The 2021 Volkswagen Taigun SUV has made its world premiere today, giving the world its first look at Volkswagen’s brand-new midsize SUV for the Indian market. It was previewed in concept form as at the Volkswagen Group Night in Delhi last year, and is the group’s second model to roll out under VW’s ambitious India 2.0 plan after the Skoda Kushaq. Underpinning the Volkswagen Taigun is a tailored-for-India platform, and the midsize SUV is set to go up against formidable rivals such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos when it is launched in the coming months.
Volkswagen Taigun images confirm the production-spec SUV remains largely identical to the concept showcased in 2020. It retains almost all of the design and styling cues of the concept, with the only changes being the addition of chrome strips for the door handles, smaller alloy wheels and the deletion of the C-pillar decals. Other notable design elements include black trim-encased tail-lights (which accentuate the width of the Taigun), faux front and rear skid plates, heavy body cladding, prominent roof rails and chunky alloy wheels.
The Taigun is based on Volkswagen AG’s customised-for-India MQB A0 IN platform, which is designed to accommodate up to 95 percent local content and will also form the base for the Taigun, as well as Skoda and Volkswagen’s new sedans, which are due at the end of this year. The Volkswagen Taigun has a wheelbase of 2,651mm, which is 41mm longer than that of the king of India’s midsize SUV space, the Hyundai Creta.
Taking centre stage on the Volkswagen Taigun’s dashboard is a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and also present are body-coloured trim elements, which liven up the interior. One major difference for the Taigun compared to the Kushaq is the presence of a digital instruments display, which is missing from the Skoda.
Top-spec Volkswagen Taigun variants will be equipped with auto climate control, height-adjustable driver’s seat, connected car tech, and safety equipment will include up to six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold control, cruise control and a tyre pressure monitor.
The Volkswagen Taigun will come with two turbo-petrol engine options – a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder unit making 110 hp, and a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder engine putting out 150 hp. A six-speed manual will be standard for both engines, but the 1.0-litre version will also be available with a six-speed torque-convertor automatic, while the 1.5-litre model will get the option of a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG). Those looking for a diesel SUV will be disappointed, because the Taigun will not be offered with a diesel engine option.
With 92 percent localisation from the get-go, the Volkswagen Taigun is expected to be launched at a competitive starting price at the start of the festive season this year. Expect Volkswagen Taigun prices to be in the range of Rs 11-17 lakh (ex-showroom) when it arrives sometime between August and September, which will give it the momentum it needs to battle established players in the segment such as the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos.
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