Volkswagen Taigun

Hello car enthusiasts and future car owners! Choosing a new car in India is a big decision. We all think about a few important things before buying a car. How much will it cost? Is it safe for my family? What about monthly maintenance? Does it have the latest features? And how good is the company’s service network?

Today, we are going to dive deep into a car that aims to tick all these boxes: the Volkswagen Taigun. This compact SUV from the German giant has been making waves in the Indian market. Let’s see if it’s the right choice for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Taigun offers two strong petrol engine options. Both are known for being efficient and fun to drive.

• 1.0-litre TSI Petrol: This engine produces 115 PS of power and 178 Nm of torque. It is perfect for city driving and offers good fuel efficiency.
• 1.5-litre TSI EVO Petrol with Active Cylinder Technology (ACT): For those who love performance, this engine delivers 150 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. The ACT feature can shut down two cylinders when not needed, helping you save fuel during cruising.

Design Overview

The Taigun has a design that stands out, blending classic Volkswagen elegance with modern SUV appeal.

Exterior:

• Bold SUV Stance: It looks strong and muscular with its upright bonnet and sharp lines.

Signature Lighting: Full LED headlamps with integrated DRLs and a distinctive continuous LED tail lamp bar at the rear make it easily recognisable.Stylish Wheels: Comes with attractive alloy wheels that add to its sporty look.Chrome Accents: Generous use of chrome on the grille and bumpers gives it a premium feel.

Interior:

• Premium Cabin: The interior feels well-built with good quality materials.

Dual-Tone Theme: Many variants offer a dual-tone dashboard and upholstery for a modern touch.Driver-Focused: The dashboard design is clean and logical, making everything easy to reach.Comfortable Seating: Supportive seats ensure comfort on long journeys.

Key Features

The Taigun is packed with features to make your driving experience convenient and enjoyable.

• 10-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Electric Sunroof
• Ventilated Front Seats (a boon for Indian summers)
• Wireless Mobile Charging Pad
• Fully Digital Instrument Cluster
• Automatic Climate Control
• Rear AC Vents
• Type-C USB Charging Ports

Ground Clearance

The Volkswagen Taigun offers a healthy 188 mm of ground clearance, which is good for tackling Indian roads and occasional rough patches without worrying too much.

Boot Space

With 385 litres of boot space, the Taigun offers enough room for your weekend luggage or a family trip. It’s practical for everyday use and holiday getaways.

Dimensions

• Length: 4221 mm

Width: 1760 mmHeight: 1612 mmWheelbase: 2651 mm

Powertrain Options

• 1.0L TSI: Available with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

1.5L TSI EVO: Available with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a quick 7-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission.

Safety Features

Safety is a cornerstone for Volkswagen, and the Taigun is no exception. It comes loaded with many active and passive safety features.

• Up to 6 Airbags
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Traction Control (TC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Hill Hold Control
• Rear Parking Sensors and Camera
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

NCAP Rating Table

One of the strongest points for the Volkswagen Taigun is its impressive safety rating.

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars
Bharat NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars

This 5-star rating from both Global NCAP (under the stricter new protocol) and Bharat NCAP highlights Volkswagen’s commitment to passenger safety, making the Taigun one of the safest cars in its segment.

Rivals of Volkswagen Taigun

The compact SUV segment is a crowded space in India. The Taigun competes with strong players like:

• Hyundai Creta
• Kia Seltos
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
• Skoda Kushaq (its sibling)
• MG Astor

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros:

• Solid Build Quality: The Taigun feels extremely well-built, with a robust structure that inspires confidence.

Top-Notch Safety: Its 5-star NCAP ratings speak volumes about its protective capabilities.Punchy Engines: Both the 1.0L and 1.5L TSI engines offer exciting performance and are enjoyable to drive.Excellent Driving Dynamics: It offers a refined ride and handling balance, making it fun on highways and comfortable in the city.Feature-Rich Cabin: Modern features like ventilated seats and wireless connectivity enhance comfort and convenience.Premium Brand Appeal: Volkswagen cars are known for their premium feel and driving pleasure.

Cons:

• Rear Seat Space: While comfortable, the rear legroom might feel a bit less compared to some direct rivals, especially for taller passengers.

Price Point: The Taigun is priced at a slight premium compared to some of its competitors.Missing Features: Some rivals offer features like a panoramic sunroof or powered driver’s seat, which are not available in the Taigun.After-Sales Service Network: While improving, Volkswagen’s service network is still not as widespread as some mass-market brands in India.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Taigun is a compelling package for anyone looking for a compact SUV that prioritises safety, performance, and a premium driving experience. It might not be the absolute cheapest or offer every single feature found in some rivals, but it makes up for it with its rock-solid build, powerful engines, and impressive safety credentials.

If you are someone who values driving pleasure, uncompromised safety, and a car that feels sturdy and European, the Taigun should definitely be on your shortlist. It’s a car that truly delivers on the promise of German engineering. Before making your final decision, we highly recommend taking a test drive to experience the Taigun for yourself. Happy car hunting!