Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports

About Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports

Choosing a new car in India is a big decision, right? You juggle so many things: what is your budget, how safe is the car for your family, what will be the monthly maintenance costs, does it have all the latest features, and how good is the company service network? Finding that perfect balance can feel like a quest. But what if we told you there is a car that ticks many of these boxes with a dash of German engineering and thrill? Today, we are diving deep into the Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports, a compact SUV that has been turning heads and exciting drivers across the country. Let us find out if this is the SUV for you.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.5L TSI EVO with Active Cylinder Technology (ACT)
• Maximum Power: 150 PS (148 bhp) at 5000-6000 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 250 Nm at 1600-3500 rpm
• Transmission Options: 6-speed Manual or 7-speed DSG (Automatic)
• This engine is known for its punchy performance and efficiency, thanks to the ACT which shuts down cylinders under light loads.

Design Overview

The Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports truly stands out with its dynamic styling.

• Exterior: It boasts a rugged yet sophisticated look. You get signature LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, a bold chrome grille, and sharp character lines that give it a strong road presence. The GT badging, sporty alloy wheels, and distinctive rear LED tail lamps add to its athletic appeal. Volkswagen has cleverly used dark chrome and red accents in the Sports variant to make it look even more aggressive and exclusive.
• Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by a well-appointed cabin. The layout is clean and driver-focused, with high-quality materials. The GT Plus Sports variant gets unique touches like red stitching on the seats and steering wheel, an all-digital instrument cluster, and a flat-bottom steering wheel that adds to the sporty feel. The seats are comfortable and supportive, perfect for long drives.

Key Features

The Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports is loaded with features designed for comfort, convenience, and connectivity.

• 10-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Electric Sunroof
• Ventilated Front Seats (a blessing in Indian summers)
• Wireless Smartphone Charging
• Automatic Climate Control with Rear AC Vents
• Ambient Lighting
• Digital Instrument Cluster
• Rear View Camera and Parking Sensors
• Type-C USB Charging Ports

Ground Clearance

The Volkswagen Taigun offers a healthy ground clearance of 188 mm, which is quite good for tackling Indian road conditions and mild off-roading.

Boot Space

You get a generous boot space of 385 litres, which is ample for your weekend luggage or grocery runs.

Dimensions

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

Powertrain Options

While our focus today is on the powerful 1.5 GT Plus Sports, it is worth noting that the Taigun also comes with another capable engine option:

• 1.0L TSI: This 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine produces 115 PS of power and 178 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. It offers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
• 1.5L TSI EVO (GT Plus Sports): The star of the show, offering a more exhilarating driving experience with 150 PS and 250 Nm, available with a 6-speed manual or the quick-shifting 7-speed DSG.

Safety Features

Volkswagen has always prioritized safety, and the Taigun is a testament to that commitment.

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

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a huge concern for Indian buyers, and the Taigun shines here.

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

Note: As of now, the Volkswagen Taigun has not been specifically tested by Bharat NCAP. However, its 5-star Global NCAP rating for the India-spec model is among the best in its segment, instilling great confidence in its structural integrity and safety features.

Rivals of Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports

The compact SUV segment in India is highly competitive. The Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports competes directly with:

• Hyundai Creta (1.5 Turbo)
• Kia Seltos (1.5 Turbo)
• Skoda Kushaq (1.5 TSI)
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
• Honda Elevate

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Advantages (Pros)

• Punchy Performance: The 1.5 TSI EVO engine with the DSG gearbox offers an exhilarating driving experience, making city commutes and highway overtakes a breeze.
• Top-Notch Safety: With a 5-star Global NCAP rating for both adult and child occupants, it is one of the safest cars in its segment.

Solid Build Quality: Volkswagen cars are known for their robust build, and the Taigun is no exception. It feels premium and well put together.Driving Dynamics: Excellent handling and a confident ride quality make it fun to drive, especially on twisty roads.Premium Interior: The cabin feels upmarket with good quality materials and a thoughtful layout.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• Rear Seat Space: While adequate, it might feel a bit less spacious for three adults compared to some rivals like the Creta or Seltos.

Price: The 1.5 GT Plus Sports variants are priced at the higher end of the compact SUV spectrum.Missing Features: Features like a panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree camera (though some variants get a basic rear view) are offered by competitors.Service Network Perception: While Volkswagen has improved its service network in India, some buyers still perceive it to be less widespread or potentially more expensive than mass-market brands.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports is more than just a compact SUV; it is a statement. If you are someone who prioritizes driving pleasure, robust safety, premium build quality, and a sophisticated design, and you are willing to pay a slight premium for these attributes, then the Taigun GT Plus Sports could be your ideal companion. It offers a blend of performance and practicality that is hard to match. While it might have a few minor drawbacks, its strengths, especially in the areas of safety and driving dynamics, make it a truly compelling package in the competitive Indian automotive market. We highly recommend taking it for a test drive to experience the thrill yourself!