2 Exciting European SUVs You Should Consider Waiting For…

Skoda and Volkswagen have been two aspirational brands for most Indians, thanks to some of their iconic and premium products like the Kodiaq, Superb, Passat, and the Tiguan. With these two brands, you get the feel of a luxury German automaker like Mercedes-Benz and BMW at a more affordable price. The good news is that Skoda and Volkswagen will be launching two very exciting SUVs on our shores in April - Tiguan R-Line and Kodiaq. Both are new-generation models that bring in a more modern and premium flavour over the outgoing versions. 

In this report, we take you give you reasons to wait for their launches, take you through their specifications, the different approach these two SUVs take, the enthusiastic appeal they offer, and what makes them stand out as SUVs that you should consider waiting for: 

New Skoda Kodiaq 

Expected Price: From Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom) 

The new-generation Skoda Kodiaq is set for launch in April, and will be among the most premium SUVs in its segment. Skoda has updated its design as well, with more premium styling. It comes with a 7-seater configuration and plenty of modern features to take care of your needs and requirements. 

Key features of the new Kodiaq are a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch driver display, multi-color ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, a 14-speaker Canton sound system, seat ventilation and heating, and powered front seats. 

Safety is taken care of by up to 9 airbags, hill start assist, hill descent control, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and ADAS with added functions.

We expect Skoda to launch it with a 204 PS 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine offered with an all-wheel drive system. 

Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line 

Expected Price: From Rs 45 lakh (ex-showroom) 

The Tiguan R-Line will be launched on April 14, 2025. Bookings are open for the third generation of the premium family SUV, which features an new design and a more sophisticated cabin with plenty of amenities. The top features would include a 12.9-inch touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, an 8-speaker audio system, a 3-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat and 30-colour ambient lighting.

Passenger safety is taken care of by a suite of ADAS features, six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS), hill assist, hill descent control and a 360-degree camera. 

It will offer exciting performance, coming from the 2-litre turbo-petrol engine, which makes 204 PS and 320 Nm. Power will be sent to all four wheels via a 7-speed DCT. 

Now let’s understand these two SUVs on a deeper level and what they will be bringing to the table beyond their impressive specifications: 

For The Petrolheads

It has been confirmed that the Tiguan R-Line will be getting the 2-litre turbo-petrol, and the same engine is also expected to perform duty in the upcoming Kodiaq. This engine also powers the Golf GTI and Octavia RS, albeit in different tunes.  

This powerful petrol engine will be loved by the petrolheads as it is responsive and a very engaging option. Furthermore the engaging DCT gearbox adds to the fun. It is a proven, enthusiast-approved motor with explosive, sharp throttle response.

We believe that the Tiguan R-Line could deliver a dose of sporty excitement in an SUV package. Meanwhile, the Kodiaq will be tuned to offer smoother performance to complement the practical nature of the 7-seater SUV. However, both machines will be engaging and fun to drive.

In a segment that is otherwise dominated by diesel-powered SUVs like the Fortuner, Gloster and the Jeep Meridian, the need for a strong petrol engine will be fulfilled by these two European SUVs. 

Same-Same But Different!

Both new-gen Kodiaq and Tiguan R-Line are built on the same “MQB Evo” platform. Skoda and Volkswagen’s history of sharing platforms is not unheard of, as we have already seen cars like the Slavia, Virtus, Kushaq, Taigun and Kylaq benefit from the same MQB AO IN underpinnings. While both SUVs share a platform, each of them has its own unique personality. 

The Tiguan in its R-Line spec is a more extroverted, screaming for attention, high-energy performer of the duo. By no means is it an SUV which is just about getting from point A to B, as it is known to make the drive feel exciting. One can also expect a sportier suspension setup, sharper steering, and a more dynamic driving experience that matches its aggressive looks. 

On the other hand, the Kodiaq has a different way of playing the same game. It’s supposed to be refined, sophisticated, and suave. The 7-seater SUV will be tuned for a smoother overall experience with a focus on long-distance comfort. However, with around 200 PS, the engine is ready to surge forward aggressively when called upon, but that’s not how you would usually drive the SUV. 

