The Volkswagen Taigun will be the German carmaker’s entrant to the mid-size SUV segment in India. The Taigun is actually the sister model to the Skoda Kushaq that is set to launch in June 2021, as both SUVs share the same MQB-A0-IN platform.
As the launch of the VW Taigun is also set to take place in the coming months, we have compiled a list of all the key points you should know about the upcoming SUV.
Key Specifications of Volkswagen Taigun
- Specifications Taigun
- Engine 1.0L and 1.5L
- Power 115bhp and 148bhp
- Torque 200Nm and 250Nm
- Gearbox 6MT, 6AT, 7-speed DSG
- Top-Speed NA/183kmph
- 0-100kmph NA/9.9 seconds
- Wheelbase 2,651mm
Volkswagen has decided to not sell diesel cars in India. Instead, the German brand is focusing on introducing petrol and CNG models. The Volkswagen Taigun compact SUV will be offered with 2 petrol engines – a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged and a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol. While the former is capable of producing 115bhp of power and 200Nm of torque, the 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine will produce 148bhp of power and 250Nm of torque.
Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque converter automatic (1.0L Petrol) and a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox (1.5L petrol). The 1.5-litre Taigun will be more powerful than the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta, which are equipped with 138bhp, 1.4L turbocharged petrol engines. The 1.5L model is claimed to achieve 0-100kmph in just 9.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 183kmph.
1. 2021 Volkswagen Taigun design and platform details
Its design will be quite different from its Skoda counterpart
Due to the fact that the VW Taigun will share its platform with the Skoda Kushaq, there will be a number of parts like the doors, roof, and glasshouse that the two SUVs will have in common. However, Volkswagen has also gone to great lengths to make sure Taigun has its own identity. This is quite evident when you look at the Taigun’s single-piece headlights, two slat chrome grille, and chrome insert on the lower part of the bumper which is very much in line with the German carmaker’s current design language. Even at the rear, the Taigun’s taillight cluster that runs across the width of the tailgate and the chrome accent on the rear bumper set it apart from the Kushaq.
There are some subtle differences on the interior too, with the AC vents having a different design and the infotainment screen being neatly incorporated into the dashboard, rather than being a free-standing unit like in the Kushaq. However, the overall layout remains the same in both SUVs.
2. 2021 Volkswagen Taigun interior and features
Taking centre stage on the Volkswagen Taigun’s dashboard is a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and also present are body-coloured trim elements, which liven up the interior. One major difference for the Taigun compared to the Kushaq is the presence of a digital instruments display, which is missing from the Skoda.
Top-spec Volkswagen Taigun variants will be equipped with auto climate control, height-adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, connected car tech, and safety equipment will include up to six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold control, cruise control, and a tire-pressure monitor.
3. 2021 Volkswagen Taigun: Dimensions
The Taigun enters a segment alongside the likes of the Creta and Seltos. Although in comparison, the Taigun has a notably smaller footprint. While exact numbers are yet to be revealed, based on a visual inspection we can confirm that the Taigun is likely to lose out to the competition in terms of overall length, width and may even be considerably lower to the ground. While three adults on the back-bench may be a tight squeeze, Volkswagen has played it smart to ensure that the cabin has more than enough space. The 2165mm wheelbase is one of the longest in the segments meaning that legroom for the two passengers in the back will never be that much of an issue.
4. 2021 Volkswagen Taigun engine and gearbox details
The other exciting new revelation for the Taigun is that this will be the second car in Volkswagen’s India lineup to get the GT badge. While the standard Taigun will be offered with a three-pot forced induction 1.0-litre TSI motor that is expected to make 115bhp and 175Nm of torque, the GT trim will get the 1.5 l 4-pot EVO TSI that’s rated to make 150bhp and 250Nm of torque. This makes the Taigun GT the most powerful car in the segment. That aside, while customers for the standard Taigun will be given the offer of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AT, the automatic Taigun GT will get the 7-speed DSG for an even more engaging drive.
5. Expected 2021 Volkswagen Taigun price and rivals
The Taigun is expected to go on sale in 2021, with a launch scheduled for the festive season following the launch of the new 5-seater Tiguan. There is no mistaking that the price will be the crucial differentiator for the Taigun when it goes on sale later this year and based on what we hear the Taigun could break the cycle and actually undercut the Skoda Kushaq in terms of price. Expect prices to start around Rs 10 lakh ending just under CBU Volkswagen T-Roc.
6. It will come very well equipped
In terms of equipment, the Taigun will come packed with features in order to increase its appeal to buyers. The top-spec model will come with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the My Volkswagen connect app (to access the connected car features). Another major feature on the inside will be the digital instrument cluster (Virtual Cockpit), something its sibling the Kushaq misses. Additionally, there will also be kits like automatic climate control, USB Type-C ports, wireless charging pad, and much more.
The Taigun will also come with a raft of safety features like 6 airbags, ESC (standard across all trims), tyre pressure deflation warning, and ISOFIX child seat mounts to name a few.
7. It will come with two turbo-petrol engines
Volkswagen will offer the new Taigun with two turbo-petrol engine options from its TSI family of engines. One will be a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder TSI unit producing 115hp and 175Nm, and the other will be a larger 1.5-litre, four-cylinder unit with an output of 150hp and 250Nm. Both engines will be available with 6-speed manual gearbox options as standard. However, they will get different automatic gearbox options, with the 1.0 TSI getting a 6-speed torque converter and the 1.5 TSI getting a 7-speed DCT automatic.
8. It will be dimensionally smaller than many of its rivals
Seeing as the VW Taigun and the Kushaq will be almost identical in terms of dimensions, both SUVs will be the smallest offerings in their segment. At around 4.2m long, 1.76m wide and 1.6m tall, the Taigun is considerably smaller than the Kia Seltos and Nissan Kicks. Taking into account that there are models like the MG Hector and Tata Harrier at the upper end of the segment, which dwarfs everything else, the disparity in size will be even more pronounced. You can read our Skoda Kushaq specifications comparison to get an idea of how the Taigun would compare in terms of size and powertrain.
Also read: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Price, Launch Date And Specification
9. It will compete against some of the most popular SUVs in India
Once launched, the Volkswagen Taigun will be positioned in the mid-size SUV segment which is one of the hottest segments in terms of demand in India. It will take on the likes of the Skoda Kushaq, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster and MG Hector. Due to its high level of localisation, Volkswagen is expected to price the SUV quite competitively.