Volkswagen has finally lifted the wraps off the Skoda-sibling Taigun, starting at 10.49 lakhs for the Comfortline variant up to 17.49 lakhs for the GT Plus.
Volkswagen launched its much-awaited mid-size SUVW, the Taigun, today at 11:30 am. The Taigun launch took place in Connaught Place, Delhi. The company seems to have taken a cue from the fate of foreign manufacturers in India and is aiming to make their new car more accessible. The Taigun is a premium SUVW aimed at a younger and broader target audience. The vehicle is meant for hustlers and dreamers in India and comes with six different price brackets.
Taigun first car to have MQB AO IN
The Taigun is part of Volkswagen’s India 2.0 project. It brings forward the German design while tailoring it to fit an Indian audience. Volkswagen has adapted its MQB platform to meet regulations in the Indian market. The MQB AO IN is a variable platform that will allow Volkswagon to create hatchbacks, SUVs and sedans on the same base with minor alterations. The Taigun is the first car to be built on the MQB AO IN platform. The car will be locally assembled in Chakan near Pune, with 95% localisation of parts.
Volkswagen Taigun Colour Options
The Volkswagen comes in six colour options;
- Wild Cherry Red
- Curcuma Yellow
- Candy White
- Reflex Silver
- Carbon Steel Grey
However, Volkswagen decided to go with a vibrant Curcuma Yellow for their launch. Each colour option has a back roof; the interiors will have dual-tone carbon finish upholstery to match the exteriors, with ambient lighting to create a private lounge-like atmosphere.
Volkswagen Taigun Exteior Features
The car comes with the standard masculine Volkswagen grille. Taigun has an elevated bonnet, a roof grille that can support up to 50kgs, an infinity LED tail lamp and Marilla alloy wheels. The performance line comes with a sunroof. According to Volkswagen, the car’s bold and dynamic design has been created to reflect the story of those who aspire for more than just ordinary life and work tirelessly to achieve it. The car was revealed with the young and energetic Ali Fazal and Kriti Kharbandha as its ambassadors.
Volkswagen Taigun Engine Options
The new Volkswagen is offered in two engine options in four configurations;
- 1.0L TSI Manual (MQ200) with a 6-Speed gearbox
- 1.0L TSI Automatic (AQ250) with a 6-Speed gearbox
- 1.5L TSI EVO (MQ281) with a 6-Speed gearbox
- 1.5L TSI EVO (DQ200) with a 7-Speed DSG
The Power figures are as follows:
- 1.0L TSI
115 PS (85 kW) @ 5000 – 5500 RPM | 150 PS (110 kW) @5000 – 6000 RPM - 1.5L TSI EVO
178 Nm @ 1750 – 4500 RPM | 250 Nm @ 1600 – 3500 RPM
Volkswagen has standardised its TSI engine in India. The TSI is supposed to be more powerful, more responsive and has higher fuel efficiency. The Volkswagen Taigun will be available with two engine choices – 1.0L TSI and 1.5L TSI. Also, there will be three transmission choices – 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT, and 7-speed AT. The 1.5L TSI will come with an active cylinder management system that allows you more power when you need it. The 1.5l variant also claims to have instant acceleration and a quicker pick-up.
Volkswagen Taigun Tech Features
Volkswagen Taigun Safety Features
As with all Volkswagen cars, the Taigun pays special attention to safety with over 40 safety features. The SUVW comes with 6 airbags, hill hold control, electronic stability control, park distance control, rearview camera and multi-collision brakes.
Volkswagen 4EVER Care
The German car giant has been focusing on bringing down its maintenance cost to reach out to a broader audience in India. The Taigun comes with their 4 Ever care package, which has a four year/100,000 km warranty, four years roadside assistance and three free services. The Service interval for Volkswagen cars is once a year. With new customer loyalty programs in place, lower costs of servicing and more locally manufactured car parts, brand director Ashish Gupta claims that the cost of maintaining a Volkswagen could be as low as just 5,000 a year.
Volkswagen Taigun Prices & Variants
The base ex-showroom cost is comparable to that of Skoda Kusuk at 10.49 lakhs when it comes to price. The Volkdwagen Taigun comes at 6 price varients. However, the fully loaded performance line GT plus comes at a steep price of 17.49k with both manual and automatic transmission options. The price reveal left many disappointed. Considering that Volkswagen is targeting a younger group with the Taigun, it may lose a significant portion of its consumer base to lower range SUVs such as the Aster and the Nexon.
Volkswagen Taigun Rivals
The Volkswagen Taigun will primarily rival its sibling, the Skoda Kushaq (segment-leader) Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster and more.
