Volkswagen Taigun

Last updated
Volkswagen Taigun
Volkswagen Taigun front 20230528.jpg
2022 Volkswagen Taigun GT Plus (India)
Overview
Manufacturer Volkswagen
Also called Volkswagen T-Cross
Production2021–present
AssemblyIndia: Chakan (Škoda VW India)
Body and chassis
Class Subcompact crossover SUV (B)
Body style 5-door SUV
Layout Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform Volkswagen Group MQB A0 IN
Related Škoda Kushaq
Volkswagen Polo Mk6
Volkswagen Virtus
Volkswagen Taigo/Nivus
SEAT Arona
Škoda Kamiq
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission 6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
7-speed DSG
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,651 mm (104.4 in)
Length4,221 mm (166.2 in)
Width1,760 mm (69.3 in)
Height1,612 mm (63.5 in)

The Volkswagen Taigun is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen since 2021. Manufactured in India and destined for the Indian and Mexican markets, the Taigun is based on the Volkswagen T-Cross.

Contents

The "Taigun" nameplate can be traced to 2012 when Volkswagen unveiled an unrelated smaller crossover SUV concept car with the same name. It was based on the Up city car and was planned to be mass-produced in 2016 for Europe, Brazil and India. However, the Up-based Taigun project was ultimately cancelled.

Overview

The prototype version of the T-Cross-based Taigun was showcased in Auto Expo in February 2020 and is planned on sale by mid-2021. [1] The Taigun is based on the long-wheelbase version of the T-Cross, with several differences. For example, the Taigun shares a similar front-end with the Chinese-market T-Cross, and the C-pillar is also slightly reworked. Volkswagen stated the vehicle is built on the Volkswagen Group MQB A0 IN platform dedicated to the Indian market. The platform is also shared with the Škoda Kushaq which debuted in March 2021. [2]

The production version of the Taigun was revealed on 31 March 2021. Under the VW Group's India 2.0 plan, the Taigun is made mainly for the Indian market up to 95 per cent of parts localization. [3] [4] The only visible changes made to the car compared to the 2020 prototype are the downsizing of the wheels for 19 inches to 17 inches. It is available with two petrol engine options, including a 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI engine producing 115 PS (113 hp; 85 kW) and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI unit with 150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW). [5] [6] [7] The 1.0-litre engine is available with 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic, while the 1.5-litre TSI unit is available with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch.[ citation needed ] It went on sale on 23 September 2021. [8]

The GT Edge Trail special edition was announced in November 2023 in India, featuring some "adventurous" styling changes. [9]

The car reached 100,000 sales mark (including both domestic and export) by September 2024. [10]

Markets

The Taigun is being exported from India to Indonesia as the T-Cross. It went on sale in Indonesia in February 2022 and is distributed by VW's local Indonesian importer/distributor, PT Garuda Mataram Motor. Additionally, beginning in 2022, the model is being exported from India to Mexico as the Taigun.

Powertrain

Petrol engines
ModelDisplacementPowerTorqueTransmission
1.0 TSI999 cc I3115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp)175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft)6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
1.5 TSI1,498 cc I4150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp)250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft)6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG

Safety

The Volkswagen Taigun is sold in India with a standard safety specification of two frontal airbags, i-Size approved ISOFIX anchorages, Electronic Stability Control, three-point seatbelts in all seats and post-collision braking. Higher trim levels are additionally equipped with side torso airbags and head-protecting curtains, and a tyre pressure monitor. Left-hand-drive versions of the Taigun (exported to Mexico as the T-Cross) are equipped with safety assist technologies like Autonomous Emergency Braking, which are not available in India, and they have side airbags available as standard instead of as an option.

