Volkswagen Taigun SUV reveal set for March 31

KUALA LUMPUR: Days after Skoda Kushaq's world premiere, Volkswagen is all set to unveil the Taigun crossover in the Indian market. The two models are said to be a part of Volkswagen AG’s India 2.0 project and thus share the same engine, platform, and several key features. These will be facing off against the popular Korean stalwarts - Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.

Showcased as a concept model at the 2020 Auto Expo, the Taigun’s styling is identical to the VW T-Cross available in the Chinese market. Upfront, it features a VW slatted grille with chrome trimming above the lower air-dam that runs across the width encompassing the fog lights. It gets LED headlights with integrated LED DRLs, sculpted bonnet, and black plastic cladding. The most striking element at the back is connected LED tail lights that give the SUV a premium look. 

Inside, Volkswagen has blessed the SUV with all modern tech, including a digital instrument console, connected car system, a large touchscreen infotainment unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, cruise control, ventilated front seats, and wireless phone charging. Design-wise, the Taigun gets VW’s new steering wheel with the updated logo. The dash layout looks simple with all the controls mounted at the appropriate places. 

Before debut, Volkswagen has confirmed that the production-ready version of the Taigun SUV will be offered with two different powertrain options. First is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI turbo petrol unit churning out a maximum power of 115 PS and a peak torque of 175 Nm, while the beefier one is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI mill good for 150 PS and 250 Nm. Both motors are expected to be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. However, the former will come with a six-speed torque converter while the latter will be available with a more sophisticated seven-speed DSG.

As for safety, we can expect features like multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, parking sensors, reverse camera, electronic stability control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Volkswagen's upcoming SUV is likely to hit the Indian roads in June this year after the Skoda Kushaq launch.

Also read: 2021 Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 Sportline revealed