tiguan R Line has the tech, the power, and the badge—but not the pricing or positioning India demands. Personally, I think VW should’ve gone the CKD route and offered a diesel. That INR 3 lakh discount is tempting, but it also screams, “We misread the room.” Also read: Volkswagen India Autofest 2025 launched with exciting offers