2022 Volkswagen Taigun 'Comfortline/Highline' RHD
Global NCAP scores (H2 2022)
Adult occupant starsStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg
Adult occupant score29.64/34.00
Child occupant starsStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg
Child occupant score42.00/49.00

In October 2022 the Taigun was independently crash-tested by the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP, based on Latin NCAP 2016) at Volkswagen's expense and scored five stars for adult and child occupant protection, the first car to do so under the organisation's new assessment protocols. In the frontal offset test, protection of all body regions was good or acceptable, except for the driver's left tibia. In the side, mobile barrier and pole tests, protection of the driver's chest was rated marginal, and protection of the driver's abdomen was rated acceptable in the side pole test. The Taigun could pass minimum European regulatory requirements for electronic stability control and pedestrian protection. [11]

Concept version

Volkswagen Taigun Concept
Overview
ProductionCancelled
Body and chassis
Class Subcompact crossover SUV (B)
Body style 5-door SUV
Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive
Platform Volkswagen Group NSF
Related Volkswagen up!
Volkswagen Crossblue concept
Powertrain
Engine 1.0L I3
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,469 mm (97.2 in)
Length3,858 mm (151.9 in)
Width1,727 mm (68.0 in)
Height1,570 mm (61.8 in)

Unrelated to the 2021 Taigun, the Volkswagen Taigun nameplate debuted as a near-production concept subcompact crossover SUV. Targeting Europe, Brazil and India as its main markets, it had the potential of replacing the hatchback CrossFox, and slotting below the Tiguan compact crossover SUV, competing against mini crossover SUVs alongside the Nissan Juke, the Mini Countryman and the Suzuki SX4.

The prototype was unveiled at the 2012 São Paulo International Motor Show. [12] [13] The Taigun was planned to be unveiled by the Volkswagen Group for the model year of 2016, [14] however the plan was scrapped. [15] [16] The car was deemed too small, contrary with the market trend and was instead replaced by the Volkswagen T-Cross which went on sale in 2018.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Škoda Superb</span> A large family car that has been produced by the Czech car manufacturer Škoda Auto

The Škoda Superb is a mid-size/large family car (D-segment) that has been produced by the Czech car manufacturer Škoda Auto since 2001. The first generation of the modern Superb, produced from 2001 to 2008, was based on the VW B5 PL45+ platform. The second generation Superb used the B6 A6/PQ46 and was introduced in 2008. The third and current generation using the MQB platform entered production in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen Vento (A05)</span> Motor vehicle

The Volkswagen Vento is a subcompact car produced by the Volkswagen India and Volkswagen Russia subsidiaries of the German manufacturer Volkswagen since 2010. It is essentially a three-box Volkswagen Polo with a stretched wheelbase and has been developed especially for some markets. The car is sold under the Vento nameplate in India, Malaysia, Brunei and Mexico. In Thailand, South Africa, Argentina, Russia, Jordan, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and the Middle East, it is sold as the Volkswagen Polo Sedan. The name Vento means 'wind' in both Italian and Portuguese. It is also known as the Volkswagen Polo Notch in the Philippines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen Tiguan</span> Compact crossover SUV

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a sport utility vehicle produced by German manufacturer Volkswagen since 2007, sitting between the smaller T-Roc and the larger Touareg in the company's crossover SUV range. The first generation was based on the PQ46 platform, while the second generation, released in 2016, utilizes the Volkswagen Group MQB A2 platform. It is generally considered to be a medium-sized SUV in Europe, while in North America it is considered to be a compact crossover SUV.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen Up</span> German city car

The Volkswagen Up is a city car produced by the Volkswagen Group from 2011 to 2023. It was unveiled at the 2011 International Motor Show Germany (IAA). Production of the Up started with the model year of 2012, in December 2011 at the Volkswagen Plant in Bratislava, Slovakia. It is part of the New Small Family (NSF) series of models, alongside the SEAT Mii and Škoda Citigo which are rebadged versions of the Up, with slightly different front and rear fascias. The SEAT and Škoda versions were manufactured in the same factory, before being withdrawn from sale in 2021 and 2020 respectively. Production of the Up ended in October 2023. A battery electric version, called E-up, was launched in autumn 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Škoda Yeti</span> Motor vehicle

