It is absolutely no news that the Volkswagen Taigun is positioned within the fiercely contested mid-size SUV market. This particular German product brings its robust engineering prowess, like the powertrain, running gear, and cabin comfort for buyers who prefer a sense of distinctive chic as their daily drive. The variant we drove had the 1.0-litre TSI engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which aims at buyers who seek efficiency and spirited performance.
Boldly Defined
Looks wise the Taigun is distinctly Volkswagen. It has a muscular elevated bonnet, LED headlamps with DRLs, and Infinity LED tail lamps. The chrome step grille anchors its front design without being too gaudy. Deliciously conservative in approach, the Taigun is a handsome brute.
The crisp clean lines define how designers do not want to overdraw its appeal. The roof rails add to its adventurous intentions.
Turbocharged Efficiency
The core strength of the Taigun lies in its well-engineered powertrain. The 1.0-litre Turbocharged Stratified Injection (TSI) three-cylinder unit generates 113 bhp of maximum power between 5,000-5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 178 Nm from as low as 1,750 rpm. Such tractable torque characteristics enhance urban drivability, ensuring responsive acceleration in city traffic and confident highway overtaking. The bigger 1.5-litre 148 bhp GT version is for a later discussion when we’ve tested it.
The 6-speed automatic transmission delivers shifts that are quick enough to be unobtrusive, but demonstrates thoughtful calibration aimed at balancing fuel efficiency and driving dynamics. The transmission does struggle at very low speeds where the turbo-lag bogs it down, but after the lag it does pick itself up with aplomb.
Customers may pick a manual 6-speed if they wish to, however the AT is still the better pick here. The AT makes life easy, is efficient, and comes with paddle shifters and a tiptronic to give you some control. With an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 18.15 kmpl, the Taigun will return a comfortable 13-14 kmpl under mixed use.
Balanced Chassis For Agile Dynamics
The steering feedback, the chassis and the suspension setup are just sublime, in fact the best feature of the Taigun. The electromechanical steering is responsive and weighs well as the speed builds-up. Polo customers will appreciate the steering response very much indeed. Courtesy of its McPherson suspension with a stabiliser bar up front and a twist-beam axle at the rear, the handling is just right for city and highway use. It is able to absorb road imperfections comfortably while maintaining composure during spirited cornering. But it does get uncomfortable at really bad patches, you can hear it inside as well.
It rides confidently on these cool looking 17-inch 'Cassino' alloy wheels wearing 205/55 rubber, providing adequate grip and enhancing road presence. With 188 mm ground clearance, the Taigun easily handles varied road conditions, striking an ideal balance between urban comfort and the very occasional off-road capability.
The Taigun’s safety credentials are underscored by a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating. Volkswagen has loaded the Topline variant with a suite of safety technologies, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Hold Control, Multi-collision brakes, and an airbag system comprising front, side, and curtain airbags.
Premium Interior Touches For Enhanced Appeal
More than just a cabin full of features, Volkswagen customers demand superior fit and finish, which we are happy to report the Taigun delivers in spades. It presents dual-tone premium interiors featuring leather inserts and ventilated front seats, which significantly elevate cabin comfort whilst you sit in that jam. The ambient lighting complements the premium feel, adding a sophisticated yet sporty flair.
Practicality is not overlooked, with a spacious 385-litre boot that expands to 1,405 litres when the rear seats are folded. However, the boot lip is high and fat. In the case of heavy bags, you will struggle a bit, and wonder what happened to all the engineering there.
Other than that, the vehicle features an ergonomic layout for the driver. The flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel provides easy control over entertainment, calls, and vehicle information.
Intuitive & Smart Technology
The Taigun gets an 8-inch digital cockpit offering clear and detailed information right in the driver's line of sight. You may choose from different layouts which are very legible indeed. Futuristic as they may be, you will miss the classic two-dial layout which felt much more sporty and classy at the same time. Complementing this is the 10-inch VW Play touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless mobile charging, wireless App Connect, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
Smart touches include the Climatronic auto air conditioning system with pollen control, a cooled glove box, and intuitive automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers, all very welcome convenience features. Yet, the auto up/down is now gone on the three passenger windows. This was a feature that separated VWs from the other OEMs, offering these crucial elements at places people might ignore, but alas corners are being cut.
Practical for daily use, enjoyable to drive, and packed with premium features, it stands as a strong contender for buyers prioritising refined driving dynamics. Although the segment is full of contenders offering the same proposition, most with Level-2 ADAS features, and some with way more efficient hybrid powertrains. Now Volkswagen India may think that their attention is on passive safety rather than active safety features, and that these features will be offered when the regulations demand.
But other OEMs are already edging ahead, and passive safety is a hard sell at dealerships. We rant because the Taigun is an absolutely brilliant SUV that genuinely feels like a car to drive. The brand is still plagued by expensive spares, and misadventures at the dealerships. VW still needs to work hard.
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