Volkswagen Australia has shut down the concept of bringing electrified powertrains for the brand new Tiguan, regardless of the mannequin being provided with mild- and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) techniques abroad.
This newest affirmation follows the German model saying PHEV variations of the Golf and Tiguan have been a sturdy probability for Australia way back to 2022, although it subsequently stated in 2023 the Tiguan eHybrid PHEV variant wouldn’t be offered domestically.
When requested by CarExpert why mild-hybrid and PHEV Tiguans have been unlikely to make their manner right here, Volkswagen Australia head of product Arjun Nidigallu stated it was as a result of these powertrains wouldn’t match prospects’ expectations for the SUV.
“From a product perspective, we take a look at the the explanation why folks purchase medium SUVs usually, however we additionally take a look at the the explanation why folks purchase Tiguan,” he stated.
“Once we take a look at the matrix on that when it comes to the demographics, who’s shopping for it, why they’re shopping for it, all of that information factors in the direction of environment friendly, enjoyable to drive automobile that’s actually participating.”
A whole lot of latest automobile offers can be found by CarExpert proper now. Get the consultants in your facet and rating an ideal deal. Browse now.
The Australian-market Tiguan is barely out there with three petrol engines, regardless of its mid-size rivals fielding various levels of electrification together with PHEV powertrains (Mitsubishi Outlander, BYD Sealion 6) and traditional hybrid techniques (Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V).
As a substitute, Mr Nidigallu says “various powertrains” can be found with different Volkswagen fashions, like the brand new ID.4 and ID.5 electrical automobiles (EVs).
“From a possibility perspective, I feel if persons are very eager to purchase another powertrain, we will simply supply them our very compelling ID.4 Professional, which, for the value level and for the vary that you just get and the options in that automobile, is actually troublesome to seek out faults in,” Mr Nidigallu instructed CarExpert.
“So our method is to maintain the Tiguan id intact and hold our Tiguan prospects blissful, however on the similar time not lose these alternatives and use the ID.4 for that.”
Mr Nidigallu added that Volkswagen Australia wasn’t utterly towards the concept of bringing a Tiguan PHEV right here, and maintained that there might nonetheless be alternatives with that powertrain.
“We all know there’s a PHEV within the abroad market, in Tiguan … we proceed to research and the opportune time within the life cycle that it may very well be a risk for us,” he stated.
Because it stands, Volkswagen solely has solely PHEV on sale in Australia: the top-spec Touareg R SUV, priced at $133,490 earlier than on-roads. That’s regardless of Volkswagen providing eHybrid variations of the Golf, Tiguan, Passat, and non-R Touareg in Europe.
The German model is gearing as much as launch the three-row Tayron SUV in Australia later this yr, which is able to function a substitute for the Tiguan Allspace. Three petrol engines can be out there: the 110TSI, 150TSI, and 195TSI four-cylinders, matching the Tiguan’s lineup.
When requested whether or not the introduction of a brand new nameplate introduced a possibility to introduce new-to-Australia powertrains, Mr Nidigallu once more advised they wouldn’t align with the Tayron’s projected buyer base.
“We proceed to research each powertrain in each lineup. Tayron goes to be a extremely totally different automobile for us, it’s a special nameplate, and identical to the Tiguan, we’re focusing on a selected buyer as effectively, so it must align with that,” he instructed CarExpert.
“We’ll proceed to research, however there’s no plans for PHEV for the time being for us.”
MORE: Volkswagen Golf, Tiguan PHEVs on observe for Australia
MORE: Volkswagen gained’t supply plug-in hybrid or diesel Tiguan in Australia
MORE: 2025 Volkswagen Tayron: Right here’s what’ll energy new three-row SUV in Australia
MORE: Every thing Volkswagen