The Škoda Yeti is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Czech car manufacturer Škoda Auto and introduced at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, as the carmaker's first entry into the SUV market. In 2009, the Yeti was awarded Family Car of the Year by Top Gear Magazine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen Group MQB platform</span> Motor vehicle platform

The Volkswagen Group MQB platform is the company's strategy for shared modular design construction of its transverse, front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout automobiles. It was first introduced in the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 in late 2012. Volkswagen spent roughly $8bn developing this new platform and the cars employing it. The platform underpins a wide range of cars from the supermini class to the mid size SUV class. MQB allows Volkswagen to assemble any of its cars based on this platform across all of its MQB ready factories. This allows the Volkswagen group flexibility to shift production as needed between its different factories. Beginning in 2012, Volkswagen Group marketed the strategy under the code name MQB, which stands for Modularer Querbaukasten, translating from German to "Modular Transversal Toolkit" or "Modular Transverse Matrix". MQB is one strategy within VW's overall MB program which also includes the similar MLB strategy for vehicles with longitudinal engine orientation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen Polo Mk5</span> Motor vehicle

The Volkswagen Polo Mk5 is the fifth generation of the Polo, a supermini-class car manufactured by Volkswagen since 2009. The vehicle unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March 2009, while the three-door version was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009. A four-door long-wheelbase sedan version has been produced and sold outside Europe in several emerging markets since 2010 either as the Volkswagen Vento or the Volkswagen Polo sedan. A short-wheelbase sedan version was sold in India between 2016 and 2020 as the Volkswagen Ameo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen T-Roc</span> Motor vehicle

The Volkswagen T-Roc is a compact crossover SUV (C-segment) manufactured by German automaker Volkswagen. It was unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, and launched in November 2017. It is based on the Volkswagen Group MQB A1 platform, and generally has been considered as the SUV equivalent of the C-segment Golf. It is positioned between the Tiguan and the slightly smaller T-Cross, while being approximately the same size as the Taigo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Škoda Kodiaq</span> Mid-size crossover SUV produced by Škoda

The Škoda Kodiaq is a mid-size crossover SUV with optional three-row seating manufactured by the Czech manufacturer Škoda Auto since 2017. The vehicle sits in Škoda's D-SUV, above the Kamiq and Karoq. The vehicle is based on the Volkswagen Group MQB platform closely shared with the similarly sized Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and the SEAT Tarraco.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SEAT Ateca</span> Compact crossover vehicle (CUV) manufactured by SEAT

The SEAT Ateca is a compact crossover SUV (C-segment) manufactured by Spanish automaker SEAT. The brand's first SUV offering, the Ateca is built on the Volkswagen Group MQB A1 platform and sits in the C-SUV segment, between the Arona and Tarraco within SEAT's crossover SUV lineup. It was unveiled as a production vehicle on 1 March 2016 in Barcelona.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen Virtus</span> Motor vehicle

The Volkswagen Virtus is a subcompact sedan (B-segment) manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen since 2018. It is based on the Polo Mk6 with an extended wheelbase and the same Volkswagen Group MQB A0 platform, which it also closely shares with the Taigo/Nivus and T-Cross/Taigun.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SEAT Arona</span> Subcompact crossover SUV

The SEAT Arona is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) manufactured by SEAT since 2017, as the smallest crossover SUV offered by the Spanish brand. As of 2019, it slots in below the Ateca compact model and Tarraco seven-seater.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen T-Cross</span> Motor vehicle

The Volkswagen T-Cross is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen. It is based on the MQB A0 platform shared with the Polo Mk6, and was officially launched in April 2019. Positioned as the smallest SUV in Volkswagen's lineup, below the T-Roc and alongside the Taigo/Nivus, it is the smallest SUV model from Volkswagen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen Polo Mk6</span> Sixth generation of Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo Mk6 is the sixth generation of the Polo, a supermini-class car manufactured by Volkswagen since 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen Taigo</span> Motor vehicle

The Volkswagen Taigo is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) with a sloping roofline manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen. Based on the Mk6 Polo, the Taigo is built on the Volkswagen Group MQB A0 platform.

