Top 5 Rivals: 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan facelift SUV was launched last year as a refreshed model with a BS6 powertrain, cosmetic changes, and updated features. Available in a single petrol variant, the Tiguan facelift is priced at Rs. 31.99 lakh (ex-showroom), and is built on VW Group's versatile MQB platform, and comes as a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) model assembled at the company's facility in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. In India, it takes on the Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson, Citroen C5 AirCross, Tata Harrier, and the MG Hector. Let's look at what its competition has to offer.

Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass received a host of exterior updates in 2021, making it more appealing, aggressive, and intuitive compared to its outgoing model. It comes with a bigger chrome finished seven-slat grille, new LED headlights with integrated LED DRLs, redesigned bumper, slightly revamped silver faux skid plate, bigger air dam, new fog lamps, 5-spoke dual-tone alloy wheels, squared wheel arches with plastic cladding, roof rails, shark fin antenna and new LED taillights among others. Power comes from the same powertrain options- a 1.4-litre Multi-air petrol engine and a 2.0-litre Multi-jet diesel unit.

Jeep also offers the Compass with 4x4 tech on select variants with an automatic gearbox.

Also Read: Volkswagen Virtus Review: 1.0 TSI And 1.5 TSI Automatics Driven

While the former is good for 160 bhp and 250 Nm of peak torque, the latter churns out 170 bhp and 350 Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual gearbox, an optional 9-speed torque converter, and a 7-speed DCT automatic, respectively. Jeep also offers 4x4 tech on select variants with an automatic gearbox. At a starting price of Rs. 16.99 lakh for the base petrol MT variant and going up to Rs. 28.29 lakh for the range-topping 4x4 diesel AT trim, it is the most expensive offering in its segment.

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson facelift was launched in India last year in July. It is positioned above the Creta in the company's line-up and comes with comprehensive upgrades including styling tweaks, revised powertrain, and new transmission options. The design has a well-balanced crossover look with angular treatment for the cascade grille. The new LED headlights look very sharp. It gets 18-inch alloy wheels and the curves at the rear complement the relatively slim taillights. It also sports the same 8.0-inch HD infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Navigation among others. It is loaded to the brim with creature comforts such as a panoramic sunroof, 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and 8-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat.

(The Hyundai Tucson received a facelift last year. It has a distinct crossover-like stance)

Powertrain options on the Hyundai Tucson facelift include the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engine options. The BS6 petrol motor produces 150 bhp and 192 Nm of torque, while the BS6 diesel engine belts out 182 bhp and 400 Nm of peak torque. The petrol motor is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel uses a new eight-speed automatic transmission. It is priced between Rs. 22.69 lakh to Rs. 27.47 lakh (ex-showroom).

Citroen C5 Aircross

The Citroen C5 Aircross SUV is offered in only two variants - Feel and Shine, however, and except for a panoramic sunroof and LED headlights, almost all other features are standard across both trims. It is offered in four single-tone shades - Pearl White, Cumulus Grey, Tijuca Blue, and Perla Nera Black, along with a dual-tone black roof option for the former three, bringing the total to 7 colour options. Inside, the SUV gets a well-laid-out cabin designed with the use of premium soft-touch material, treated in Metropolitan Grey interior trim.

The Citroen C5 Aircross blows you away with its impeccable ride.

The Citroen C5 Aircross comes with a single powertrain option, which is the 2.0-litre diesel engine tuned to develop 175 bhp and peak torque of 400 Nm. Transmission duties are handled by an 8-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels. The prices range between Rs. 31.3 lakh to Rs. 32.8 lakh (ex-showroom).

Tata Harrier

The Tata Harrier was launched in India in 2018 and then received a comprehensive update in 2020. The Tata Harrier is offered in 9 variants - XE, XM, XMA, XT, XT+, XZ, XZ+, XZA, XZA+. The Tata Harrier is also the longest and widest in the segment and comes with the most ground clearance as well.

Prices start from Rs. 14.29 lakh, going up to Rs. 21.09 lakh (ex-showroom).

It is a diesel-only model, which is powered by a Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, Multijet diesel that churns out 138 bhp and 350 Nm of peak torque. Prices start from Rs. 14.29 lakh, going up to Rs. 21.09 lakh (ex-showroom).

MG Hector

The MG Hector facelift comes with some considerable visual updates, the biggest one being the new chrome-stud pattern on the grille up front, while the skid plate on the front and rear bumpers are now finished in gunmetal grey. It sits on larger 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. At the back, the changes include black tailgate applique. Inside, you get a wireless mobile phone charger, and the front seats get a three-step ventilation system. While the 10.4-inch infotainment system is the same, it now gets the updated i-Smart system, which now understands 'Hinglish' voice commands.

The MG Hector was recently introduced with an optional DCT automatic for the petrol-only version.

In terms of engine options, the Hector continues to get the same existing 1.5-litre petrol motors along with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. The petrol and petrol-hybrid versions make 141 bhp and 250 Nm torque and are paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox and an optional DCT automatic for the petrol-only version. The diesel engine, on the other hand, makes 168 bhp and 350 Nm of peak torque and is paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard.