Volkswagen Australia has confirmed it would introduce plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variations of its Tiguan and Tayron SUVs within the first half of 2026 because it appears to capitalise on the uptake of hybrid fashions.
Whereas full particulars are but to be confirmed, Volkswagen Australia head of product for passenger automobiles, Arjun Nidigallu, informed CarExpert that two energy outputs can be provided throughout two mannequin grades for each SUVs once they hit showrooms subsequent yr.
The German automaker informed CarExpert late final yr it was trying to plug gaps in its lineup with new hybrid (HEV) and PHEV fashions, starting with its largest sellers. The Tiguan mid-size SUV is its hottest mannequin to date in 2025.
Volkswagen at present gives solely a single PHEV in Australia, the flagship Touareg R giant efficiency SUV, whereas rivals have capitalised on the growing reputation of hybrids Down Beneath.
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That’s regardless of the model already providing hybrid variations of the Tiguan, Touareg, Golf and Passat in Europe.
“We won’t be positioning this plug-in hybrid like we’ve executed earlier than with Touareg, which is as a flagship chief of the pack,” Mr Nigigallu mentioned.
“We’re taking a look at a number of mannequin grades in each Tiguan and Tayron… we’ve had it in abroad markets, we simply needed to get the correct bundle, the correct product for Australian clients, and the correct timing as effectively.”
Whereas Volkswagen at present gives a Tiguan PHEV in China, each fashions coming to Australia can be sourced from Germany.
Energy outputs have been confirmed as 150kW and 200kW, whereas Class and R-Spec gear grades for each the Tiguan and Tayron will even match the PHEV lineup already accessible for the Tiguan in Europe.
Each use a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine teamed with an 85kW electrical motor and a 19.7kWh battery providing an electrical vary of as much as 120km (WLTP) and a complete driving vary of 900km.
Charging speeds are as much as 50kW through a DC fast-charger and 11kW through dwelling chargers.
The identical powertrain has been confirmed for the Skoda kodiaq PHEV that’s scheduled to reach in Australia within the first quarter of subsequent yr, in addition to the Skoda Octavia PHEV which is predicted to reach round mid-2026.
The Tiguan, Tayron and Kodiaq are all primarily based on the identical Volkswagen Group MQB Evo platform.
With Class and R-Line trim ranges deliberate (Volkswagen Australia will skip the lower-spec Tiguan Life PHEV provided in Europe), the German model’s PHEVs are anticipated to command a value premium over equal petrol-only automobiles, whereas additionally including gross sales to each nameplates.
“Sure,” Mr Nigigallu mentioned when requested by CarExpert if there can be a value premium over petrol fashions. “However we are attempting to good bundle it for our clients.
“We anticipate the PHEV to draw a brand new set of shoppers in addition to those that will transition from ICE to PHEV – so sure, in precept (we anticipate) extra quantity, nevertheless, the main focus proper now’s to offer clients the selection throughout powertrains.”
PHEV variations of the Tiguan will even give Volkswagen a direct rival to the upcoming next-generation Toyota RAV4 (Australia’s hottest SUV, which is able to carry PHEV energy for the primary time subsequent yr), in addition to the SEALION WORLD 6and PHEV variations of the Mitsubishi Outlander, GWM HAVAL H6, Chery Tiggo 7, Jaecoo J7 and MG HS.
MORE: Discover the Volkswagen Tiguan showroom
