Volkswagen Taigun review
The Volkswagen Taigun sets itself apart in its look and also the way its features and trim levels are distributed. It uses two model ‘lines’ in which there are multiple variants, and its this mix-and-match you have to navigate through to pick your ideal Taigun. Like most VWs, it’s solidly built and strikes a superb ride and handling balance. Equipment levels are good but you do miss some key items in certain variants. The exterior styling is more flamboyant than standard VW fare, with a generous use of chrome all around. Space in the cabin and the boot, however, aren’t quite as good as some rivals, and you can see a few signs of cost saving. All in all, an exciting new entry to the midsize SUV segment, especially for those who like to drive.
Design
The Volkswagen Taigun features a two-slat grille with chrome inserts, LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, fog lights, a chrome insert for the front and rear bumpers, brushed aluminium faux skid plates, 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, roof rails, LED tail lights, an integrated spoiler with a high-mounted stop lamp, and a shark-fin antenna. The Volkswagen Taigun come equipped with a dual-tone theme, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an electric sunroof, an eight-inch fully-digital instrument cluster, a three-spoke steering wheel, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, a cooled glove-box, and wireless charging. In terms of safety features, the model is equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, seat-belt reminder, TPMS, hill-hold control, and multi-collision brakes.
Performance
The Volkswagen Taigun gets two turbo-petrol engine options: a 115PS/178Nm 1-litre and a 150PS/250Nm 1.5-litre. Transmission options include a standard 6-speed manual, an optional 6-speed torque converter (for the 1-litre engine) and a 7-speed DSG (1.5-litre motor). There’s no diesel engine on offer. The 1-litre TSI has a claimed mileage of 18.10kmpl (MT) and 16.44kmpl (AT), while the 1.5-litre TSI returns a claimed 18.47kmpl (MT) and 17.88 (AT). The Taigun is 4,221mm long, 1,760mm wide, 1,612mm tall, and has a 2,651mm wheelbase.
Features
The VW Taigun packs a 10.1-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 8-inch digital driver’s display (only on the top-spec variants), ambient lighting, a single-pane sunroof, a wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats, cruise control, and keyless entry with push-button start. Passenger safety is secured by six airbags, ABS with EBD, tyre pressure monitoring, reverse camera with parking sensors, and electronic stability program.
