Volkswagen unveils 2021 Taigun compact SUV in India

Leading German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen has unveiled the Taigun compact sports utility vehicle in India. The car is similar to the China-specific T-Cross. The ‘Taigun’ brand was first named by the company in 2014.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars India director Steffen Knapp, while revealing the Taigun, said that the company is showcasing its clear intention for the Indian market. Its range of SUVs, over the next two years, would cover all customer segments. The launch of these cars, he said, will mark a new era for the brand.

The Taigun is underpinned by the Modularer Querbaukasten (MQB) A0-IN platform which Volkswagen has localized for the Indian market. The production-specific Taigun will be hauled by a new, locally manufactured, turbocharged, 1.2-litre engine which will produce 115 PS maximum power and 200 Nm peak torque. The engine will be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, while a 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) will be available as an option.

Safety features of the Volkswagen Taigun will comprise the antilock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and up to six airbags.

Volkswagen has already announced its plans to discontinue diesel motors in the BS-VI era which sets in from 1 April. The Taigun won’t be available with a diesel engine option. Volkswagen India is reportedly working to introduce a compressed natural gas (CNG) version of the Taigun when the car is commercially rolled out early next year.

Volkswagen Taigun will compete with the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and the upcoming Skoda compact SUV in the Indian market. It is expected to command an entry-level price of ₹10 lakh (approximately AED 51,600).

Volkswagen and Skoda have plans to reach five 5 percent joint market share in India in the coming years. The former, globally, plans to introduce 30 all-electric cars by 2022.

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