Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports DSG

Hey car buyers, ever found yourself scrolling through countless reviews, trying to figure out if that new car is really worth your hard-earned money? We get it. Buying a new car in India involves a lot of thought. You are not just looking for a set of wheels; you are looking for safety for your family, a vehicle that fits your budget, reasonable monthly maintenance, all the latest features, and of course, reliable company service. It is a big decision, and getting it right means doing your homework.

Today, we are diving deep into a car that has been making waves in the compact SUV segment: the new Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports DSG. Volkswagen has really stepped up its game, offering a blend of performance, style, and safety that is hard to ignore. Let us break down everything you need to know about this German marvel.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

Under the hood of the Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports DSG lies a beast. This variant is powered by Volkswagen's renowned 1.5-litre TSI EVO petrol engine.

• Engine Type: 1.5L TSI EVO with Active Cylinder Technology (ACT)

• Max Power: 150 PS (at 5000-6000 rpm)

• Max Torque: 250 Nm (at 1600-3500 rpm)

• Transmission: 7-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automatic

The Active Cylinder Technology helps improve fuel efficiency by shutting down two cylinders under light load conditions. Paired with the super-smooth 7-speed DSG, this engine offers a thrilling yet refined driving experience.

Design Overview

Exterior Design

The Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports DSG exudes a strong and sporty presence. It blends classic VW design cues with modern SUV aesthetics.

• Front: Bold grille with chrome accents, sleek LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, and a robust bumper design. The GT badge subtly hints at its performance pedigree.

• Side: Muscular wheel arches housing stylish alloy wheels, sharp character lines, and roof rails. The GT Sports variant gets unique red accents on the brake calipers and special badging, enhancing its sporty appeal.

• Rear: A distinctive continuous LED tail lamp cluster, a prominent 'Taigun' lettering across the tailgate, and a rugged rear bumper design complete the confident look.

Interior Design

Step inside, and you are greeted by a cabin that feels premium, well-built, and driver-focused.

• Layout: A clean and uncluttered dashboard layout with high-quality materials.

• GT Sports Touches: The Sports variant comes with exclusive red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and gear lever, adding a touch of aggression and sportiness. Dual-tone interiors (often red and black) are also a highlight.

• Comfort: Ergonomically designed seats offer good support, making long journeys comfortable.

Key Features

The Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports DSG is packed with modern tech and convenience features to enhance your driving experience.

• Infotainment: 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system

• Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, My Volkswagen Connect connected car features

• Sunroof: Electric sunroof

• Camera: 360-degree camera with parking sensors (a very useful addition)

• Charging: Wireless phone charging pad

• Climate Control: Automatic climate control with rear AC vents

• Comfort: Ventilated front seats, digital instrument cluster (Active Info Display), ambient lighting

• Other: Keyless entry with push-button start/stop, auto-dimming IRVM

What is the Ground Clearance of the Volkswagen Taigun?

• The Volkswagen Taigun offers a healthy 188 mm of ground clearance, which is more than adequate to handle Indian roads and minor off-road excursions with ease.

What is the Boot Space of the Volkswagen Taigun?

• The Taigun provides a generous 385 litres of boot space, which is practical for weekend trips and carrying luggage for a family.

What are the Dimensions of the Volkswagen Taigun?

• Length: 4221 mm

• Width: 1760 mm

• Height

Wheelbase: 2651 mm

Powertrain Options

While our focus is on the powerful 1.5L TSI EVO engine with the 7-speed DSG, it is good to know that the Taigun also offers another engine option:

• 1.0-litre TSI Petrol: This engine produces 115 PS of power and 178 Nm of torque, available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. It is a great option for those seeking a balance of performance and efficiency.

Safety Features

Volkswagen has always prioritized safety, and the Taigun is no exception.

• Airbags: Up to 6 airbags (front, side, curtain)

• Braking: ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)

Stability: ESC (Electronic Stability Control), Traction Control System (TCS) Hill Assist: Hill Hold Control Monitoring: Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Child Safety: ISOFIX child seat anchorages Other: Multi-collision brakes, rear parking sensors with camera (360-degree in top variants)

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a non-negotiable aspect, and the Taigun truly shines here.

Assessment Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars
Bharat NCAP	Not yet independently rated (Global NCAP 5-star rating is under new, stricter protocols)	Not yet independently rated (Global NCAP 5-star rating is under new, stricter protocols)

The Volkswagen Taigun achieved a commendable 5-star rating in the Global NCAP crash tests for both adult and child occupant protection under their new and stricter testing protocols. This is a testament to its robust build quality and comprehensive safety features. While it awaits a specific Bharat NCAP rating, its Global NCAP performance already sets a high benchmark.

Rivals of Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports DSG

The compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive. The Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports DSG goes head-to-head with some popular contenders:

• Hyundai Creta

• Kia Seltos

• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

• Skoda Kushaq (its platform sibling)

• MG Astor

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Advantages of the Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports DSG

• Engaging Performance: The 1.5L TSI EVO engine with 7-speed DSG offers exhilarating performance and smooth shifts, making driving a joy.

• Superior Driving Dynamics: It boasts fantastic ride and handling. The Taigun feels planted and confident at high speeds, and tackles corners with precision.

• Top-notch Safety: A 5-star Global NCAP rating speaks volumes about its robust build and comprehensive safety suite.

• Premium Build Quality: The fit and finish, both inside and out, feel solid and reflect typical German engineering standards.

• Feature-rich Cabin: With ventilated seats, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and a digital cluster, it offers many desirable modern features.

• Sporty Styling: The GT Plus Sports variant stands out with its distinctive red accents and sporty design elements.

Disadvantages of the Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports DSG

• Pricing: It can be on the pricier side compared to some of its direct rivals in the compact SUV segment.

• Rear Seat Space for Three: While comfortable for two adults, fitting three adults abreast in the rear can be a bit of a squeeze for longer journeys.

• Fuel Efficiency (Perception): The powerful 1.5L turbo-petrol engine, especially when driven enthusiastically, might not deliver the segment-leading fuel efficiency figures some buyers expect from other powertrain options.

• No Panoramic Sunroof: For those who crave the expansive feel of a panoramic sunroof, the Taigun only offers a regular electric sunroof.

• No ADAS: Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are becoming common in rivals, but the Taigun does not yet offer this suite of features.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports DSG is more than just a compact SUV; it is a statement. It is for the buyer who prioritizes a thrilling driving experience, uncompromised safety, and solid German build quality. While it might ask for a slight premium and lacks a panoramic sunroof or ADAS, its strengths in performance, dynamics, and safety truly set it apart.

If you are looking for a compact SUV that brings a smile to your face every time you get behind the wheel, offers peace of mind with its 5-star safety rating, and feels built to last, the Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Sports DSG should definitely be on your shortlist. We highly recommend you take it for a test drive to experience its capabilities firsthand. Happy motoring!