Production-spec Volkswagen Taigun India reveal soon: What to expect?
Volkswagen India will reveal the production-version of the Volkswagen Taigun SUV in India in the next few days. The Taigun is the second product to come from the Skoda-Volkswagen India 2.0 strategy, following the recently revealed Skoda Kushaq. With both SUVs being based on the localized MQB-A0-IN architecture and having been co-developed, a fair assumption can be made of the Volkswagen Taigun's specifications and features.
The Volkswagen Taigun will most likely offer the same powertrain options as the Kushaq. These are the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 110PS and 175 Nm, which should be offered in the low to mid-spec versions of this new SUV. Aside from a six-speed manual, the six-speed torque converter from the Vento should also be available. Also, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol that debuted in the CBU Karoq and T-Roc is expected too. This 150PS/250 Nm motor will pair with a seven-speed DCT and be offered on higher trims.
The features list is also expected to be closely related to the Skoda Kushaq. Notable additions should be LED exterior lighting, Volkswagen's version of the new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto/Apple Carplay, Type-C USB charging, connected-car features, a single-pane sunroof, climate control, ventilated front seats, up to 17-inch alloy wheels and large amounts of interior storage. Safety features should be the same between the two SUVs with the Taigun also being one of the first mainstream cars to offer ESC as standard. Other than this, there should be six airbags, TPMS, hill-hold function, rear parking camera, front parking sensors and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
Dimensionally, we expect the Taigun to be within a few digits of the 4,221 mm length, 1,760 mm width and 1,612 mm height of the Kushaq. The Skoda's segment-leading 2,651mm wheelbase should be carried over here too, as should the 385-litre boot space. The big differentiator between the two SUVs will be the styling and interior ambience. As with the Kushaq, the production-spec Volkswagen Taigun is expected to largely stay true to the concept with the typical VW squared-off design theme carried over. Similarly on the inside, much of the switchgear may be shared between the two SUVs, but the VW should get its unique dash design and interior colour scheme.
The Volkswagen Taigun should be priced very closely to the Skoda Kushaq as well, between RS 10 to 16 lakh ex-showroom, although the Skoda is expected to come to market first. Both SUVs will go up against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Safari and MG Hector.