No Brainer: Volkswagen Taigun
The Volkswagen brand has built quite a reputation in the Indian market as a maker of cars that are always well-built, adhere to some of the highest safety standards and are imbibed with a dynamic edge. So far, however, an offering that brings all of these qualities into a more attainable SUV package has been missing. That changes with the new Volkswagen Taigun, which is set to making owning a Volkswagen even more of a no-brainer than before.
To start with, the Volkswagen Taigun has been designed keeping in mind the very specific needs of Indian buyers, and is built in India to Volkswagen's stringent global standards. And if the advantages of this India 2.0 strategy aren't clear enough, the Taigun is quite the looker. It's got the same crisp yet modern design language that endears Volkswagens to a more evolved buyer. The tasteful lines are matched with some striking details like the powerful LED lighting, sporty grille and bumpers and the sharp 17-inch alloy wheels. While at the rear, the striking full-width LED tail lamps make the Taigun unmissable in a crowd. Accentuating this is a vibrant palette of colours, all of which work to make a striking first impression.
Quality interiors
Reach for the doors, and the superior build quality that is expected of any Volkswagen is immediately clear. They open and shut with a reassuring thunk while on the inside you'll find one of the more spacious cabins in this class of SUV, as the segment-leading 2,651mm wheelbase suggests. The India-spec MQB-A0-IN architecture has been optimized for cabin space, and this has worked. Aside from the wheelbase, the Taigun offers massive amounts of legroom and headroom. So for driver's, there is a great view of the road up ahead and enhanced driving comfort while rear passengers will appreciate the space on offer, a boon over longer family outings. This impression is further enhanced when you find that the premium materials are durable and have a typically Germanic level of precision to their finish that is hard to find in most SUVs in this segment.
The aesthetics of the Taigun's cabin do a great job of highlighting the SUV's quality and performance credentials, in a smart and youthful manner. The dual-tone colours with sporty red highlights from the ambient lighting and contrasting seat stitching bring a plush yet purposeful ambience. Topping this is the vast array of features you can have on the Volkswagen Taigun, highlights of which are the segment-largest 8-inch digital instrument cluster as well as the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Android Auto/Apple Carplay. There's also ventilated seats, a sunroof and many other smart features like powered mirrors, keyless entry and wireless charging.
Sharp moves
Volkswagen's GT cars have achieved legendary stature in India with the performance and dynamic ability they bring with them, and the Taigun is set to build on this legacy. The SUV is available in two GT variants at launch, so now there's more choice than ever for enthusiasts. Both come powered by the potent 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine with 150PS and 250 Nm. The TSI engine technology is the standard in India for car lovers for performance, excitement and efficiency, and that continues here too. The proposition is now enhanced with the addition of the segment-first cylinder deactivation technology, that works seamlessly while cruising to improve fuel consumption and reduce emissions. Pairing with this is Volkswagen's proven 7-speed DSG gearbox with paddle shifters. The Volkswagen Group has pioneered this technology, creating a gearbox that is engaging and intelligent, yet smooth enough for uninterrupted progress in most driving scenarios. And if all-out performance isn't up your street, the 1.0-litre TSI will also be offered with its efficiency, smoothness and sizable performance. As always, the impressive dynamics of the MQB platform will ensure that the Taigun will be a sharp handler when you want it to be or a quiet, refined premium SUV when you don't.
Safety NetAnd while you enjoy all of these attributes of the Volkswagen Tiguan, a suite of safety systems will keep you secure. The Taigun is one of the first cars in India to come with ESC as standard. This is complemented by up to 6 airbags, multi-collision brakes, hill-hold control and ISOFIX seat mounts, with the added assurance of a superior structure always present.
Volkswagen assurance
The Volkswagen Taigun has launched in India and will be offered through an ever-expanding network of Volkswagen dealerships. Volkswagen has upped its service and customer engagement standards with more digitisation and transparency in preparation for this launch and owning the Taigun should be as exhilarating as driving one.
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