2021 Volkswagen Taigun launched at Rs 10.49 lakh

The wait for the Volkswagen Taigun is finally over. The VW Taigun is based on the heavily localised MQB-A0-IN platform developed under the India 2.0 project and comes with two engine options to choose from. The 1-litre TSI and the 1.5-litre TSI engine, with both engines getting the option of an automatic. But there’s more to this car than just a powerful engine, with great styling and plenty of features. Prices for the 1.0 TSI start at Rs 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom) while prices of the 1.5 TSI start at Rs 14.99 lakh, sitting more or less on par with the Skoda Kushaq in terms of price.

We have reviewed the Volkswagen Taigun, you can read the full review here!

Volkswagen Taigun exterior

From the front, The VW Taigun looks very similar to the Tiguan (albeit much smaller) and gets a chrome front grille that blends into the LED headlamps with integrated DRLs. You will also notice the new VW brand logo on the front. From the side, there are strong creases that are typical of VW’s design language, along with 17-inch alloys wheels on higher-spec variants. From the rear, the VW looks like nothing else in this segment with a full-width light bar. The faux diffuser and spoiler do add a nice stance to the Taigun. The VW Taigun has five colours to choose from. It comes in Wild Cherry Red, Curcuma Yellow, Candy White, Reflex Silver and Carbon Steel Grey.

Volkswagen Taigun interiors
On the inside, the WV Taigun gets a multi-function steering wheel, again featuring the new VW roundel. Behind the steering wheel, you get an 8-inch digital cockpit display that shows all the information a driver might need, but this is exclusive to the GT Plus and Topline variant. The 10-inch infotainment screen comes equipped with wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity and the ability to host native apps like the music streaming app like Gaana. The VW Taigun also gets ventilated seats and an electric sunroof, though this is not a panoramic sunroof that rivals like the Creta get.
The seats on the Taigun gets dual-tone colours which complement the red ambient lighting. The seats get leatherette upholstery with red stitching which again, goes with the red theme around. Boot space is at 385 litres which can be expanded to 1405 litres if we fold down the 60:40 split rear seats. In terms of safety, The Taigun gets up to six airbags, ESC as standard and a whole suite of electronic safety features.

Volkswagen Taigun powertrains

The Taigun comes with two engine options and each one comes with the option of both manual and automatic. The 1-litre TSI three-cylinder engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic option. Power comes at a toasty 113bhp and a max torque of 178Nm. On the other hand, the 1.5-litre TSI Evo four-cylinder engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG. The power output is at 148bhp with a max torque of 250Nm. The 1-litre engine is heavily localised which is why the cars are much more affordable. Meanwhile, the 1.5 TSI gets great tech like the cylinder deactivation, which allows it to shut off two cylinders under low loads.

Variant breakup
The Volkswagen Taigun gets three variants under the Dynamic Line, which is exclusively powered by the 1-litre TSI engine. The variants are divided into the Comfortline, Highline and the Topline. The Comfortline is the entry point in to the range and gets a fair bit of features including a 7-inch touchscreen, and runs on 16-inch steel wheels. Worth noting is the fact that it is only available as a manual. The Highline adds the 10-inch infotainment screen, wireless app connect, wireless mobile charging and smart touch ‘Climatronic’ Auto AC to the equipment list. Meanwhile, the fully loaded Topline gets ventilated front seats with leather inserts, 8-inch TFT digital cockpit, six airbags and tyre pressure deflation warning system. Both the Highline and Topline can be had with the option of an automatic.

Meanwhile, the Performance line is powered by the 1.5 TSI and gets two variants: the GT and the GT Plus. The GT is a more affordable variant with the 1.5 engine, getting features like GT-specific styling cues, front fog lamps and a reversing parking camera but missing out on a sunroof, virtual cockpit, ventilated seats and 17-inch wheels. The GT Plus is fully loaded and can also be optioned with the DSG.

Volkswagen Taigun rivals and prices

The Taigun is set to rival the Skoda Kushaq, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster, lower variants of the Tata Harrier and will take on the upcoming MG Astor as well. Prices of the Volkswagen Taigun are as follows:

Dynamic Line 1-litre TSI

Confortline- ₹ 10.49 lakh

Highline (Manual)- ₹12.79 lakh

Highline (Automatic)- ₹14.09 lakh

Topline (Manual)- ₹14.56 lakh

Topline (Automatic)- ₹15.90 lakh

Performance Line 1.5-litre TSI

GT (manual)- ₹14.99 lakh

GT Plus (DSG)- ₹17.49 lakh

The Volkswagen Taigun sits right at par with rivals like the Kushaq, Creta and Seltos. The 1.0 TSI pricing is on par with the Kushaq's pricing, while the 1.5 manual is much more affordable courtesy the GT variant that misses out on some equipment.