Sophisticated Design With Sportiness

The Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line and the Skoda Kodiaq prove that SUVs can be elegant and stylish while being undeniably sporty at the same time. 

The Tiguan R-Line is the SUV for those who wish to stand out, with the bold design. The aggressive front fascia, dominated by a blacked-out grille and large air intakes, immediately signals its sporty intent. Compared to the outgoing model, it has sleeker LED headlights with sharp DRLs which offer a modern edge. Trapezoidal exhaust outlets with a chrome finish, sleek connected LED tail light and striking 19-inch alloy wheels add to its appeal! 

The Kodiaq on the other hand, has more understated sophistication with a sporty edge. Unlike its rivals like the Fortuner and Gloster which offer a more macho appearance, the Kodiaq takes the more elegant approach. Skoda has tweaked the design to look premium with the right amount of aggression to keep it exciting. It features clean lines and a bolder yet familiar butterfly grille. The sportiness is more subtle here, but it has the Skoda DNA which brings out an athletic appeal. 

Better Equipped Than The Key Rival - Toyota Fortuner 

The Kodiaq’s key rival is the Toyota Fortuner, which has been dominating the segment for years now. The outgoing model of the Kodiaq was also better equipped than the Fortuner, and the upcoming model offers even more features and tech! Overall, the cabin of the Kodiaq also feels more luxurious, as it is finished in high-quality materials. The Fortuner’s cabin on the other hand, has now started to feel a bit outdated and misses out on the premium feel which rivals like the MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, and in this case, the Kodiaq offer. 

Over the Fortuner, the Kodiaq gets amenities such as larger displays, a panoramic sunroof, a superior audio system, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, two more airbags (9), a 360-degree camera, and a suite of ADAS features. 

While the Tiguan is not a direct rival, but at a similar price, the Volkswagen SUV also packs more equipment than the popular Fortuner. 

Significance Of These Two Models For The Brands

The two models reflect Volkswagen and Skoda’s commitment to India. It shows how the two brands want to offer competitive products on our shores, and not just launch outdated or lower-spec models. The new-generation Tiguan in its R-Line iteration and the Kodiaq in its new face would appeal to a wider range of consumers. The Tiguan would attract mid-size families, while also attracting the youth. The Kodiaq, with its practicality and premium flavour, would appeal to larger families that aim to travel in utmost comfort and class. 

Both these flagship SUVs showcase the brand’s ability to offer their high-end products on our shores.  

The launch of these two SUVs might also push rival brands that offer SUVs in the same segment to improve their products and offer the latest models for India. It is also the first time that VW will be introducing an R-Line model in India, and its aggressive and sporty appeal will definitely attract a larger number of consumers. 

⁠Closing thoughts

By now, you might have understood why it is worth waiting for these two SUVs that leave you with multiple reasons to pick them. Being the latest versions, both the SUVs will also be relevant and feel modern for a long time to come. Their strong performance, premium features, and exciting design makes them compelling options in their respective segments. 

With the Tiguan R-Line bookings already underway, one can expect the initial units to be sold quickly, especially with demand for premium SUVs on the rise. So if you want to secure your spot and be among the first to get your hands on Volkswagen’s new flagship SUV, now is the time to act! It is an SUV which caters to the enthusiast inside you while also meeting the requirements of a comfortable family SUV. 

The Kodiaq is a true all-rounder in the full-size SUV segment. It gives the buyer more than one reason to pick it, but it won’t be easy for the European SUV to compete against its chief rival, the Toyota Fortuner. However, it offers plenty in “almost” every department which makes it more than a worthy contender to rule the segment! Fortuner fanboys? What do you think? 

Both SUVs are definitely worth waiting for if you are in the market, either looking for a sporty 5-seater SUV or a top-notch luxury-focused 7-seater SUV. 

Would you consider waiting for these two SUVs? Let us know in the comments section!