The long-awaited Volkswagen Taigun compact SUV will start production after its launch in the third week of September 2021.
After driving the 1.5 L variants with manual and DSG transmissions, we found out the variations in Taigun from Skoda Kushaq and also that it would give tough competition to the Creta and the Seltos.
Volkswagen Taigun – Handsome Elegant Look
With the first look, the Taigun attracted me with its concept form! The pronounced creases at the front part give the Volkswagen Taigun an enchanting muscular look. The dark shade of chrome also gives an elegant look to it.
The wheels are 17 inches and 16 inches on lower trims, and look good. The sporty roofline with functional roof rails and the strong shoulder line adds to the handsome appearance of the car!
The most attractive part of the design is at the rear which includes the infinity tail lamps with LED strips running from one end to the other. These make it look wider than it actually is.
Overall, the Volkswagen Taigun is a splendid and handsome-looking SUV. The Kurkuma Yellow shade is the best!
Even though the Taigun is smaller than the Creta and Seltos, it has a muscular design that gives elegance to its look! It looks bigger than the similarly-sized Kushaq and larger than the Creta and the Seltos.
Interior of Volkswagen Taigun
The cabin is similar to the Skoda Kushaq’s because both cars are based on the same platform. The typical Volkswagen had a modern, clean, and elegant cabin with a layered dashboard design. The Taigun has a digital instrument cluster like the Audi Virtual Cockpit.
An extensively customised screen with clear readouts gives a look of premium flavour in the cabin. The infotainment screen is good with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and connected features.
The Volkswagen Taigun is not a fully connected car like the Creta/ Seltos and it does not have an embedded sim card.
Features of Volkswagen Taigun
A set of essential and useful features like climate control, a good sound system, an electrically operated sunroof, ventilated seats (not in 1.5 L versions), ambient lighting and more are there to make you happy.
Build quality is superb, the doors are heavy, and a typical Volkswagen thud could be heard while closing. Material quality is also good in most places except for the lower dashboard plastic. The quality of the rearview camera resolution needs to be improved.
Volkswagen Taigun is spacious but cannot be graded best because of its smaller dimensions. The boot space is very small but the design is good and it can hold enough stuff for short trips and airport runs.
The front part of the cabin has good space with comfortable seats but there are no electrical adjustments. The second row has a good amount of space as it has a long wheelbase but cannot be graded as the best.
Seats have good cushioning an apt backrest angle and a flat floor which gives comfort for a third passenger.
However, the seat is not very wide so if there are three occupants, they may feel somewhat squeezy. There is a narrow compartment-like structure below the front seats which would make you uncomfortable.
A reinforcing beam is running along the width of the car, and changing the design would be unsafe. The structural rigidity of the MQ A0 IN platform is 30% more rigid than the platform supporting the Polo and Vento.
The car has six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, multi-collision brakes, brake disc wiping, rear ISOFIX mounts and electronic differential lock.
Volkswagen Taigun Driving Experience
Driving is the most interesting and exciting part of Volkswagen Taigun. The 1.5 L range gave 150 ps and 250 Nm of torque.
The acceleration is quick but smooth and after you cross 1,800 rpm, the effortless power delivery starts and above 3,000 rpm, things become more exciting with a light sporty engine sound which adds to the engagement.
Both gearboxes perform well at any speed and in any situation. The Taigun offers quick shifts and holds. You have pedal shifters too. The manual unit offers short throws and clean shift slots and the clutch offers an engaging experience.
But it misses out on the digital instrument cluster and sunroof. The Taigun is fantastic to handle. It is steadfast when on a straight line and excellent at the corners. There is some body roll but the car follows the intended line perfectly, even at high speeds.
The steering isn’t as light as the Seltos and Creta but is surely comfortable driving in traffic and offers good speed feedback with the brake pedals.
Volkswagen Taigun Verdict
Skoda, VW, and Kushaq are European crossovers that Indians love. So, the entry of the Volkswagen Taigun would be welcomed in India.
With its latest features, it would be a slightly more premium alternative and VW’s position in the market would be the highest.
The price difference between the Taigun and Kushaq variants is 2-5% over. Taigun would be better than its rivals with many new updates that justify its price.
Volkswagan Taigun GT 1.5 TSI MT OverView
Fuel Type: Petrol
Dimension: [LxWxH) 4221 x 1760 x 1612
Engine displacement: 1498cc
Transmission Manual
Maximum Power (ps) 150
Chassis type Petrol
Mileage 18.47 Kmpl
Seating: Capacity 5
Volkswagen Taigun Specifications
ARAI Mileage: 17.88 km
Engine Displacement (cc): 1498 Max
Torque (nm@rpm): 250nm@1600-3500rpm
TransmissionType: Automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity: 50.0
Ground Clearance Unladen: 188
Fuel Type Petrol
Boot Space 385 L
Body Type SUV
Price: Rupees 10.49 Lakh to 17.49 Lakh
Should you Buy the Taigun?
Volkswagen Taigun prices are at variant ranges. Taigun is the best-looking vehicle that offers much space, features, and comfort.
It is the leader with regard to safety and performance. It is the winner among all its competitors. It is undoubtedly the most exciting SUV to drive!
Hope you have started liking it. Make it yours! If you want other car reviews like Ford Figo at Review, there is just one step to go
