Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Chrome ES

Hey car enthusiasts and future car owners! Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? We all think about so many things: How much will it cost? Is it safe for my family? What about monthly maintenance and company service? Does it have all the latest features I need? These are crucial questions, and rightly so. Today, we are taking a close look at a car that aims to tick all these boxes and more: the new Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Chrome ES. This special edition of Volkswagen's popular compact SUV promises a blend of style, performance, and safety that is hard to ignore. Let's dive deep and see what makes it special.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

Under the hood, the Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Chrome ES truly shines with its performance-oriented engine:

• Engine Type: 1.5-litre TSI EVO with Active Cylinder Technology (ACT)
• Power Output: 150 PS (at 5000-6000 rpm)
• Torque Output: 250 Nm (at 1600-3500 rpm)
• Transmission: 7-speed DSG automatic. This dual-clutch gearbox offers super-quick and smooth shifts, making both city driving and highway cruising a joy.
• Active Cylinder Technology (ACT): A smart feature that shuts down two cylinders when not needed (e.g., during light cruising) to save fuel, offering a good balance between performance and efficiency.

Design Overview

Exterior

The Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Chrome ES stands out with its bold and muscular design, now with added flair:

• Chrome ES Touches: This special edition gets extra chrome accents on the front grille, side cladding, and rear bumper, giving it a more premium and distinctive look.
• LED Lighting: Signature LED headlamps with DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) and sleek LED tail lamps ensure excellent visibility and a modern aesthetic.
• Alloy Wheels: Stylish 17-inch alloy wheels add to its commanding road presence.
• SUV Stance: A confident, upright stance with prominent character lines gives it a robust and sporty appeal.

Interior

Step inside, and you are greeted by a cabin that feels premium and well put together:

• Premium Layout: A well-designed dashboard with a driver-focused layout and high-quality materials.
• Dual-Tone Theme: Often features a dual-tone interior theme that enhances the spacious feel.
• Comfort: Comfortable seats with good bolstering, especially for the front passengers.
• Practicality: Smart storage spaces are thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin.

Key Features

The Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Chrome ES is packed with modern features to enhance your driving experience:

• Infotainment System: A large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
• Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
• Sunroof: An electric sunroof adds a touch of luxury and an airy feel to the cabin.
• 360-degree Camera: For easier parking and maneuvering in tight spots.
• Wireless Charging: Keep your smartphone charged without messy cables.
• Ventilated Front Seats: A blessing in India's hot climate, keeping you cool and comfortable.
• Automatic Climate Control: Maintain your desired cabin temperature effortlessly.
• Digital Instrument Cluster: A fully digital driver display providing vital information clearly.

What is the Ground Clearance of Volkswagen Taigun?

The Volkswagen Taigun offers a healthy 188 mm of ground clearance, which is quite adequate for tackling Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and mild off-road trails, without much worry.

What is the Boot Space of Volkswagen Taigun?

The Taigun provides a practical boot space of 385 litres, which is sufficient for your weekend getaways or daily shopping needs. The rear seats also offer a 60:40 split feature for added versatility.

What are the Dimensions of Volkswagen Taigun?

Here are the key dimensions of the Volkswagen Taigun:

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

Powertrain Options

While the 1.5 GT Plus Chrome ES comes with the powerful 1.5 TSI engine and 7-speed DSG, it is worth noting that the Taigun also offers another engine option for different needs and budgets:

• 1.0-litre TSI Engine: A 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 115 PS and 178 Nm of torque, available with both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. This option is known for its excellent fuel efficiency and peppy nature for city driving.
• 1.5-litre TSI EVO Engine: (As discussed above) The performance-oriented choice, paired with the 7-speed DSG.

Safety Features

Volkswagen has always been known for its strong build quality and commitment to safety, and the Taigun is no exception:

• 6 Airbags: For comprehensive occupant protection.
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps maintain vehicle stability in tricky situations.
• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution for effective braking.
• Traction Control System (TCS): Prevents wheel spin during acceleration.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Keeps you informed about tire pressure.
• Hill Hold Control: Prevents the car from rolling back on inclines.
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts: For secure child seat installation.
• 3-Point Seatbelts: For all five occupants.

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a prime concern for Indian buyers, and the Taigun delivers impressively:

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection (AOP)	Child Occupant Protection (COP)
Bharat NCAP	5-Star	5-Star
Global NCAP	5-Star	5-Star

Both Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP have awarded the Volkswagen Taigun a full 5-star safety rating for both adult and child occupant protection. This makes it one of the safest compact SUVs you can buy in India.

Rivals of Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Chrome ES

The Volkswagen Taigun competes in a very crowded and popular segment. Its main rivals include:

• Hyundai Creta
• Kia Seltos
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Skoda Kushaq (its platform sibling)
• MG Astor

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Punchy Performance: The 1.5 TSI engine with DSG offers thrilling performance and great driving dynamics.
• Top-Notch Safety: 5-star NCAP ratings instill immense confidence.
• Premium Build Quality: Volkswagen's renowned fit and finish are evident throughout.
• Stable Ride & Handling: Excellent high-speed stability and predictable handling make it a joy to drive.
• Feature-Rich: All modern amenities like ventilated seats, sunroof, 360-degree camera, and wireless connectivity are present.
• Distinctive Styling: The Chrome ES special edition adds a unique visual appeal.

Cons

• Rear Seat Space: While adequate for four, the rear bench can feel a bit snug for three adults on longer journeys.
• Fuel Efficiency (1.5 TSI): The powerful 1.5 TSI engine, especially with enthusiastic driving, might not be as fuel-efficient as some rivals.
• Price: Positioned at the premium end of the compact SUV segment, which might deter some budget-conscious buyers.
• Service Network: While improving, Volkswagen's service network might not be as widespread as some mass-market brands in certain regions.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Chrome ES emerges as a very compelling package for prospective car buyers in India. It successfully blends powerful performance, cutting-edge features, and segment-leading safety into a stylish and well-built compact SUV. If you are someone who values driving pleasure, robust build quality, and top-tier safety above all else, and your budget allows for a slightly premium offering, then the Taigun GT Plus Chrome ES should definitely be on your shortlist. It is more than just a car; it is a statement of style and a commitment to safety. We recommend taking it for a thorough test drive to truly experience what this German marvel has to offer and make your most informed decision.