Volkswagen Taigun

The Volkswagen Taigun has always been a looker and exudes a sophisticated charm. Its design philosophy seems to strike a healthy balance between boldness and elegance. While the absence of the GT badges subtly distinguishes this version from the 1.5-litre sibling, the vehicle doesn’t shy away from showcasing its lineage through the lavish use of chrome on the exterior. This includes the imposing front grille that stands as a testament to Volkswagen’s attention to detail, the door handles as well as the rear bumper. The LED headlights, apart from their utilitarian value, also add a modern flair to the vehicle’s face. Complementing the overall aesthetics are the 17-inch alloy wheels, which not only give the SUV a robust appearance but are also meticulously crafted to reflect the brand's legacy of precision and style.

The interiors of the Taigun resonate with a sense of luxury as well as tech. Stepping inside, one is greeted with a spacious and plush environment, something you expect from the brand. The top of the line variant, in particular, boasts an array of state-of-the-art features. The sunroof (though not panoramic) apart from amplifying the cabin’s airy feel also adds a touch of elegance to the car. Tech enthusiasts would particularly admire the 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, which ensures that entertainment and navigation are always at the fingertips. Its compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ensures seamless connectivity, while the wireless charging feature ensures that the devices are always powered up. There’s no shortage of type C charging ports either.

The 8-inch digital instrument cluster, with its crisp graphics and intuitive interface, provides all the essential information to the driver in a sleek and modern format. And for those seeking utmost comfort, the leatherette seats with cooling functions ensure that both short commutes and long drives are equally enjoyable. It’s only fair to say that every detail inside the Taigun reflects Volkswagen’s commitment to combining functionality with luxury.

Volkswagen has ensured that safety remains paramount in the Taigun. Standard equipment includes ABS with EBD, ESC Brake Assist, Multi-collision brakes, Anti-slip regulation, and dual front airbags. The top-tier variant steps up the safety game with additions like front side airbags, rear curtain airbags, hill start assist, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Although it misses out on features like an air purifier and a 360-degree camera, which are present on some other cars in the segment.

The heart of Volkswagen Taigun 1-litre course is its engine, which according to the brand is designed to redefine performance in its segment. With a commendable 114 bhp, this motor ensures that the vehicle responds with agility and power, even under challenging conditions. While peak power may be 34 bhp less than the 1.5-litre model, the enthusiasm in performance remains undeterred. The Taigun 1-litre’s real prowess emerges between the 2000-4500 rpm range, though it may lack the initial thrust that some enthusiasts crave for. The 6-speed manual gearbox is a testament to Volkswagen’s engineering finesse – offering crisp shifts with short throws and a light clutch, something the urban commuter would like. Marrying power with efficiency, the engine also boasts an impressive fuel economy figure of 18.10 kmpl, further solidifying its position as a preferred choice for those who seek the best of both worlds.

Behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Taigun, drivers will find an acceptable combination of comfort and control. The vehicle has a light steering, which ensures that maneuvering through bustling city streets or even cruising on open highways is not a difficult task. While a hint of body roll might be noticeable, it’s a trade-off for the softer dampers that provide a ride quality that is more suited to Indian road conditions. Every bump and imperfection on the road is absorbed in way that ensures the passengers experience a smooth journey throughout. Even at high speeds, the vehicle remains equally stable and responsive, something that suits its character rather nicely.

In the highly competitive world of compact SUVs, pricing plays a pivotal role in determining a vehicle’s success. The Volkswagen Taigun 1-litre begins at an assertive Rs. 10.50 lakh, stretching up to Rs. 15.91 lakh, ex-showroom for its highest trim. This price bracket positions it slightly above contemporaries like the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. When compared to the Skoda Kushaq, the Taigun’s top variants command a slight premium, but it’s crucial to factor in the unique features and technology that Volkswagen brings to the table. While some might argue for a more aggressive pricing strategy, given the car’s high degree of localization, it still is a comprehensive package of performance, luxury, and German engineering, making it a worthy contender in its segment.

Deciding on a variant is often as challenging as selecting the car itself. With the Volkswagen Taigun 1-litre, the decision hinges on a balance between feature offerings and budget considerations. The top trim stands out as a potential favorite for many, especially with its sunroof, 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging, and the digital instrument cluster. The leatherette seats with a cooling function, exclusive to this variant, also add a touch of luxury that discerning buyers might find hard to resist. Moreover, it boasts superior safety features, making it an attractive choice for those prioritizing both comfort and security. In essence, while the top variant is undoubtedly feature-rich, the final choice of course depends on individual preferences and needs of the buyer.

The compact SUV market in India is a fierce battleground, with several brands vying for supremacy. The Volkswagen Taigun enters this arena with a strong German pedigree, but it faces stiff competition from established players like the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta. Both these contenders have garnered a significant market share owing to their comprehensive feature list, competitive pricing, and strong brand presence. Furthermore, the Skoda Kushaq emerges as an in-family rival, sharing many underpinnings with the Taigun. While their pricing is almost neck-to-neck, subtle differences in feature offerings and brand positioning might sway buyers in one direction or the other. The Taigun, with its generous blend of performance and luxury, aims to carve a niche for itself in this crowded segment. But its success will hinge on how well it can differentiate itself from the rest and meet the evolving demands of the Indian consumer.

Also, check out our in-depth Review: Volkswagen Taigun 1-litre Review