Updated on 24th October 2012
I am sure Volkswagen will be rubbing its hands in glee as they are finally out with the most appropriate contender to the Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster. At the ongoing 2012 Sao Paulo International Motor Show in Brazil, Volkswagen has revealed its latest compact SUV Volkswagen Taigun. Yes we have not misspelled Tiguan and new SUV is indeed named Taigun.
The Taigun is an ambitious model for the German car maker and speaking from the perspective of significance and volumes, it will be equivalent to Volkswagen Golf.
At the Sao Paulo Motor Show unveiling, Volkswagen Sales Chief Christian Klingler said “A small SUV would have promising market potential for example in India, South America, Mexico and partly in China.”
The styling of the car is based on Volkswagen’s design DNA, and is familiar to what we see on the Volkswagen Touareg and Volkswagen Tiguan. Proportion wise it is 3,859 mm long, 1,728 mm wide and 1,570 mm tall and features a 2,470 mm long wheelbase. The Taigun features 17 inch alloy wheels with a 205/50 R17 tire rating.
Designed for the four passengers, the car is powered by a 1.0 litre TSI petrol engine that produces a maximum power output of 110 PS (108 BHP) and peak torque of 175 Nm. Surprisingly despite the bulky feel of the car it weighs less than a tonne, 985 kg to be precise. Because of its light weight the car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and attains a top speed of 186 km/h. Further it returns a healthy 22 kilometers per litre of fuel.
The passenger cabin of the vehicle is too modern and very colorful, but considering the fact that it is a concept model only a handful of things seen here will make it to the actual production model.
As of now it is not known when the model will hit the production lines, but it is known that once it makes its debut in Brazil in the coming years, it will come to India and China as well.
More Pictures
Updated on 5th Nov 2012
As per a Brazilian publication, Volkswagen has received a very positive response for the Taigun which was showcased at the Brazilian motor show in October 2012. The car has been given a green signal to production and will hit the assembly line by 2014. The Taigun will be produced locally in Brazil and will be based on Volkswagen UP small car platform. It will compete with the likes of EcoSport and Duster. The Taigun’s production model will be powered by a 1 litre turbocharged 3 cylinder petrol engine unit which will produce around 100 PS of power. The Taigun concept model measures 3.86mx1.76mx1.57m in length, width and height respectively which makes the Taigun more compact when compared to EcoSport or Duster.
What is interesting to see is that how Volkswagen will price its compact SUV, whether it will load it with premium features and place it at a premium over competitors or whether the VW will keep the frills low and launch it with aggressive pricing? The question is likely to remain unanswered for many months now.
Updated on 17th Dec 2012
As per a fresh media report by Overdrive, Tiguan is expected to launch in India by 2014 to compete with the compact SUVs in the segment. This segment is growing by leaps and bounds in India.
We will keep you posted on latest updates, stay tuned to Car Blog India.
