Volkswagen Australia has confirmed it should introduce plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of its Tiguan and Tayron SUVs in the primary half of 2026 because it looks to capitalise on the uptake of hybrid models.
While full details are yet to be confirmed, Volkswagen Australia head of product for passenger vehicles, Arjun Nidigallu, told CarExpert that two power outputs will probably be offered across two model grades for each SUVs once they hit showrooms next yr.
The German automaker told CarExpert late last yr it was seeking to plug gaps in its lineup with recent hybrid (HEV) and PHEV models, starting with its biggest sellers. The Tiguan mid-size SUV is its hottest model to this point in 2025.
Volkswagen currently offers only a single PHEV in Australia, the flagship Touareg R large performance SUV, while rivals have capitalised on the increasing popularity of hybrids Down Under.
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That’s despite the brand already offering hybrid versions of the Tiguan, Touareg, Golf and Passat in Europe.
“We won’t be positioning this plug-in hybrid like we’ve done before with Touareg, which is as a flagship leader of the pack,” Mr Nigigallu said.
“We’re multiple model grades in each Tiguan and Tayron… we’ve had it in overseas markets, we just needed to get the fitting package, the fitting product for Australian customers, and the fitting timing as well.”
While Volkswagen currently offers a Tiguan PHEV in China, each models coming to Australia will probably be sourced from Germany.
Power outputs have been confirmed as 150kW and 200kW, while Elegance and R-Spec equipment grades for each the Tiguan and Tayron will even match the PHEV lineup already available for the Tiguan in Europe.
Each use a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine teamed with an 85kW electric motor and a 19.7kWh battery offering an electrical range of as much as 120km (WLTP) and a complete driving range of 900km.
Charging speeds are as much as 50kW via a DC fast-charger and 11kW via home chargers.
The identical powertrain has been confirmed for the Skoda Kodiaq PHEV that’s scheduled to reach in Australia in the primary quarter of next yr, in addition to the Skoda Octavia PHEV which is anticipated to reach around mid-2026.
The Tiguan, Tayron and Kodiaq are all based on the identical Volkswagen Group MQB Evo platform.
With Elegance and R-Line trim levels planned (Volkswagen Australia will skip the lower-spec Tiguan Life PHEV offered in Europe), the German brand’s PHEVs are expected to command a price premium over equivalent petrol-only vehicles, while also adding sales to each nameplates.
“Yes,” Mr Nigigallu said when asked by CarExpert if there will probably be a price premium over petrol models. “But we are attempting to smart package it for our customers.
“We expect the PHEV to draw a brand new set of consumers in addition to those that will transition from ICE to PHEV – so yes, in principle [we expect] additional volume, nonetheless, the main focus immediately is to provide customers the alternative across powertrains.”
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
