Volkswagen Taigun To Enter Production On August 18

It will be the newest entrant in the highly competitive compact SUV segment in India

• The Taigun was confirmed for India in early-2020 and showcased at Auto Expo 2020.

• It is closely related to the Skoda Kushaq in terms of the MQB-A0 IN platform, engines, and feature set.

• Its exterior will be very different from the Kushaq; minor differences expected to the interior design as well. 

• The Taigun is expected to launch soon after production starts with deliveries likely to begin in September.

• It will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, and Nissan Kicks.

The Volkswagen Taigun that was revealed in a near-ready avatar at Auto Expo 2020 will finally begin production on August 18, 2021. It will be the German moniker’s entrant in India’s compact SUV segment.

The Taigun is based on the VW Group’s localised MQB-A0 IN platform, same as the Skoda Kushaq, and will spawn multiple upcoming compact models for Volkswagen and Skoda in India. Volkswagen’s compact SUV offers the same powertrain options and features as the Kushaq but wears an entirely different top-hat for visual distinction.

Also read: Volkswagen Taigun: First Look

It will feature a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated front seats, connected car technology, and an electric sunroof. While the preview model had a digital instrument cluster, it is unclear if it will make it to production for the India-spec model. The climate controls are touch-based like that of the Kushaq but the touchscreen display isn’t free-standing, rather it’s housed inside the Taigun’s dashboard design. Its safety equipment list will include up to six airbags, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera.

The Taigun will be available with two turbo-petrol engines: 1-litre TSI (115PS/175Nm) and 1.5-litre TSI EVO (150PS/250Nm). Both are likely to be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission and their own automatic options -- 6-speed torque converter for the 1-litre TSI and 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch auto) for the 1.5-litre TSI EVO. The larger and more powerful engine also features active cylinder technology which can shut off two of the four cylinders under low stress (such as highway cruising) to increase efficiency.

Select Volkswagen dealerships have been accepting unofficial bookings since May for a token amount of Rs 10,000. The Taigun is expected to be priced from Rs 9 lakh to Rs 17.5 lakh (ex-showroom) and launch by the end of August. It will rival the likes of the Skoda Kushaq, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Nissan Kicks.