Volkswagen India is readying itself to launch a new SUV in the Indian market. Currently, Volkswagen has two SUVs in its portfolio i.e. Tiguan AllSpace which is a seven-seater and the recently launched T-ROC. The German automaker is planning to launch the Taigun around mid-2021 to take on the hotly contested SUV segment.
Meanwhile, its sister company Skoda is also planning to launch its equivalent counterpart, which will be based on the concept car VISION IN which was showcased in the Auto Expo 2020. Both these cars will be part of the India 2.0 strategy of the Volkswagen Group. The production-spec of the Vision IN will be based on the new MQB-A0-IN platform, which will be tweaked accordingly to meet the requirements of the Indian driving conditions and the taste of Indian customers. The Taigun is also expected to be underpinned by the same MQB-A0-IN platform.
The Taigun is likely to come with two engine options; a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol making 115 BHP of power and 200 Nm of torque. Second engine option is the 1.5-litre TSI EVO engine which has 148 BHP of power under its tap and a peak torque of 250 Nm. There are chances of 2 gearboxes to be on sale, a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic. This engine is shared with the Volkswagen T-ROC and Skoda Karoq. The main highlight of this feature is the cylinder deactivation technology, i.e. the engine can shut down 2 cylinders when not required which will in return give better mileage. The design of the car is very simple yet elegant, a typical Volkswagen style with some interesting cuts and creases in the rear.
When launched the Taigun will enter the most competitive segment in India right now. The main rivals in this segment include Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster and more. Currently, Volkswagen has 4 cars to offer, Polo, Vento, T-ROC and Tiguan AllSpace. Volkswagen reported around 1,400 units of sale for the month of November 2020, Polo which comes with two engine options; a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated motor and a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol being its top seller having sold around 1,100 units.
