With a determined intent on taking the SUV segment in India by storm, Volkswagen has unveiled the ‘Made for India’ compact SUV Taigun just days before Auto Expo 2020 which starts in Greater Noida from February 7. A concept SUV for now, Taigun is a statement from Volkswagen that it is capable of developing cars for the mass market in emerging countries.
Underpinned by the new MQB A0 IN platform, Taigun has been developed specifically for India and Volkswagen claims it is more spacious and more comfortable than the T-Cross- the company’s other compact SUV for markets elsewhere.
Taigun is just one of four SUVs from Volkswagen in what is a major product offensive. The car will be powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine that has peak power rating of 113 hp and peak torque figures of 200 Nm. While a six-speed manual transmission is a certainity, the company may also bring in its seven-speed DSG auto transmission system into the car.
The prototype revealed by Volkeswagen shows Taigun with an box-shaped design philosophy with ample LED lights, chrome highlights and an LED light bar at the rear. The overall profile is simple yet purposeful.
Taigun’s interiors too will boast of a number of features and the production version could make use of an eight-inch infotainment system and premium fit and finish. Leg space on the prototype appeared adequate but the rather sleeker profile of the car from the outside means that three adults at the back could have a jostle for shoulder space.
Volkswagen is also expected to load Taigun with a number of safety features in order to not just meet Indian safety standards but sail through global crash tests. Part of the company’s India 2.0 mission, Taigun is likely to lock horns with the likes of Creta, Seltos and Hector once launched early 2021.
