VW Taigun vs Tata Harrier – Engines, Safety, Features, Specs Comparison!

Being the newest member in the mid-size SUV segment, VW Taigun has been attracting a lot of attention from automobile industry experts and customers alike. This is particularly because the Taigun is the first product based on the MQB A0 IN platform from VW, which has been specifically developed for our market. This platform and the SUV have been heavily localized and adjusted to the Indian sensibilities in terms of design, features and prices. Although the prices are not out yet, we believe that the prices will be in tune with the competition. Also, do check out our comparison between VW Taigun and Hyundai Creta, the segment leader. Let us get into this comparison in detail now.

Also read: VW Taigun vs Kia Seltos – Features, Engines, Specs, Safety Comparison!

VW Taigun vs Tata Harrier – Exteriors and Dimensions

The exteriors of the Taigun are very much in line with the latest VW products globally. The front is a bold look with LED Headlamps with DRLs. The front also looks kind of shiny with chrome on the front grille. The flat bonnet will allow for good visibility. The front bumpers are designed to give the SUV a sporty look. The alloys are also typical Volkswagen, in that, VW uses this alloys design on all of their international SUVs. The sides are accentuated by 17-inch alloy wheels, sharp creases and a boxy stance. The rear looks very modern with continuous LED tail lamps by a blacked-out glass bar that runs across the width of the car and there is a chrome bar on the rear bumper as well. This is in line with the design language that one can find in the European versions of T-Roc and T-Cross. The wheelbase is 2651mm which will be the largest in the segment, which translates into plenty of rear cabin space for the passengers.

Also read: VW Taigun vs Hyundai Creta – Engines, Safety, Features, Specs Comparison!

The Tata Harrier is based on Tata’s award-winning Impact 2.0 strategy which makes the Harrier’s presence on the road very dominating indeed. The front-end of the SUV is busy with Xenon HID Projector Headlamps on the bumper and the sleek LED DRLs on the bonnet with integrated turn indicators, broad front grille, sporty bumpers and tall stance. The sides host 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, Aerodynamic Electrically foldable ORVMs, chrome finish on the window belt, floating roof effect and chrome outside door handles. The rear is very sophisticated with a sleek LED tail lamp cluster, Shark Fin Antenna, a glass strip connecting the tail lamps, a rear spoiler and a sport rear bumper. Overall, the external appearance of the Harrier does have a wow factor.

The Tata Harrier triumphs the VW Taigun in terms of exterior dimensions completely. Harrier was the flagship offering from Tata Motors until the launch of Safari, which is what Tata has equipped the Harrier with a ton of modern design elements and generous dimensions. The major factors apart from the overall dimensions are the wheelbase, boot space and ground clearance. That offers much more capability and practicality to the Harrier than Taigun. But for the overall appearance of the SUV, Taigun has appropriate dimensions as well.

Also read: VW Taigun vs Skoda Kushaq – Similarities and Differences!

VW Taigun vs Tata Harrier – Interiors and Features

The interior of the Taigun looks modern and premium and have features like a 10-inch latest Digital Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Digital Virtual Cockpit Style Instrument Cluster with a customizable display, Automatic Climate Control, Leather Upholstery, Ventilated Front Seats, Type C USB charging port, My Volkswagen Connect Connected Tech, Ventilated Leather Front Seats, Ambient Lighting, Flat-bottom Steering Wheel with Audio Controls and Voice Recognition, Electric Sunroof and much more. The rear cabin space is huge because of the large wheelbase.

The features list of the Harrier is quite extensive. This includes functions like an 8.8-inch floating island Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 9 Speaker JBL Audio System, Voice Recognition, Steering-mounted Audio Controls, a 7-inch Colour TFT Instrument Display, 6-way Powered Driver’s Seat, Cruise Control, Glove Box with Laptop Tray, Cooled Storage Compartments, 28 Intelligent Storage Spaces (umbrellas, cups and more), Premium Leather Upholstery, Signature Oak Brown Dashboard, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Gear Lever, Airplane Lever-like Parking Brake, Large Panoramic Sunroof, Ambient Mood Lighting, Automatic Temperature Control, Bluetooth Connectivity and much more.

Also read: Skoda Kushaq vs Tata Harrier – Engines, Safety, Features, Specs Comparison!

VW Taigun vs Tata Harrier – Safety

On the safety front, the Taigun comes with features like 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Tyre Pressure Deflation Warning, Rear Parking Distance Control, Hill Hold Control, 3-head Restraints at the rear, Child Seat Mounts, 3-point Seatbelts for the third passenger at the rear too and much more.

Also read: Mid-size SUV sales report for March 2021 – Creta, Seltos, Harrier, Hector and more!

Tata is known for making the safest cars and Harrier is no exception. The Harrier comes with 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, Auto-dimming IRVMs, Hill-Hold Control Hill-Descent Control, Front Fog Lamps with Cornering Function, Roll Over Mitigation, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts, Front and Rear Parking Sensors with Camera and much more. Both these SUVs come well-equipped with a ton of safety features.

Also read: Skoda Kushaq vs Hyundai Creta – Engines, Features, Specs Comparison!

VW Taigun vs Tata Harrier – Engines and Expected Prices

The VW Taigun comes with the legendary 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, making 115 PS and 175 Nm and its bigger sibling, the 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol unit making 150 PS and 250 Nm. Complementing the 1.0-litre engine will be a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The larger 1.5-litre unit will come mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG (DCT) gearbox. Because of heavy localization, we expect the Taigun to be priced around the Rs 10 lakh to Rs 18 lakh price bracket.

The Harrier comes with a sole 2.0-litre turbocharges Kryotec diesel engine making 170 PS and 350 Nm paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. There are various terrain modes to choose from. The prices of the Tata Harrier range between Rs 13.99 lakh and Rs 20.45 lakh, ex-showroom.

Also read: Mahindra announces the debut of its global SUV, the XUV700 in 2022!

VW Taigun vs Tata Harrier – Verdict

Both these SUVs are quite popular in their own right and have their distinct characteristics. Both of these brands have stuck to their guns when it comes to the powertrain offerings. VW has completely done away with the diesel engine in India and offers the legendary TSI turbo petrol engine, whereas Tata does not offer the petrol engine at all and continues with the diesel powertrain, which is the strength of the carmaker. Therefore, if you are someone who is looking for a proper hardcore and rugged SUV which might want to take off-road with your family, Tata Harrier might be best suited for that. However, if you are someone who will primarily use the SUV for mobility in city conditions and love to drive yourself, VW Taigun might be the better option for you because of its great driving dynamics.

Also read: Car Sales Report for March 2021 – Brief Overview!