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.
1. Its design will be quite different to 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 through great lengths to make sure the 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 are 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. 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 kit 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.
3. 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-litre, 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.
4. 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 dwarf 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.
5. 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.
Also see:
Volkswagen Taigun image gallery