Volkswagen is all set to stir the boiling pot that is the compact SUV market of India. The Taigun will be the latest and one of the most awaited entrants in the compact SUV segment already populated by established rivals like Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and MG Hector.
Similar to the Volkswagen T-Cross SUV sold in Chinese markets, the Taigun will feature a longer wheelbase of 2651mm. That is a good 100mm more than Euro-spec T-Cross. Ironic how it is called T-Cross in China and Taigun, a decidedly Chinese name in India. It should serve well to the pride and parking woes of the ‘aspirational Indian customer’, targeted audience of the sales and marketing team of Volkswagen. It has a high ground clearance of 205 mm to cope with our treacherous roads.
The popular German will launch in the latter part of 2021 along with its sophisticated Czech cousin, the Skoda Vision IN. Both cars will be based on the MQB AO-IN platform. The cars will be offered in two variants.
Volkswagen Taigun | Engine Specifications
- 1.0 L 3-cylinder turbo petrol / 1.5 L 4-cylinder turbo petrol
- Power output : 113 hp / 150 hp
- Peak torque : 200 Nm / 250 nm
- Both variants get 7 speed DSG automatic or 6 speed manual
Additionally, the 1.5 L turbo-petrol gets the advanced cylinder management. In eco-mode, it shuts down 2 cylinders better efficiency.
Volkswagen always maintains a high standard when it comes to interiors. The Taigun comes fully loaded with a sunroof which is good news for people with serious vitamin D deficiency. Interior is generously laden with leather upholstery.
Keeping up with the trend, the Taigun sports a fully digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system.
The car will come fully equipped with driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBD, rear view camera parking sensors to address safety concerns.
The usually exorbitantly priced Volkswagen might deviate from their luxurious ways with the Taigun. The German carmaker publicly expressed hopes of capturing 3 % market share by 2022. So we expect an increase in localisation and decrease in the prices. As a result, the Taigun will be reasonably price in the 10-15 lakhs range to remain competitive.