GlobalNew Car Assessment Programme is a project of the Towards Zero Foundation, a UK-registered charity. The programme serves as an umbrella organisation encouraging co-operation between the various New Car Assessment Programmes around the world, and supports campaigns to inform consumers about the safety of vehicles in markets that are weakly regulated or do not yet have their own consumer safety programmes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen Taos</span> Motor vehicle

The Volkswagen Taos is a compact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen. It was first released in October 2018 as the Volkswagen Tharu in China, while the Taos was released in October 2020 as a restyled version of the Tharu for the North American, South American, and Russian markets. In the brand's lineup, the vehicle is positioned below the Tiguan, and in South America and China above the T-Cross. It is not marketed in core European market.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Renault Kiger</span> Subcompact crossover SUV

The Renault Kiger is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Renault. It was revealed in January 2021 and has been marketed since March 2021. Designed and manufactured in India, it is positioned under the Duster to occupy the sub-4 metre crossover SUV segment in India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Škoda Kushaq</span> Motor vehicle

The Škoda Kushaq is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) manufactured by the Czech automaker Škoda Auto in India since 2021. The vehicle is heavily based on the Volkswagen T-Cross and its derivative for the Indian market, the Volkswagen Taigun. The name 'Kushaq' was derived from the Sanskrit word 'Kushak' which denotes 'King' or 'Emperor'.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Škoda Slavia</span> Motor vehicle

The Škoda Slavia is a subcompact sedan (B-segment) manufactured by Škoda primarily for the Indian market. It was introduced in November 2021 and has been produced since 2022. Built on the MQB A0 IN platform adapted for India, the vehicle is based on the Volkswagen Virtus sedan. The Slavia replaced the Volkswagen Polo-based Rapid.

References

  1. "Volkswagen Taigun specifications and features revealed". CarWale. 2020-02-11. Retrieved 2020-03-05.
  2. Volkswagen. "VW Taigun Returns As Small Crossover With T-Cross Looks". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2020-03-05.
  3. "Volkswagen starts production of Taigun SUV, available for booking". Hindustan Times Auto News. August 18, 2021.
  4. "No new Volkswagen Small Cars for India - THIS IS SAD!". All About Buying & Selling of Used Cars, New Car Launches. 2018-05-31. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
  5. "ŠKODA KUSHAQ ushers in a new era for the brand in India". ŠKODA Storyboard. 2021-03-18. Retrieved 2021-03-20.
  6. "First drive: 2021 Skoda Kushaq prototype review". Autocar. Retrieved 2021-03-20.
  7. "8 things That makes Volkswagen Taigun a great Deal to Buy !". Motorlane. November 16, 2023.
  8. "With Taigun launch, VW eyes 10% market share in mid-SUV market". @businessline. 23 September 2021. Retrieved 2021-09-24.
  9. Pappas, Thanos (November 6, 2023). "VW Taigun GT Edge Trail Edition Is Ready For Mild Adventures In India". Carscoops.
  10. Shrivastava, Suvasit (September 23, 2024). "Volkswagen Taigun Sales Surpass 1 Lakh Units in Three Years". The Free Press Journal. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  11. "VW Taigun and Skoda Kushaq first to achieve 5 stars in Global NCAP's updated crash tests". Global NCAP. 14 October 2022. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  12. "2016 Volkswagen Taigun Concept" . Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  13. "2016 Volkswagen Taigun Rumors" . Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  14. Volkswagen reveals Taigun concept -- Autoweek (Retrieved 2012-10-22)
  15. Radu, Mihnea (2016-02-09). "VW Taigun Canceled Because It's Too Small, New SUV Concept to Debut in Geneva". autoevolution. Retrieved 2020-03-05.
  16. Jayachandran, Aravind (2016-02-16). "VW Taigun compact SUV cancelled - Report". Indianautosblog. Retrieved 2020-03-05.