KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Volkswagen Taigun Pros & Cons discussed
- Launched back in September 2021
- Rivals the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and others
Volkswagen Taigun was launched back in September 2021 and has slowly but very effectively made a cult following. It has a lot to do with the German engineering loyalists who know what Volkswagen has done in the past and how its vehicles stand the test of time. However, we stand by our philosophy that while no car is perfect if it ticks your boxes, it's the perfect car for you. In the same series, today we have the Taigun in focus as we discuss the top pros and cons that you should know before buying. But before that, make sure to join our dynamic 91Wheels WhatsApp group community of petrolheads for the latest automotive updates and connect with like-minded people.
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Pros
1. Elegant Styling: As Timeless As It Gets
In a sea of compact SUVs, the Volkswagen Taigun comes with a subtle and elegant styling. It sheds any sharp or edgy design and traverses through a chain of timeless elements in its styling philosophy. It makes sure that even after owning the SUV for years down the line, you will never be fed up and will retake a look at it after you park it and walk away.
2. 5-Star GNCAP Safety Rating
One of the most essential things to consider while buying a car is how safe it is and how it holds up when subject to severe impacts. The Volkswagen Taigun kills its competition with its superb build quality that helped it to score a full 5-star safety rating in the Global NCAP and that too with a good score. The testament to its build quality has to be the fact that even with its dual frontal airbags variants, it managed to pull off a full star safety rating. However, now all the variants come with 6 airbags as standard, which is a commendable update.
3. Solid Engine Performance: 150PS Power
The Volkswagen Taigun comes with the option of 2 petrol engines. One option is a 1.0 L TSI petrol engine that puts out 115PS power with a peak torque of 178Nm. However, if your speedy nerve flicks, you can opt for the more potent 1.5L TSI petrol unit that puts out a whopping 150PS power with a peak torque of 250Nm. This engine is designed for those looking for extra punch, and the engine feels quite peppy and offers linear feedback. In short, it is a driver's delight and if that's your priority, skip the 1.0L unit.
4. Features On Offer: Strikes A Balance
The interior again takes a minimalistic route in aesthetics and offers a good set of features such as a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 8-inch digital driver's display, automatic AC, and a single-pane sunroof. Additionally, variants with added features offer electrically adjustable front seats, footwell illumination, and an upgraded sound system with a subwoofer and amplifier. In terms of safety, it offers up to six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and a rear-view camera.
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Cons
1. No Diesel Option: Missed Dearly When It's An SUV
Call it a stick of the stringent emission norm or anything else, the Taigun does not offer any diesel option at all. This is a big miss when the SUVs in its category are offering diesel mills that offer better mileage and are more torquey. True-diesel enthusiasts will be alienated by this move, however, they do get a turbo petrol unit if power is all they want. However, if you want to see a silver lining here, you can drive the Taigun around the Delhi NCR for a good 15 years without any hesitation!
2. Second-Row Seats: Best For 2 Adults And A Child
The Volkswagen Taigun when compared to the competition is a little shorter in width which ultimately leads to the second-row spacing feeling a bit cramped. It is best suited for 2 adults and a child. Although you can seat 3 adults in the rear seats, it would not be as spacious as some of the other rivals, for instance, the Hyundai Creta offers a 30mm wider dimension that ultimately adds to the cabin space.
3. Fuel Economy Drops When Turbo Petrol Pushed
The 1.5L petrol unit feels punchy and is a delight to drive. However, you already know that the performance comes at the cost of fuel economy. If you match the gear ratios and the speeds and drive in a relaxed manner, the engine will get you a good mileage that would not disappoint your expectations. However, if you are a bit sporty in your driving style, the mileage drops to pump that extra fuel for the instant push and takes its fair share. While this is not a con, this is something that you must keep in mind before opting for the engine options, and hence makes the cut in this list.
4. Pricier Top-Spec Trims Feel Overpriced
The top-tier Taigun GT Edge starts at Rs. 18.80 lakhs ex-showroom which is a lot when it comes to pricing. The on-road price will venture much beyond the 20 lakhs mark and feel quite steep even after considering everything that it offers. Even after paying this much, you still miss out on key features like a 360-degree camera, ADAS, panoramic sunroof, rear seat blinds, and a few more. Although these could have been overlooked, but when you are paying this amount, you expect a little more to be at par with the competition.
Verdict
That sums up our list of the Pros & Cons of the Volkswagen Taigun and everything that you need to know before taking that leap. However, if you have to summarise it in just one line, it would say that the Taigun is one of the safest SUV in the segment and a driver's delight that could have used just a bit more spacing for the second row.