Volkswagen Taigun GT Plus Sport DSG

Planning to buy a new car can be quite a journey, can’t it? You’re probably thinking about so many things: How much will it cost me each month? Is it safe for my family? What about maintenance and company service? And of course, everyone wants the latest features that make driving enjoyable and easy. In the bustling Indian car market, finding that perfect compact SUV that balances budget, safety, style, and performance is key. Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into a car that promises to tick many of these boxes: the new Volkswagen Taigun GT Plus Sport DSG.

The Volkswagen Taigun has already made a name for itself as a solid performer, but this new GT Plus Sport DSG variant takes things up a notch with its sporty appeal and advanced features. Let’s see if this German-engineered SUV is the right fit for your driveway.

Main Highlights of the Volkswagen Taigun GT Plus Sport DSG

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.5L TSI EVO with Active Cylinder Technology (ACT)
• Cylinders: 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine
• Max Power: 148 BHP (at 5000-6000 rpm)
• Max Torque: 250 Nm (at 1600-3500 rpm)
• Transmission: 7-speed DSG automatic

Design Overview

The Taigun GT Plus Sport DSG variant gets some exclusive styling bits that make it stand out.

• Exterior: It boasts a more aggressive and sporty look. Expect darkened LED headlamps, a blacked-out grille, red GT badges, sleek alloy wheels with red brake calipers, and a sporty rear spoiler. The overall stance remains robust and confident, truly reflecting its German heritage.
• Interior: Step inside, and you’re greeted with a premium and driver-focused cabin. This Sport variant adds unique touches like red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and gear lever, sporty black upholstery, and aluminum pedals. The dual-tone dashboard theme adds to its modern appeal.

Key Features

The Taigun GT Plus Sport DSG is packed with features designed for comfort, convenience, and connectivity.

• Large 10-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Digital Cockpit (fully digital instrument cluster)
• Electric Sunroof
• 360-degree Area View Camera (for easy parking)
• Wireless Mobile Charging
• Ventilated Front Seats (a blessing in Indian summers)
• Automatic Climate Control
• Ambient Lighting
• Rear AC Vents
• USB Type-C Charging Ports

What is the Ground Clearance of the Volkswagen Taigun?

The Volkswagen Taigun offers a healthy 188 mm of ground clearance, which is quite good for tackling Indian roads and occasional rough patches without worry.

What is the Boot Space of the Volkswagen Taigun?

You get a spacious 385 litres of boot space in the Taigun, ample for your weekend luggage or grocery runs.

What are the Dimensions of the Volkswagen Taigun?

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

Powertrain Options

While the Taigun range offers two excellent engine choices, the GT Plus Sport DSG variant specifically features the high-performance option.

• 1.0-litre TSI Petrol: (Available in other Taigun variants) 115 PS, 178 Nm torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic (torque converter).
• 1.5-litre TSI EVO Petrol: (Standard on GT Plus Sport DSG) 150 PS, 250 Nm torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG automatic. This is the engine you get in the GT Plus Sport DSG.

Safety Features

Volkswagen has always prioritized safety, and the Taigun is no exception. It comes loaded with advanced safety tech.

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

NCAP Rating Table

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

Rivals of Volkswagen Taigun GT Plus Sport DSG

The compact SUV segment in India is highly competitive. The Taigun GT Plus Sport DSG goes head-to-head with some popular choices:

• Hyundai Creta (especially the Turbo variants)
• Kia Seltos (GT Line/X-Line variants)
• Skoda Kushaq (1.5L TSI variants)
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• MG Astor

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Powerful Performance: The 1.5L TSI engine with 7-speed DSG offers exhilarating performance and smooth shifts, making highway drives a joy.
• Solid Build Quality: True to its German roots, the Taigun feels robust and well-built, instilling confidence.
• High Safety Standards: A 5-star GNCAP and Bharat NCAP rating for both adult and child occupants speaks volumes about its safety credentials.
• Fun-to-Drive Dynamics: Excellent ride and handling balance makes it engaging to drive, whether in the city or on twisty roads.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Loaded with modern features like ventilated seats, a digital cockpit, and a 360-degree camera.
• Sporty Appeal: The GT Plus Sport additions give it a distinctive and stylish look.

Cons

• Price Point: Being a premium offering, it can be slightly pricier than some rivals.
• Fuel Efficiency: The powerful 1.5L TSI engine with DSG, especially in heavy city traffic, might not be the most fuel-efficient option.
• Rear Seat Width: While legroom is good, seating three adults comfortably in the rear for long journeys might be a squeeze.
• After-sales Network: While improving, Volkswagen’s service network might not be as widespread as some mass-market brands.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Taigun GT Plus Sport DSG is more than just another compact SUV; it's a statement. It’s for the buyer who appreciates strong performance, top-notch safety, robust build quality, and a premium driving experience, all wrapped in a sporty package. If you’re looking for an SUV that stands out from the crowd, offers German engineering prowess, and doesn’t compromise on safety or features, the Taigun GT Plus Sport DSG should definitely be on your shortlist.

While it might be a bit more expensive than some competitors and might not be the absolute king of fuel efficiency, the sheer joy of driving, coupled with its safety ratings and premium feel, makes it a highly compelling option. We believe it offers excellent value for discerning Indian car buyers seeking a spirited and safe urban adventure vehicle. Go test drive it and feel the difference yourself!