Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 Highline Plus

Hey car enthusiasts and future car owners! Are you on the hunt for a new set of wheels that ticks all the right boxes? Buying a car in India is a big decision. You juggle so many things in your mind: Is it within my budget? How safe is it for my family? What will be the monthly maintenance cost? Does it have all the latest features I want? And most importantly, how reliable is the company's service network? Well, today, we are going to dive deep into a car that aims to answer many of these questions with a resounding yes: the Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 Highline Plus. This compact SUV has been making waves in the Indian car market, and we are here to give you a comprehensive VW Taigun review to help you make an informed decision. Let us explore if the Taigun 1.0 Highline Plus could be your next perfect ride.

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 Highline Plus is its lively yet efficient 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine. Here are the details:

• Engine Type: 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, Turbocharged Stratified Injection (TSI) petrol engine
• Power Output: 115 PS (Pferdestarke) or approximately 113 bhp
• Torque Output: 178 Nm of peak torque
• Transmission Options: This variant typically comes with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
• Fuel Efficiency: Expect competitive Taigun mileage figures, usually around 18-19 km/l (ARAI certified), depending on driving conditions and transmission.

Design Overview

The Taigun stands out with its bold and sophisticated design, a true Volkswagen identity.

Exterior Design

• Front: Features a striking chrome grille that merges seamlessly with the LED headlamps, giving it a wide and confident stance. The LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) add a signature look.
• Side Profile: Clean lines and prominent wheel arches house stylish alloy wheels. The roof rails add to its SUV appeal.
• Rear: The continuous LED tail lamp cluster, often called the infinity LED taillight, is a distinctive design element that makes the Taigun instantly recognizable, especially at night.
• Overall: It strikes a balance between rugged SUV looks and urban sophistication, making it a head-turner on Indian roads.

Interior Design

• Cabin: The interior is modern, ergonomic, and boasts a premium feel with quality materials.
• Dashboard: A well-laid-out dashboard with a focus on driver convenience. The digital cockpit (digital instrument cluster) offers a futuristic touch.
• Seating: Comfortable seats with good thigh support, ensuring a pleasant journey for both short city commutes and long highway drives. The Highline Plus often features dual-tone interiors.
• Space: Ample headroom and legroom for five occupants, making it a practical family SUV.

Key Features

The Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 Highline Plus is packed with features to enhance your driving experience and comfort:

• Large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Electric sunroof for an airy cabin feel
• Front ventilated seats for enhanced comfort in hot weather
• Wireless smartphone charging pad
• Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
• Cruise control
• Ambient lighting
• Steering mounted controls
• Rear view camera with parking sensors
• LED headlights and taillights

What is the Ground Clearance of Volkswagen Taigun?

The ground clearance Taigun offers is a healthy 188 mm, which is excellent for tackling varied Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and uneven surfaces, without much worry.

What is the Boot Space of Volkswagen Taigun?

The boot space Taigun provides is a generous 385 litres, which is ample for your weekend getaways or daily shopping needs. The rear seats can also be folded down to expand this space further.

What are the Dimensions of Volkswagen Taigun?

Understanding the Taigun dimensions helps gauge its road presence and maneuverability:

• Length: Approximately 4221 mm
• Width: Approximately 1760 mm
• Height: Approximately 1612 mm
• Wheelbase: Approximately 2651 mm (This long wheelbase contributes to better cabin space and ride stability).

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the 1.0 Highline Plus, it is worth noting that the Volkswagen Taigun also offers another potent powertrain option:

• 1.0-litre TSI Engine: (As detailed above) Available with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic (torque converter) transmissions. This is the engine in the Taigun 1.0 Highline Plus.
• 1.5-litre TSI EVO Engine: A more powerful, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque. It comes with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission. This engine also features Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) for better fuel efficiency.

Safety Features

Volkswagen has always prioritized safety, and the Taigun is no exception. It is one of the safest compact SUVs in India. Key Taigun safety features include:

• Up to 6 airbags (Highline Plus usually comes with 6 airbags)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Hill Hold Control
• Multi-collision brakes
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• Rear parking sensors and camera

NCAP Rating Table

The NCAP rating Taigun has received is truly commendable, setting a benchmark for safety in its segment.

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

Rivals of Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 Highline Plus

The best compact SUV segment in India is highly competitive. The Volkswagen Taigun goes head-to-head with some strong contenders:

• Hyundai Creta
• Kia Seltos
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Skoda Kushaq (shares platform and engines)
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
• MG Astor
• Tata Nexon

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Let us look at a balanced perspective to help you decide if the Taigun 1.0 Highline Plus is the right SUV under 15 lakh for you.

Advantages (Pros)

• Driving Dynamics: The 1.0 TSI engine is peppy and offers a fun-to-drive experience with excellent handling and a well-tuned suspension that balances comfort and sportiness.
• Build Quality: Volkswagen is known for its robust build quality, and the Taigun feels solid and well-put-together, instilling confidence.
• Safety: A 5-star Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP rating for both adult and child occupants is a huge plus, making it one of the safest cars in its class.
• Premium Feel: The interior and exterior design exude a premium aura, giving it an upmarket feel compared to some rivals.
• Feature-Rich: The Highline Plus variant comes loaded with essential comfort and convenience features like a sunroof, ventilated seats, and wireless connectivity.
• Ground Clearance: The 188 mm ground clearance is perfectly suited for Indian roads.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• After-Sales Service Network: While improving, Volkswagen's service network might not be as widespread as some mass-market players like Maruti Suzuki or Hyundai in all regions.
• Maintenance Costs: Historically, Volkswagen cars have had slightly higher maintenance costs compared to some of their Japanese or Korean counterparts, though VW has been working to make it more competitive.
• Cabin Storage: While spacious, some users might find the amount of small storage spaces and cubbies in the cabin a bit limited compared to certain rivals.
• Price: It might be perceived as slightly pricier than some competitors for similar features, though its build quality and safety often justify the premium.
• 360-degree Camera Missing: Unlike some rivals in the segment, the Taigun 1.0 Highline Plus does not offer a 360-degree camera, which is a useful feature for parking in tight spots.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 Highline Plus emerges as a very strong contender in the compact SUV segment. It brings together Volkswagen's renowned engineering, a peppy and efficient TSI engine, a comprehensive suite of features, and an industry-leading safety package. If you are looking for a compact SUV that offers a premium experience, a fun-to-drive character, and top-notch safety for your family, and you value solid German engineering, the Taigun Highline Plus should definitely be on your shortlist. While you might consider its running costs and service network, the overall package, especially its safety and driving dynamics, makes it a compelling choice. Do take a test drive to feel the difference yourself and see if this stylish and safe SUV aligns with your needs for a reliable car buying guide India recommended ride!