The Volkswagen Taigun is the German automaker's offering in India's highly competitive mid-size SUV segment. First showcased as a concept at the 2020 Auto Expo, the production-spec Taigun is now launched with two turbo-petrol engine options - a 1.0L TSI and a larger 1.5L TSI motor.
Customers can choose from 5 colour options and get a well-packaged German SUV that aims to woo buyers with its power, features, and driving dynamics. Some of the significant features and specifications of the Volkswagen Taigun are:
Luggage Capacity: The Volkswagen Taigun has a spacious 385-litre boot capacity, which should be sufficient for most buyers. Whether you are planning road trips with family and friends or need space for monthly grocery shopping, the Taigun won't leave you wanting more. Multiple bags, suitcases, and other luggage can be easily accommodated in the boot.
Seating Layout: The SUV offers a comfortable 5-seater cabin layout. Be it tall or hefty passengers, five adults can sit easily without any space constraints or a squeezy feeling, thanks to the well-designed seats. The rear bench with a 60:40 split further adds to the flexibility and convenience.
Engine Options: Taigun brings two capable turbocharged TSI petrol engine choices - a 1.0L and 1.5L motor. While the smaller displacement mill delivers 115PS power and 178Nm torque, the bigger 1.5L version churns out 150PS and 250Nm, respectively. The engines offer brisk acceleration and impressive fuel efficiency of up to 19.87km/l.
Fuel Efficiency: As per ARAI tests, the smaller 1.0L turbo-petrol engine coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission can deliver 19.87kmpl efficiency. This translates to fewer fuel stops and savings on your monthly budget. Meanwhile, the 1.5L motor gets a cylinder deactivation system to turn off 2 cylinders when unnecessary and further optimise mileage.
Styling & Upholstery: Visually, the Taigun turns heads with its sharp exterior design and styling reflecting the German automaker's famed design philosophy. Inside, the dual-tone black-grey cabin theme looks premium, while features like ambient lighting, auto headlamps and paddle shifters amp up the style quotient. The leatherette seats also feel plush to the touch and easy to maintain.
The Volkswagen Taigun faces strong competition in the SUV segment from models like the Hyundai Creta, Toyota Hyryder, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. The Creta has proven to be a popular choice among buyers thanks to its comfortable ride quality and extensive feature list. The newly launched Hyryder and Grand Vitara are formidable rivals, offering the latest hybrid powertrain technology for improved fuel efficiency. However, the Taigun still makes a compelling case in this segment.
Dimensions and Capacity: The Taigun is slightly shorter and narrower than the Creta. The Taigun has a length of 4,221mm, a width of 1,760mm and a height of 1,612mm. The Creta measures 4,300mm in length and 1,790mm in width and stands 1,635mm tall. The Taigun offers 385 litres, while the Creta offers 433 litres of boot space volume. So, the Creta has a slightly more spacious boot.
Engine and Transmission Options: The Taigun has two turbo-petrol engine options - a 1.0L TSI and 1.5L TSI motor churning out 115PS and 150PS, respectively. The Creta has three engine options - a 1.5L petrol, a 1.4L turbo-petrol and a 1.5L diesel motor. The 1.5L petrol and 1.5L diesel engines in the Creta produce around 115BHP, while the 1.4L turbo-petrol engine produces around 140BHP.
Features and Safety: Both SUVs have features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen system, connected car technology, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, ambient lighting, etc. Safety techs like 6-airbags, ESC, hill-hold control, rear parking sensors and cameras are common. The Creta, though, gets added safety with options like an electronic parking brake, vehicle stability management, etc, which the Taigun misses out on.
Dimensions and Capacity: The Taigun is more compact at 4,221mm long, 1,760mm wide, and 1,612mm tall with a 2,651mm wheelbase. The Grand Vitara is larger at 4,345mm long, 1,795mm wide, and 1,645mm tall with a 2,600mm wheelbase. The Taigun has a boot space capacity of 385 litres, while the Grand Vitara has a larger boot space of 328 litres (in hybrid trim).
Styling and Design: The Taigun follows Volkswagen's clean and understated design philosophy with a premium feel. The Grand Vitara has a more muscular, SUV-inspired design in line with Maruti's recent models.
Interior and Features: Both SUVs have premium interiors with features like a large touchscreen infotainment system, connected car tech, sunroof, etc. The Taigun's cabin may feel plusher and more premium in higher trims compared to the Grand Vitara.
Engine and Transmission: The Taigun is powered by 115hp 1.0L and 150hp 1.5L turbo-petrol engines mated to 6-speed manuals/automatics. The Grand Vitara offers a 103hp 1.5L mild-hybrid petrol engine or a 116hp 1.5L strong hybrid petrol unit with a CVT gearbox. The hybrid is more fuel efficient.
Powertrain Options: Hyryder advances by offering India's first SUV hybrid trim, achieving a whopping mileage of close to 28kmpl over conventional engine-gearbox options in the Taigun lineup.
Cabin Practicality: Despite a similar footprint and wheelbase, Hyryder prioritises usable knee room for rear occupants through clever packaging over the stylish tapering rear in Taigun, eating into headroom.
Safety Features: The Volkswagen Taigun has 6 airbags (dual front, side, and curtain), electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and ISOFIX child seat anchors as standard across variants. The Toyota Hyryder also features 6 airbags, including dual front, side, and curtain airbags.
Brand Equity: Toyota and Volkswagen both make safe, reliable cars. Toyota has been around India longer, but VW has not been a newcomer. They take different approaches but aim for the same result - to build quality vehicles you can count on. You can't go wrong with either brand if safety and dependability matter most.
What is the seating capacity and layout of the VW Taigun?
What engine options are provided on the Taigun? What power do they produce?
Does the Taigun get a sunroof?
What fuel economy can I expect from the 1.0L Taigun?
Does the Taigun get ambient cabin lighting?