Volkswagen Taigun

The Taigun is propelled by a typical collection of engines. So there's the 1.0-litre TSI, which comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter.

However, we are driving the top-of-the-line 1.5-litre TSI EVO model. Again, transmission choices are available. We're driving both the 6-speed manual and the renowned seven-speed DSG transmission today.

Let's start with my personal favourite, the six-speed manual. As a result, the power statistics are 148bhp and 250Nm of torque. This is the same engine used in the larger VW T-Roc, and it seems much more lively in the Taigun.

The engine feels tuned, and it's nearly silent at cruising speeds. With maximum torque available between 1600 and 3500 rpm, the Taigun is comfortable at low speeds in higher ratios as well, allowing for fewer gear changes.

When you want to have fun, you physically drop a gear and vanish. The performance is great, and the super-slick six-speed manual transmission adds to the enjoyment. This isn't a fast motor, but even at its highest revs, between 5000 and 6000rpm, it pulls well and is a lot of fun.

The DSG transmission is simply incredible. It's not just the greatest twin-clutch out there, but it's also as entertaining as it is practical. Upshifts and downshifts are both quick to execute and provide the ideal combination of ease and pleasure.

The DSG model has a 0-100kmph time of 9.1 seconds and a peak speed of 190 kmph. We will test and verify this shortly, as well as the fuel efficiency, as Volkswagen has not yet provided us with an official figure.

In terms of appearance, the Taigun appears to be a lot more compact than its Korean competitors, yet it still has the presence and premium-ness in the design.

The obligatory bash plate is located at the front, beginning from the bottom of the front bumper. The lower portion of the bumper is a mix of glossy piano black and a heavy dosage of chrome, which we don't like.

As you move higher, you'll see additional chrome in the slatted grille, which is accented by the new VW emblem in the centre. The huge LED headlights are connected at both ends and feature attractive DRLs.

Again, the sides are classic Volkswagen. The lines are tidy, there's a really strong shoulder line, and the heavy plastic coating is noticeable enough to yell SUV. And, once again, chrome appears on the side in the shape of extra trim right below the outside rearview mirrors.

The 16-inch alloy wheels look nice, and the DSG GT edition adds red callipers in the front as well as dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels. Unfortunately, there are no disc brakes in the rear, so you must make do with drum brakes.

The back, as we indicated in our earlier video, is simply amazing. Beginning at the top, you'll see a shark-fin antenna and a spoiler with a high-mounted stop lamp. The greatest component, though, is the tail lamp portion.

While the LED tail lamps are fairly interesting on their own, what makes them stand out is the entire LED strip that spans across the width of the car, a style that is usually reserved for high-end vehicles. The lower part of the bumper continues the cladding from the sides, and a chrome garnish is present in the rear as well. The bash plate completes the Taigun's stylish rear end.

Overall, the Taigun is a stylish SUV. It's not as spectacular as the Creta or the Seltos, but it has all the right components to stand out.

You can tell you're inside a Volkswagen just by looking at it. Let's start with what we see, like the dashboard, two-tone colors, that seems unique. What we appreciate about it is that Volkswagen avoided using Piano black to make it appear luxury, instead opting for glossy colors of grey and silver that look just as good but aren't a fingerprint or dust magnet.

We particularly loved the unusual Heptagon-shaped arrangement for the infotainment screen, which is refreshingly distinctive. The two air conditioning vents, on the other hand, appear out of place and as if the designer just crammed them in here. We particularly liked the 8-inch digital cockpit, which boasts crisp visuals and good reading.

How excellent is this automobile in terms of quality?

It has above 95% localisation. It's a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest. Most components feel excellent, however some have scratchy plastics and seem fragile. We would have preferred soft-touch materials on the dashboard to make the interiors seem more expensive.

Let us now proceed to the seats. These are really fantastic. The assistance is excellent, the view is spectacular, and driving long distances should be no problem. With a wheelbase of 2651mm, it's more than the Creta or the Seltos and it's visible with this absurd amount of knee space.

There's plenty of headroom, and the practically level floor, along with strong under-thigh support, makes it ideal for chauffeurs.

But not so much for a family of five. Because the Taigun isn't as broad as the competitors, seated three abreast isn't as pleasant. As a result, the Taigun is just a very comfortable four-seater. We haven't received a trunk capacity number from Volkswagen yet, but it should be far under 400 litres, which is less than its Korean competitors.

Overall, the VWTaigun's interiors are a mixed bag. It has some nice touches as well as other things we anticipated to be better.

Let's take a look at the features that come standard with the Taigun. So you get a 10-inch touch screen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital cockpit, wireless phone charging, touch control auto air conditioning, a rearview camera, ventilated leather front seats, ambient lighting, and an electric sunroof. You also get linked features, although not as many as the competitors.

