The long-awaited Volkswagen Taigun mid-sized SUV has entered its final stages of testing. A production-ready version of the SUV has been spotted testing on the outskirts of Mumbai. The new model is scheduled to be launched in the third quarter of 2021, which is July to September. Previous reports suggest that the new VW Taigun will be launched in August 2021; however, Volkswagen is yet to make an official announcement.
The Volkswagen Taigun is the second SUV based on the VW Group’s locally developed MQB AO IN platform. The soon-to-be-launched Skoda Kushaq will be the first model based on this architecture. Both SUVs will share a lot of features and body panels; however, VW Taigun comes with differently styled front and rear fascia.
The styling of the Volkswagen Taigun is inspired by the brand’s global SUVs including the T-ROC and the Tiguan. The SUV comes with a single-piece headlights, two-slat chrome grille and chrome insert on the lower bumper. At the back, the Taigun gets wrap-around tail-lamp connected by a full width light bar, and chrome accents on the bumper.
The interior also shares some similarities with the Kushaq; however, designers have made enough changes to keep things fresh. The SUV shares the dashboard with the Kushaq; however, the AC vents design has been altered. While the Kushaq gets free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, the Taigun’s infotainment unit is incorporated into the central console.
In terms of features, the VW Taigun will get a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the My VW Connect App for connected car features. Other features include Volkswagen’s virtual cockpit, automatic climate control, wireless charging pad, electric sunroof, etc. The SUV will get six airbags, ESC, tyre pressure monitoring system, ABS with EBD and others as safety features.
VW Group has claimed to achieve over 95% localisation levels with the new Kushaq and the Taigun. In fact, a VW dealer claims that the Taigun will cost around Rs 10 lakh to Rs 17 lakh. It will rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the upcoming MG Astor.
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.
Source – autocarindia
