Volkswagen Taigun - Hustle Mode ON

Volkswagen TaigunFirst showcased in AutoExpo 2020 as a concept vehicle, alongside the Skoda Kushaq which is based on the Vision IN concept. Volkswagen has launched its most awaited midsized SUV in the Indian market under VW’s 'India 2.0' project and is set to make a mass impact with volumes as the company expects to clock 6000 plus units sales per month.

Design

The Taigun gets a Muscular elevated bonnet, projector headlamps with DRL on the forehead of the light & turn indicators at the bottom, a chrome-finished front with GT badging on the step grille with a striking new VW logo, trapezoidal wing with a matt finished skid plate on the front bumper highlighting the face of Taigun.
The side profile is simple with roof rails to add extra luggage on the vehicle and plastic cladding which covers the entire length of the vehicle. The tail of the car stands out thanks to the end-to-end tail light and a sporty spoiler which gives a distinct identity to the SUV.

Cabin

The inside of the Taigun is nice and spacious which is made in two color combinations i.e. black and grey, you get to see a carbon-fiber segment on the passenger side of the dash along with ambient lighting in the GT variant. A 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the center along with an 8-inch virtual cockpit made out of TFT display available only on a top-line model. A flat-bottom steering wheel with sliver elements adds a premium sporty touch to the SUV. VW has moved over from the regular knobs for the A/C controls to the new feather touched once.

Leatherette seats are comfortable enough to fit 4 people in the car, boot space is 385 liters which can be further increased by folding the backrest of the rear seat in a 60:40 split combination. More chrome elements are seen on the tail of the car as well.

Taigun is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform which has been designed as per Indian conditions and can be altered likewise. The very same platform has been used in Skoda Kushaq as well and yes the Skoda Kushaq is the elder cousin of VW Taigun. Volkswagen aims at 95% localization from the Indian market for the Taigun on the similar lines of Kushaq.

Engine

VW has given two petrol engine options for the midsized SUV a 1.0L and 1.5L, but no diesel motor. There are two variants Dynamic Line and Performance Line on the offer. Dynamic Line includes 3 trims Comfortline, Highline, Topline, while Performance line has the option of GT & GT Plus all the trims are available in Automatic and Manual with 3 gearbox options 6-speed manual, 6-speed Automatic & 7-speed DSG. 1.0L TSI EVO 3-cylinder produces 115PS (113BHP) power @5000rpm – 5500rpm and 178Nm Torque @1750-4500rpm, the later 1.5L 4-cylinder engine punches out 150PS (148BHP) @5000-6000rpm and 250NM Torque @1600-3500rpm. L x W x H of the Taigun is 4221mm x 1760mm x 1612mm respectively, wheelbase of 2651mm, kerb weight is 1195kg, and has 188mm ground clearance. There are two-wheel dimensions viz 16-inch for mid-level trims and 17-inch wheels for top-level trims.

Features (GT Plus)
1. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
2. Two Type-C Ports
3. Automatic Climate Control
4. Ambient Lighting

5. Reverse Camera
6. 10-inch Touch screen with preloaded apps
7. Digital Cockpit
8. Electric folding mirrors
9. Cool glove box
10. Vantinlated Seats
11. 6 airbags including 2 curtain airbags
12. ISO Fix
13. Fog lamps with cornering function

14. Anti LockBraking System (ABS)
15. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
16. Cruise Control

17. Break Assists
18. Electonic Stability Program (ESP)
19. Traction Control
20. Hill Hold Control
21. Multi-collision Braking
22. Electronic Sunroof
23. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
24. Auto-dimming IRVM

25. Cylinder-deactivation on 1.5L TSI Engine
26. 6 Speakers Surround Sound
27. Engine Start/Stop
28. Paddle Shifters
29. Wireless Charger

Colors
1. Curcuma Yellow
2. Wild Cheery Red

3. Candy White
4. Reflex Silver
5. Carbon Steel Gray
Volkswagen India has launched the all-new Taigun with enticing pricing starting at ₹10.49 lakh and goes up to ₹17.49 lakh (Ex-Showroom Delhi) which can be a game-changer for the VW group.

Competition
Skoda Kushaq
Engine: 1.0L & 1.5L Petrol
Transmission: AT(DSG) & MT
Price: ₹10.5 lakh – ₹17.6 lakh

Hyundai Creta
Engine: 1.5L,1.4L Turbo Petrol & 1.5L Diesel
Transmission: AT(CVT/DCT) & MT
Price: ₹10.16 lakh – ₹17.87 lakh

Kia Seltos
Engine: 1.5L,1.4L Turbo Petrol & 1.5L Diesel
Transmission: AT(Torque Convertor/DCT) & MT
Price: ₹9.95 lakh – ₹18.10 lakh

TATA Harrier


Engine: 2.0-litre Kryotec Diesel
Transmission: AT(Torque Convertor) & MT
Price: ₹14.39 lakh – ₹21.09 lakh

MG Hector
Engine: 1.5LTurbo Petrol & 2.0L Diesel
Transmission: AT(CVT/DCT) & MT
Price: ₹13.49 lakh – ₹19.36 lakh

With the launch of the subscription model on all Taigun variants except the 1.5L GT manual transmission, Volkswagen aims to attract new customers who are opting for flexibility in car ownership with an option to upgrade or return the car as per his/her convenience. This might be a good alternative for car buyers to associate themselves with the German carmaker.