Exclusive: Volkswagen Taigun coming to India, to be showcased at Auto Expo 2014
Volkswagen will be bringing in the Taigun SUV to the Auto Expo 2014 in India. In October 2012, Volkswagen had showcased a compact SUV concept at the Sao Paulo Motor Show and OVERDRIVE were the first to report that its production version will be making its way to the Indian market.
The Volkswagen Taigun, not to be mistaken with the Volkswagen Tiguan, is based on the Up! platform and measures 3.86 metre in length and 1.43 metre in width. While the dimensions may not seem more than your average hatchback, the Taigun has a large 2.47-metre wheelbase, which in turn will translate to a reasonably adequate cabin space.
The Volkwagen Taigun in India will most likely be powered by the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder TSI petrol engine. It may be either mated to a 6-speed manual and/or the DSG automatic. Internationally, the SUV doesn't have a diesel option yet, but expect Volkswagen to incorporate a diesel engine to meet the Indian market demand.
The Taigun was unveiled in Brazil with a 3-cylinder turbocharged one-litre petrol engine mated to a 6-speed manual. This particular motor makes an impressive 110PS of power and 175Nm of torque. Claimed 0-100kmph time for the 985kg Taigun is 9.2 second, while top speed is an impressive 185kmph. With the use of a turbocharger and direct injection, the Taigun 1.0TSI claims a fuel efficiency of 21kmpl. The Taigun will be offered as a 2-wheel drive SUV for India we presume, but we'd highly appreciate seeing a 4WD variant as well.
On the styling front, the Taigun looks faintly similar to the Tiguan and Touareg though it has a much nicer stance and the exterior colours give it a bright youthful and cheery visual. The Taigun blends with the Volkswagen SUV family lineage and has rugged side panels, roof rails and underbody protection. The concept car showcased at the Brazil show had 17-inch alloys and LED lights on the roof rails, but production spec will see these removed.
What the Taigun definitely will offer is the high driving position of an SUV and proper spacious seating capacity for five occupants. Boot space is pegged at 280 litre, which further increases to 987 litre with the rear seats down. For easier loading, the Taigun gets a split tail gate.
The Taigun concept showcased in Brazil had simple yet futuristic interiors. The aircon vents for example had individual temperature displayed inside the nozzle and one could adjust them for air and blower speed. The infotainment system was ready to be paired with a wide variety of smartphones. However, in the interest of keeping the price competitive, Volkswagen India may only offers some of the features on certain trims.
What we expect as default is the superior build quality, fit and finish seen in cars such as the Polo and the Vento. Volkswagen will nonetheless have to ensure reliability is top notch as they have faced problems in the past.
The Volkswagen Taigun as and when it goes on sale in India will compete with the highly successful Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster as well as forthcoming SUVs from Maruti and the Honda Brio based SUV which we had mentioned about some months ago. It may be noted that while the Ford offers a turbo petrol, Renault has one waiting in the wings. The Auto Expo 2014 certainly offers a lot to look forward to.
Volkswagen is also actively considering the Tiguan SUV for India. It will however slot in a higher category. Dealers have been informed about this product and staff training is underway.
Click here for the complete image gallery of Volkswagen Taigun Concept