Volkswagen Taigun Highline Plus AT

Choosing a new car in India involves considering budget, safety, monthly maintenance, the latest features, and company service. In the competitive compact SUV segment, the new Volkswagen Taigun Highline Plus AT stands out. Let us explore if this compact SUV is the perfect fit for you.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Volkswagen Taigun Highline Plus AT comes with the popular 1.0 litre TSI petrol engine. This turbocharged three-cylinder unit balances performance with fuel efficiency.

• Engine Type: 1.0L TSI Turbo Petrol
• Cylinders: 3
• Maximum Power: 114 PS (at 5500 rpm)
• Maximum Torque: 178 Nm (between 1750-4500 rpm)
• Transmission: 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic

Design Overview

Volkswagen cars are known for their understated yet elegant design.

Exterior Design:

The Taigun Highline Plus AT boasts a confident and muscular stance.

• Sharp LED headlamps with integrated DRLs (Daytime Running Lights)
• Chrome accents on the front grille give it a premium touch
• Stylish alloy wheels add to its sporty appeal
• Distinctive tail lamps connected by a light bar
• Roof rails and robust cladding give it a true SUV character

Interior Design:

The cabin balances practicality with a premium feel.

• Dual-tone interior theme creates an airy and welcoming atmosphere
• High quality materials used for upholstery and dashboard
• Well laid out dashboard with easy-to-reach controls
• Comfortable seating with good support

Key Features

The Taigun Highline Plus AT is packed with modern features to enhance your driving experience and comfort.

• Large 10-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Electric Sunroof
• Wireless Mobile Charging pad
• Automatic Climate Control
• Rear AC vents
• Ambient lighting
• Push Start/Stop button
• Cruise Control
• Reverse parking camera with dynamic guidelines and parking sensors

Dimensions and Capacity

• Ground Clearance: 188 mm (ample for Indian road conditions)
• Boot Space: 385 litres (spacious enough for your weekend luggage)
• Overall Dimensions:
  • Length: 4221 mm
  • Width: 1760 mm
  • Height: 1612 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2651 mm

Powertrain Options

While the Taigun Highline Plus AT specifically comes with the 1.0L TSI automatic, the Taigun range offers two powerful petrol engine options:

• 1.0L TSI Turbo Petrol with 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic transmission.
• 1.5L TSI EVO Turbo Petrol with 6-speed Manual or 7-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission (available in GT variants).

Safety Features

Volkswagen has always prioritised safety, and the Taigun Highline Plus AT is a testament to that.

• Dual Front Airbags (driver and co-driver)
• ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
• TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
• Hill Hold Control
• Multi-Collision Brakes
• Electronic Differential Lock System
• Rear parking sensors and camera
• ISOFIX child seat mounts

NCAP Rating Table

The Taigun has proven its mettle in crash tests.

Rating Type	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars
Bharat NCAP	Expected 5 Stars (due to identical platform and safety)	Expected 5 Stars (due to identical platform and safety)

Rivals of Volkswagen Taigun Highline Plus AT

The compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive. The Taigun Highline Plus AT competes with:

• Hyundai Creta
• Kia Seltos
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
• Skoda Kushaq
• Honda Elevate

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Let us break down what makes the Taigun Highline Plus AT a good choice and where it could improve.

Pros:

• Solid Build Quality: Feels exceptionally well-built, offering a strong sense of security.
• Excellent Driving Dynamics: The 1.0L TSI engine with 6-speed automatic offers punchy performance, refined ride, and stable handling.
• High Safety Standards: A 5-star Global NCAP rating speaks volumes about its occupant protection.
• Premium and Well-Equipped Cabin: The interior feels upmarket with good features like the 10-inch infotainment and sunroof.
• Timeless Design: Has a classic SUV look that ages gracefully.
• Ample Ground Clearance: 188 mm ensures you can tackle most Indian road conditions.

Cons:

• Rear Seat Space: While adequate, it is not the most spacious in its segment, especially for three adults.
• Feature Gaps: Some rivals offer a 360-degree camera or ventilated seats in this price range, which are missing here.
• Perception of Maintenance Cost: Volkswagen cars sometimes carry a perception of higher maintenance costs, though this has improved significantly.
• Cabin Width: The width feels slightly less compared to some direct competitors, impacting shoulder room for rear passengers.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Taigun Highline Plus AT emerges as a highly compelling compact SUV for Indian car buyers. It ticks many boxes: a powerful yet efficient engine, a sophisticated automatic transmission, a feature-rich cabin, and above all, uncompromised safety with its 5-star Global NCAP rating. While it might miss out on a few fancy features offered by some rivals, it more than makes up for it with its rock-solid build quality, engaging driving experience, and the confidence that comes with owning a Volkswagen.

If you are a prospective car buyer prioritising safety, driving pleasure, robust build, and a premium experience, the Taigun Highline Plus AT should definitely be on your test drive list. It is a car that delivers a truly European feel on Indian roads.