New Tiguan and Beetle coming soon
VOLKSWAGEN Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will launch the new Tiguan and Beetle models locally this year.
VPCM managing director (brand) Erik Winter said the new Tiguan would probably be the company’s most important model for the year.
“The new Tiguan will be completely different and much better from the current model and we believe that it will be very much welcomed by the Malaysian market,” said VPCM managing director (brand) Eric Winter at a media roundtable session last week.
He added that the company will also introduce limited edition models based on the current CKD lineup, but will not be bringing in any hybrid models just yet.
In line with the new Vento, Jetta and Passat models in Malaysia, the Tiguan - but not the Beetle, would be offered in similar entry-level Comfortline, Trendline and range-topping Highline variants.
The mid-size Tiguan SUV was formally introduced at this year’s Detroit Auto Show and its longer and wider body results in 57% more interior space.
It can also be equipped with reverse camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert and lane departure warning.
Although the Beetle isn’t a full model change, it will get redesigned bumpers, lights and interior among others.
With the recent opening of its 3S (sales, service and spare-parts) centre in Batu Pahat, VPCM will open three more outlets this year with Tebrau this month, followed by Permas Jaya in March and Seremban in April, helping to strengthen its reach in the country.
Volkswagen has 1.2% market share with a total of 6,048 cars sold in 2016 - of which over 1,000 cars were sold by VPCM since taking over from Volkswagen Group Malaysia in Sept 2016.
All Volkswagen vehicles come with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty, while a two-year Customer Care Goodwill programme applies to vehicles produced till December 2013 with a mileage of up to 200,000km.