Volkswagen that showcased the compact SUV, Taigun, concept at the Sao Paulo Motor Show in 2012, is all set to unveil the production version of the SUV at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo. This Mini SUV will be the Volkswagen's direct answer to the likes of Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano and upcoming Maruti's compact SUV.
Based on the Volkswagen's new small family platform structure (PQ12), the Volkswagen Taigun is a compact SUV which measures less than 4 metre in length. However, it has a 2.47 metre of wheelbase, which ultimately turn into a good cabin space to carry five adults comfortably.
For the Indian buyers, the Taigun is expected to get the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder TSI petrol engine. This engine will be mated to either six-speed manual or the DSG automatic, which transmits power to front wheels of the SUV. It will also get the diesel engine, which is likely to be the same 1.2-litre engine producing 74bhp. Internationally, the mini SUV is expected to be powered by the 1.0-litre, 209bhp turbocharged three-cylinder direct injection gasoline engine, sourced from the Up!.
The Taigun will be assembled at the company's two manufacturing facilities to meet the demands of people in developing nations. For left hand drive nations, the vehicle will be produced at its Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the right-hand drive Taigun will be developed here in India at its production plant in Pune.
The Volkswagen Taigun share most of its styling cues from its SUV siblings, the Tiguan and Touareg, as it is evident in the rugged side panels, underbody protection and a practical roof rails with LED spotlights. The concept model featured the large 17-inch alloys, however the production version model will see a smaller sized tyre.
This vehicle will directly target the urban buyers across the nation. Its high driving position provides the driver a good look of traffic, while the SUV has decent luggage carrying capacity of 280-litres, which can be extended to 987-litres with the rear seats down. The interior of the Taigun is simple and spacious (headroom is 1,036mm in front and 980mm at the back), with controls pared back to a minimum.
The exact launch date of the Taigun SUV is yet to be known, but we expect it to hit the Indian shores by the 2015-16. The road ahead for the Ford EcoSport won't be easy as all the carmakers are planning to launch compact SUVs in the market. Honda is working on a Brio based SUV, Hyundai will introduce Grand i10 SUV, while Maruti will launch a mini SUV based on XA-Alpha. Renault is all set to upgrade its Duster lineup, while Toyota and Fiat will be launching Etios Cross and Punto Adventure, respectively.
Source :cardekho
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