Production-spec Volkswagen Taigun unveiled, India-spec Tiguan facelift revealed
Volkswagen has unveiled the production version of the Volkswagen Taigun. The Taigun is Volkswagen's derivative of the Skoda Kushaq, and is based on the same heavily localized MQB-A0-IN architecture. The Taigun will launch in India after the Kushaq at the start of the festive season of 2021, around August-September 2021. Prices of the Volkswagen Taigun should mirror that of the Kushaq and range between Rs 10 to 16 lakh.
The Volkswagen Taigun will 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. With a six-speed manual, the six-speed torque converter from the Vento will also be available. Also, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol that makes 150PS/250 Nm and pairs with a seven-speed DCT will be offered on higher trims. The larger engine will get a six-speed manual as well.
The production-spec Volkswagen Taigun looks nearly identical to the concept shown at the 2020 Auto Expo, the only changes being the slightly simplified wheel design and the more prominent cladding on the production car. A top-spec GT variant, as seen on the Polo will be available. We expect this to come with the 1.5-litre turbo and 7-speed DSG option. This version will also sport red brake callipers, among other exterior enhancements. Also, unlike the Kushaq, the Taigun will get a digital instrument cluster as seen on cars like the T-Roc. The Taigun carries over the segment-leading 2,651mm wheelbase. Dimensionally, the Volkswagen should match the Kushaq very closely.
The features list is very similar to the Skoda Kushaq. Notable additions are Matrix 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 are 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 are six airbags, TPMS, hill-hold function, rear parking camera, front parking sensors and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
Alongside the Taigun, Volkswagen has also confirmed the revamp of its entire SUV portfolio in the country. The fourth new SUV in the line-up has been confirmed to be the facelifted Volkswagen Tiguan five-seater, which will launch in India in the next few months. It will come with the 190PS/320 Nm 2.0-litre petrol as seen on numerous other Skoda-VW cars in India and also get a significantly revised fascia along with an updated interior and features list. The Tiguan is expected to be more competitively priced given it will be assembled locally.
The most immediate development for Volkswagen will be the reintroduction of both the Volkswagen T-Roc and the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace in the country. They will continue to be imported in limited numbers as CBUs under the 2,500-unit homologation clause but can be expected to see revised pricing. Finally, before a new notchback sedan replaces its entry-level offerings in 2022, Volkswagen will launch a matt-grey colour scheme on the Volkswagen Polo. This will be available on the GT TSI and come with contrasting black exterior and interior elements. It will remain mechanically unchanged from the regular Polo.
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