Volkswagen Tiguan and new-gen Passat confirmed for 2017

Volkswagen has announced that the Tiguan SUV and the new-gen Passat sedan will be launched in India by the end of this year. However, no particular timeline for the two launches has been revealed yet.

The Tiguan was previously showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo and has already been spotted testing on public roads in India. It is based on the company's MQB platform and is around 50 kg lighter than the previous-gen model. Volkswagen has also confirmed that the India-spec Tiguan will come with a 2.0-litre TDI engine that will be mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen will also bring back the Passat brand to India, after it was discontinued here in 2013 owing to poor demand. The new-gen Passat is also built on Volkswagen's modular MQB platform. India-spec models will be equipped with a 2.0-litre TDI engine mated to a 6-speed DSG gearbox. Volkswagen has also claimed that the new Passat will be loaded with convenience and safety features, including 9 airbags.

Volkswagen's domestic sales graph has been dropping recently. In order to grow its share in the Indian market, the company is adopting various strategies, including new launches and even a probable partnership with Tata Motors.