The Taigun has you covered in terms of safety. It has ESP, ABS, tyre pressure warning, up to six airbags, rear park distance control, and hill hold control. We believe that the only item lacking here is the absence of rear disc brakes, which should have been included.

The top-of-the-line Volkswagen Taigun GT Plus 1.5 TSI DSG has 5 Star (Global NCAP), 6 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side), Seat Belt Warning, Child Lock, Anchor Points for Child Seat, Overspeed Warning, Speed Sensing Door Lock, Anti theft Engine immobiliser, Middle rear three-point seatbelt, Flashing Emergency Brake Light, and Central Locking.

| Version Name | Ex-Showroom Price, India | Safety Features | |-----------------------------|--------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Comfortline 1.0 TSI MT | ₹ 11.56 Lakh | 5 Star (Global NCAP), 2 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger), Seat Belt Warning, Child Lock, Anchor Points for Child Seat, Overspeed Warning, Speed Sensing Door Lock, Anti theft Engine immobilizer, Middle rear three-point seatbelt, Central Locking | | Highline 1.0 TSI MT | ₹ 13.56 Lakh | 5 Star (Global NCAP), 2 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger), Seat Belt Warning, Child Lock, Anchor Points for Child Seat, Overspeed Warning, Speed Sensing Door Lock, Anti theft Engine immobilizer, Middle rear three-point seatbelt, Central Locking | | Highline 1.0 TSI AT | ₹ 14.96 Lakh | 5 Star (Global NCAP), 2 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger), Seat Belt Warning, Child Lock, Anchor Points for Child Seat, Overspeed Warning, Speed Sensing Door Lock, Anti theft Engine immobilizer, Middle rear three-point seatbelt, Central Locking | | First Anniversary 1.0TSI MT | ₹ 15.40 Lakh | 5 Star (Global NCAP), 6 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side), Seat Belt Warning, Child Lock, Anchor Points for Child Seat, Overspeed Warning, Speed Sensing Door Lock, Anti theft Engine immobilizer, Middle rear three-point seatbelt, Flashing Emergency Brake Light , Central Locking | | Topline 1.0 TSI MT | ₹ 15.66 Lakh | 5 Star (Global NCAP), 6 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side), Seat Belt Warning, Child Lock, Anchor Points for Child Seat, Overspeed Warning, Speed Sensing Door Lock, Anti theft Engine immobilizer, Middle rear three-point seatbelt, Flashing Emergency Brake Light , Central Locking | | GT 1.5 TSI MT | ₹ 15.96 Lakh | 5 Star (Global NCAP), 2 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger), Seat Belt Warning, Child Lock, Anchor Points for Child Seat, Overspeed Warning, Speed Sensing Door Lock, Anti theft Engine immobilizer, Middle rear three-point seatbelt, Flashing Emergency Brake Light , Central Locking | | First Anniversary 1.0TSI AT | ₹ 16.90 Lakh | 5 Star (Global NCAP), 6 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side), Seat Belt Warning, Child Lock, Anchor Points for Child Seat, Overspeed Warning, Speed Sensing Door Lock, Anti theft Engine immobilizer, Middle rear three-point seatbelt, Flashing Emergency Brake Light , Central Locking | | Topline 1.0 TSI AT | ₹ 17.16 Lakh | 5 Star (Global NCAP), 6 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side), Seat Belt Warning, Child Lock, Anchor Points for Child Seat, Overspeed Warning, Speed Sensing Door Lock, Anti theft Engine immobilizer, Middle rear three-point seatbelt, Flashing Emergency Brake Light , Central Locking | | GT Plus 1.5 TSI DSG | ₹ 18.71 Lakh | 5 Star (Global NCAP), 6 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side), Seat Belt Warning, Child Lock, Anchor Points for Child Seat, Overspeed Warning, Speed Sensing Door Lock, Anti theft Engine immobilizer, Middle rear three-point seatbelt, Flashing Emergency Brake Light , Central Locking |

When it comes to ride quality, the Taigun deviates from the standard VW mould in a positive manner. Unlike other VWs, the Tiguan's suspension is highly compliant at low speeds.

That means damaged or pothole-ridden roads at moderate speeds are not an issue. However, the manual model has 16-inch wheels with 60 profile rubber, which rides substantially better than the DSG variant, which has 17-inch wheels with 55 profile rubber.

Even so, the handling isn't too shabby. The driving is light but precise, and despite some roll, the twisty stuff seems secure and predictable. The only complaint we had was that the suspension was somewhat chattery on the bumpy bits, especially in the DSG model with the bigger wheels.