Volkswagen Taigun

Expert Review by Maxabout

Introduction

Launched in the Indian car market in September 2021, the Volkswagen Taigun is the mid-size SUV that is getting a remarkable response despite fierce competition in the segment. As you may know, the Taigun is connected to the Skoda Kushaq, with the midsize SUVs being the first models to emerge from the Volkswagen Group's audacious India 2.0 programme.

The Taigun, like the Kushaq, is built on the 'Indianised' MQB A0 IN platform and uses up to 95% native components. However, it is based on the same platform as Skoda Kushaq but it does things differently in terms of variants and styling. Let’s know in detail about this beauty by the German carmaker.

Volkswagen Taigun Design and Style

The Volkswagen Taigun is a typical VW car that superbly balances the brand’s trademark design strengths with modern interpretations for a sharp profile. To kick off with the front fascia, the manufacturer has used chrome to a great extent, from the 3D front grille to the front bumper. There is a VW logo situated in the centre of the grille, which gives it an appealing look. The front bonnet has several body lines and a silver skid plate at the bottom. All-LED headlights are not only good for appearance but also offer good light beam throw.

Moreover, the LED DRLs in the top of the line variant is located above the headlights. On the other hand, lower variants get the LED DRLs below the headlights. Also, the joint LED taillights are quite attractive. In terms of body dimensions, the Taigun gets an overall length of 4221mm, an overall width of 1760mm, and an overall height of 1612mm with a wheelbase of 2651mm. The unladen ground clearance of the SUV is 188mm, whereas the laden ground clearance is 155-159mm. The vehicle gets a fuel tank capacity of 50 litres while the kerb weight is 1260kg.

Volkswagen Taigun Engine and Gearbox

In terms of powertrain, Volkswagen has offered the 2023 Taigun with two engine options: Dynamic Line (1.0L TSI) and Performance Line (1.5L TSI EVO). The first one is a BS6-compliant, 1.0L TSI, 999cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine which is capable of churning out 115 HP at 5000–5500 rpm and a max torque of 178 Nm at 1750–4500 rpm. The other one is a BS6-compliant, 1.5L TSI EVO with ACT, a 1498cc, 4-cylinder petrol engine that generates 150 HP at 5000–6000 rpm and a max torque of 250 Nm at 1600–3500 rpm. Speaking of the transmission duties, both engines come with a 6-speed manual option, but the Dynamic line is offered with a 6-speed automatic, while the Performance line is offered with a choice of a 7-speed DSG transmission.

Volkswagen Taigun Interior, Instrument Cluster & Boot Space

As far as the interior is concerned, the Taigun gets a distinctive interior in all variants. The manufacturer has used hard plastic for the dashboard and windows. However, the driver’s side materials, like the steering wheel and the armrest, are soft-touch. All the variants get dual-tone premium interiors. However, the shades vary. The front and rear seats are comfy and come with fabric upholstery. The rear seat occupants get more legroom and headroom for comfortable journeys.

In addition, the Topline and GT Plus variants get an electric sunroof, while the rest of the variants lack it. The sporty red ambient lighting is offered in the GT and GT Plus variants, while the white ambient lighting is offered in the Topline and Highline variants. On the topic of the instrument cluster, the top-spec variants get a 20.32cm digital cockpit, whereas the other variants get basic but beautiful analogue consoles. The automaker has equipped the SUV with a vast boot space of 385-litres to carry enough luggage.

Volkswagen Taigun Brakes, Suspension & Tyres

As far as braking and suspension duties are concerned, the braking duties are handled by disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The suspension setup is assigned to the McPherson suspension and stabiliser bar at the front in the Dynamic Line AT and MT variants, while the suspension and stabiliser bar comes with the Performance Line MT and DSG variants. However, the rear twist-beam axle suspension is the same in all variants.

