Volkswagen Taigun [2023-2026]

What we Liked?

• The Chrome varian3D Chrome Step Grillet distinguishes itself with a bold 3D chrome grille, chrome-finished roof rails, and door handles, giving the SUV a refined and premium identity.
• Alloy Wheel Design: It rides on distinctive Manila dual-tone alloy wheels, complemented by chrome-accented bumpers that elevate its sophisticated appearance.

• The cabin in the Chrome edition features a dual-tone dashboard with elegant chrome detailing, adding a touch of luxury to the overall ambiance.
• The Sport variant, in contrast, showcases a glossy black grille, smoked LED headlights, and 17-inch black alloys that highlight its sporty, aggressive road presence.
• Dark chrome door handles, striking red brake calipers, and sharp exterior elements emphasize its athletic personality.
• Step inside, and the Sport variant offers a glossy black dashboard, premium black leatherette upholstery with red contrast stitching, and laser-red ambient lighting for a performance-inspired feel.

What could have been better?

• Despite its stylish presentation, certain areas of the dashboard and door panels use hard plastics, which slightly take away from the otherwise premium Volkswagen experience.

What we Liked?

• The 1.5-litre TSI four-cylinder engine produces 147.5 bhp and 250 Nm of torque, ensuring strong performance in both city commutes and highway drives.
• The seven-speed DSG automatic delivers quick, precise shifts, enhancing driving pleasure and efficiency.
• Effortless acceleration makes overtaking, merging, and navigating traffic gaps smooth and confident.
• In ‘D’, the DSG prioritises fuel efficiency with early shifts, while in ‘S’, it holds gears longer for a sportier drive experience.
• A firm suspension setup provides excellent stability at higher speeds, soaking up undulations and inspiring confidence in corners.
• Light and effortless for city use, yet offering solid feedback at higher speeds for control and composure.
• Despite its SUV stance, the Taigun feels planted through bends, maintaining confidence in spirited driving.

What could have been better?

• On broken roads or rough patches, the suspension feels stiff at lower speeds, with some noise creeping into the cabin.
• DSG Hesitation in Traffic: While generally quick, the gearbox can feel slightly sluggish in bumper-to-bumper conditions.
• The suspension setup combined with larger alloy wheels tends to feel less forgiving over sharp potholes compared to the 16-inch wheel variants.

What We Liked?

• Excellent front seat comfort with ventilation and power adjustability, ideal for long Indian drives
• Rear AC vents add cooling and comfort for back seat passengers in all variants
• Spacious, well-designed cabin with supportive seats and ample legroom for four adults
• 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and a crisp 8-inch digital driver display
• Single-pane sunroof enhances the airy feel inside the SUV
• Automatic climate control, cruise control, tilt/telescopic steering, and wireless phone charger raise daily usability
• Boot space of 385 litres supports weekend getaways, expandable with 60:40 split rear seats
• Quality materials, solid build, and neat layout give a premium SUV vibe
  

What could have been better?

• Cabin feels tight for three adults in the rear, best for four occupants
• Some interior plastics and switches lack the expected premium finish
• Top-end variants are pricey compared to similarly equipped rivals
  

What we Liked?

• 5-Star Global NCAP Rating: The Volkswagen Taigun achieves the highest safety benchmark with a five-star Global NCAP score, ensuring strong protection for both adults and children.
• Comprehensive Standard Safety Kit: Comes equipped with six airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-Hold Control, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for all-round safety.
• Enhanced Crash Protection: Features Multi-Collision Brakes, Traction Control, and advanced ESC for improved vehicle stability in emergency situations.
• Driver Assistance in the City: Rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, and park assist technology simplify urban manoeuvres and tight-space parking.

What could have been better?

• Lacks advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control or lane-keep assist, which are increasingly offered by rivals.
• Limited Airbag Coverage: Rear-side airbags are missing, which may be a concern for buyers prioritising maximum occupant protection.