Volkswagen will launch the locally developed Taigun mid-sized SUV in the country before Diwali, 2021. It will be VW’s first model in India to be based on the MQB AO IN platform, which also underpins the soon-to-be-launched Skoda Kushaq.
The Volkswagen Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq are part of Volkswagen’s India 2.0 Project, which is lead by Skoda Auto. For people not in the know, VW had showcased the pre-production version of the Taigun at the 2020 Auto Expo. The SUV shares design cues from the bigger VW SUVs including the T-ROC and the Tiguan.
The new VW Taigun is longer, wider and taller than the global-spec T-Cross. It rides on segment-largest wheelbase of 2,671mm, and will measure close to 4.3 meters. The SUV will directly rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and others in its category. The Volkswagen Taigun will be offered with two petrol engines – a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol.
The 1.0L turbo engine is expected to produce around 120bhp of power and close to 200Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. On the other hand, the 1.5L engine churns out a maximum power output of 147bhp and a peak torque of 250Nm. Power will be transmitted to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG automatic. VW could also offer the 1.5L engine with cylinder deactivation technology, which allows the motor to deactivate up to 2 cylinders by sensing the load on the engine. This will help to achieve higher fuel efficiency.
Volkswagen has already started testing of the production ready Taigun, which suggests that it will look exactly similar to the pre-production model. The SUV gets chrome highlight on the grille, chrome bar above the lower air-dam, honeycomb pattern for the grille and lower air intakes, silver skid plate, LED headlamps with LED DRLs, multi-spoke alloys, dual-tone ORVMs, single-bar LED brake lamp, roof-integrated spoiler and dual-tone bumpers.
Inside the cabin, the VW Taigun will receive an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The SUV gets an all-digital instrument console, wireless charging, automatic AC, cruise control, electrically adjustable drivers’ seat, sunroof and connected car technology.
Source – ET Auto
