Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 GT Line AT

Hey there, fellow car enthusiasts and future car owners! Choosing a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? You’re balancing your budget, prioritizing safety for your loved ones, thinking about monthly maintenance costs, eyeing the latest features, and of course, trusting the company’s service network. It's a lot to consider! But what if there was a compact SUV that ticks almost all these boxes with a dash of German engineering? Today, we are taking a deep dive into one such exciting contender that’s been making waves: the new Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 GT Line AT. Let’s find out if this mid-size SUV is the right fit for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 GT Line AT is its incredibly efficient and peppy 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine. This three-cylinder, turbocharged unit is a marvel of engineering, delivering a fantastic balance of power and fuel economy, making it an excellent choice for both city commutes and highway runs.

• Engine Type: 1.0L, 3-Cylinder, TSI Turbo-Petrol
• Maximum Power: 115 PS (at 5000-5500 rpm)
• Peak Torque: 178 Nm (at 1750-4500 rpm)
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)
• Fuel Type: Petrol

Design Overview

Volkswagen cars are known for their understated yet elegant design, and the Taigun 1.0 GT Line AT takes it up a notch with sporty elements.

Exterior

The Taigun boasts a robust and appealing SUV stance that turns heads. The GT Line adds a sportier edge with unique badging and blacked-out elements.

• Muscular front fascia with a chrome-finished grille and signature LED Matrix headlamps with LED DRLs.
• Integrated C-shaped LED tail lamps at the rear, connected by a stylish light bar.
• GT Line specific badging and subtle body enhancements for a sporty look.
• Stylish 17-inch alloy wheels that complement its powerful presence.

Interior

Step inside, and you're greeted by a premium and well-appointed cabin that feels distinctly European.

• Dual-tone interior theme (typically black and grey) with red stitching accents in GT Line variants.
• High-quality materials and a well-thought-out dashboard layout.
• Sporty flat-bottom steering wheel with controls.
• Ample legroom and headroom for a comfortable journey, though rear space for three adults can be snug on longer trips.

Key Features

The Taigun 1.0 GT Line AT is packed with modern features to enhance your driving experience and convenience.

• 10-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• 8-inch Digital Cockpit (fully digital instrument cluster).
• Electric Sunroof for an airy cabin feel.
• Ventilated Front Seats – a boon for Indian summers!
• Wireless Smartphone Charging.
• Automatic Climate Control.
• Rear View Camera with parking sensors.
• Ambient Lighting.
• Cooled Glove Box.

What is the Ground Clearance of the Volkswagen Taigun?

• The Volkswagen Taigun offers a healthy 188 mm of ground clearance, which is ample for tackling Indian road conditions and speed breakers with ease.

What is the Boot Space of the Volkswagen Taigun?

• The Taigun provides a generous 385 litres of boot space, which is sufficient for your weekend getaways or daily shopping needs.

What are the Dimensions of the Volkswagen Taigun?

• Length: 4221 mm
• Width: 1760 mm
• Height: 1612 mm
• Wheelbase: 2651 mm

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the 1.0 GT Line AT, it's good to know Volkswagen offers two fantastic engine choices for the Taigun:

• 1.0L TSI (115 PS, 178 Nm): Available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. This is the variant we are discussing today, perfect for those looking for a balanced performance and fuel efficiency in a compact SUV.
• 1.5L TSI EVO (150 PS, 250 Nm): Available with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automatic. This engine is for enthusiasts seeking exhilarating performance.

Safety Features

Safety is a paramount concern for Volkswagen, and the Taigun is loaded with active and passive safety features. This focus on safety makes it a reliable choice for families.

• Upto 6 Airbags (Dual front, front side, curtain airbags)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Traction Control (TC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Hill Hold Control (HHC)
• Multi-Collision Brakes
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Rear Parking Sensors and Camera

NCAP Rating Table

The Volkswagen Taigun has received top ratings for safety, giving you immense peace of mind.

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP	5-Star	5-Star
Bharat NCAP	5-Star	5-Star

The Taigun, along with its sibling Skoda Kushaq, was among the first vehicles to achieve a full 5-star rating in both adult and child occupant protection under the new, stricter Global NCAP protocols, and subsequently from Bharat NCAP too, making it one of the safest cars on Indian roads.

Rivals of Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 GT Line AT

The compact SUV segment is highly competitive in India. The Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 GT Line AT faces tough competition from popular models like:

• Hyundai Creta
• Kia Seltos
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
• Honda Elevate
• Skoda Kushaq (its own platform sibling)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision about the Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 GT Line AT as your next SUV under 15 lakhs.

Pros

• Exceptional Build Quality: Typical German engineering, the Taigun feels solid and well put together, instilling confidence.
• Top-tier Safety: With its 5-star Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP ratings, it's one of the safest choices in its segment.
• Punchy 1.0L TSI Engine: Offers a fantastic blend of performance for daily driving and reasonable fuel efficiency.
• Refined 6-speed Automatic Transmission: Smooth shifts and responsive performance make city driving a breeze.
• Comfortable Ride & Handling: The suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps while providing stable handling on highways.
• Feature-Rich Interior: Modern infotainment, digital cluster, ventilated seats – it has many desirable features.
• Premium Cabin Feel: The interior quality and design give it a more upmarket feel than some rivals.

Cons

• Rear Seat Space: While adequate for four adults, seating three abreast in the rear can be a bit tight for longer journeys.
• Missing Some 'Wow' Features: Lacks a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, or powered driver’s seat, which some rivals offer.
• Volkswagen Service Network: While improving, it might not be as widespread as Maruti Suzuki or Hyundai in all parts of India.
• Cost of Ownership: Spares and service can sometimes be a bit pricier compared to mass-market brands, though VW has been working to localize parts.
• Subjective Design: While many love its design, some might find it a bit too understated compared to the flashier designs of certain competitors.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 GT Line AT emerges as a highly compelling option for prospective car buyers in India looking for a well-rounded compact SUV. It truly shines with its class-leading safety, solid build quality, punchy yet efficient engine, and premium interior. While it might miss a few vanity features compared to some rivals, it more than makes up for it in substance, driving dynamics, and the peace of mind that comes with a 5-star safety rating.

If your priorities include safety, driving pleasure, robust build, and a premium experience, and you don't mind a slightly higher acquisition or ownership cost, the Taigun 1.0 GT Line AT should be at the very top of your test-drive list. It's a car that truly embodies the Volkswagen ethos of reliable and enjoyable motoring. Happy car hunting!