Volkswagen Taigun Spotted Testing For The First Time In India Ahead Of Launch: Pics & Details

Ahead of its launch, the SUV has been spotted testing for the first time in the Indian market. The spy images from Gaadiwaadi, reveals a completely camouflaged test mule of the upcoming mid-size SUV. The Volkswagen Taigun looks similar to the Kushaq. However, both can be distinguished by the shape of the taillamps, which is a distinctive feature on the Taigun.

There is a difference in the alloy wheel design between both the Taigun and the Kushaq. Not many design details have been revealed from the spy picture due to the camouflage. However, the distinctive design of the boot-lid can be noticed, which seems to have carried over the concept model showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo.

The exteriors of the Taigun features LED projector headlamps with integrated DRLs, a rear LED tail-lamp with a light bar across the boot-lid, faux scuff plates at either end and a chrome-finished grille.

The Taigun will be built on an all-new platform that is specifically tailor-made to suit the buyers in the Indian market. It will be a modified version of the brand's famous MQB platform developed jointly by Skoda & Volkswagen.

Skoda claims that it has achieved 93 per cent localisation with the Kushaq. A similar percentage of localization can be expected from VW for the Taigun. This will help with the aggressive pricing of the car and stand apart from the segment rivals.

On the inside, the Taigun is expected to feature a host of elements that are finished in the same colour as the exterior paint scheme. This provides a funky appeal to the cabin of the SUV. It will also feature a fully-digital instrument console, a flat-bottom steering wheel with mounted controls, and a large touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and the brand's latest iteration of connected technology.

The Volkswagen Taigun will be offered with two engine options: a 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol units. However, the 1.0-litre unit could be offered on the entry-level trims of the SUV which could help with aggressive pricing.

The 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI engine will be the same unit powering the Volkswagen Polo GT. It produces a maximum power of 108bhp at 5500rpm, and a peak torque of 175Nm at 1750rpm mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox and an optional automatic torque converter unit.

The top-spec 1.5-litre engine TSI four-cylinder unit will the same as the one powering the Volkswagen T-Roc SUV in the brand's line-up. It churns out 150bhp and 250Nm of torque and comes mated to a seven-speed DSG automatic as standard.

Thoughts About The Volkswagen Taigun Spotted Testing For The First Time In India Ahead Of Launch

Volkswagen could have begun the pre-production testing of the car. It could be the final round of testing, which is done before the manufacturing of the SUV begins in the country. Once launched, the Taigun will rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kick and the upcoming Skoda Kushaq in the country.