As for the tyres featured in the Taigun, it rides on 17-inch alloy wheels for the Topline and GT Plus, while the GT, Highline, and Comfortline ride on 16-inch wheels that are shod with 205/60 tyres in the Comfortline, Highline, and GT variants and 205/55 in the Topline and GT Plus. It also needs to be mentioned that the alloy wheel designs also differ depending on the variants. For instance, "Manila" in GT Plus, "Cassino" in Topline, "Dublin" in Comfortline, and "Belmont" in Highline and GT.

Volkswagen Taigun Key Features

2023 Volkswagen Taigun comes loaded with a vast list of sophisticated features. It includes LED headlamps with DRLs, first-in-segment infinity LED tail lights, electric sunroof, ambient lighting, paddle shifters, 10-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6-speakers, wireless mobile charging, cooled glove box, two USB C-Type ports, My Volkswagen Connect, keyless entry, start-stop push-button, smart touch climatronic AC, ventilated seats, rear AC vents, driver side footrest, front centre armrest, sliding, with storage box, rear parcel tray, Sharkfin antenna, front and rear bottle holders, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming IRVMs, and many more.

For passenger safety, there are 40+ features offered, including ESC (Electronic Stability Control). Hill hold control. Multi-collision brakes, tyre pressure deflation warning, Driver and passenger airbags, front side airbags, and curtain airbags; all seats with 3-point seat belts, seat belt reminder (driver and co-driver), 5 headrests (for all passengers), height-adjustable driver's seat, ISOFIX child seat preparation, rear 2x, Central locking Speed-sensing door lock, high-mounted stop lamp, driver's side pinch guard, parking sensors (rear), reversing camera, EDL (Electronic differential lock), HBB (hydraulic brake boosters) and many more.

Volkswagen Taigun Top Speed, Acceleration & Mileage

2023 Volkswagen Taigun accelerates from 0-100 within 9.1 seconds and offers a top speed of 170+ kmph while driving the GT EVO variant. The mileage as claimed by Volkswagen is 18.10 kmpl for the Dynamic Line MT variant, 16.44 kmpl for the Dynamic Line AT, 18.47 kmpl for the Performance Line MT and 17.88 kmpl for the Performance Line DSG variants. The fuel efficiency may vary depending on the highway or city traffic, as well as the driving experience of the buyer.

Volkswagen Taigun Variants & Colour Options

2023 Volkswagen Taigun is offered in total seven variants and these are offered in five vibrant colours named Curcuma Yellow, Wild Cherry Red, Candy White, Carbon Steel Grey and Reflex Silver.

Ex-showroom Price & On-Road Price

Speaking of the ex-showroom pricing of the new Volkswagen Taigun in India, at the present time, the price for the base Comfortline 1.0L TSI MT variant starts at Rs 11.56 lakh and goes up to Rs 18.71 lakh for the top of the line GT Plus 1.5L TSI EVO DSG variant. To distinguish between off-road and on-road pricing, the ex-showroom price of a car is the asking price that does not include the cost of road tax, insurance, or registration. The on-road price, on the other hand, includes all of the aforementioned costs as well as insurance, registration, a one-time road tax, an extended warranty, and all vehicle accessories. It is important to note that on-road prices in our country vary widely from state to state.

Volkswagen Taigun Competitors

In the Indian car market, the new Volkswagen Taigun locks horns with Skoda Kushaq, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Hector and the Maruti Brezza.

Verdict - Should You Buy Volkswagen Taigun or not?

With cutting-edge technology, a stylish exterior, and a comfy cabin, the Volkswagen Taigun is a tough competitor for other cars in the segment in the country. The SUV also offers a good ride and handling. However, the rear seating row is a bit narrower for the third passenger, but it is still a good four-seater SUV. Moreover, Volkswagen has offered the Taigun with plenty of features at this price point, and occupant safety is also given special attention. If you are looking for a stylish, solid, and convenient SUV in this price bracket, then the Volkswagen Taigun could be the best choice for you.