The mid-sized SUV segment is gaining popularity among Indian buyers, thanks to huge success of Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Skoda has also entered in this segment with its most important product, the Skoda Kushaq. This segment will soon witness the arrival of Volkswagen and MG Motors. While Volkswagen will launch the Taigun mid-sized SUV, MG will introduce the ZS Petrol.
Volkswagen Taigun
The long-awaited VW Taigun is expected to be launched in the Indian market in August 2021. The SUV is based on the VW Group’s locally developed MQB AO IN platform, which also underpins the Skoda Kushaq. The new VW Taigun will have over 95% of localisation levels, and is expected to be priced competitively in the market.
The new Taigun will be offered with two engine options – a 1.0L 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol. While the former is good for 113bhp of power and 175Nm of torque, the 1.5L engine produces 147bhp and 250Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual as standard, a 6AT with 1.0L petrol, and a 7-speed DSG with 1.5L petrol.
MG Astor
MG Motors has officially announced that the ZS Petrol SUV will arrive in our market before the end of this financial year, most probably around Diwali 2021. The new SUV is rumoured to be called the MG Astor. First showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo, the MG ZS petrol will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Skoda Kushaq.
The MG Astor is expected to be offered in petrol version only. The SUV is expected to come in two engine options – a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol and a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol. While the naturally-aspirated petrol engine will produce around 120bhp and 150Nm of torque, the turbocharged engine is capable of producing 163bhp of power and 230Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic gearbox options are likely to be on offer.
