Volkswagen Taigun

The prototype version of the T-Cross-based Taigun was showcased in Auto Expo in February 2020 and is planned on sale by mid-2021.[1] The Taigun is based on the long-wheelbase version of the T-Cross, with several differences. For example, the Taigun shares a similar front-end with the Chinese-market T-Cross, and the C-pillar is also slightly reworked. Volkswagen stated the vehicle is built on the Volkswagen Group MQB A0 IN platform dedicated for the Indian market. The platform is also shared with the Škoda Kushaq which debuted in March 2021.[2]

The production version of the Taigun was revealed on 31 March 2021. It is made mainly for the Indian market, under the VW Group's India 2.0 plan.[3] The only visible changes made to the car are the downsizing of the wheels for 19 inches to 17 inches. It is available with two petrol engine options, including a 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI engine producing 115 PS (113 hp; 85 kW) and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI unit with 150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW).[4][5] The 1.0-litre engine is available with 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic, while the 1.5-litre TSI unit is available with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch.[6] It went on sale on 23 September 2021.[7]

Outside of India, the Taigun has also been sold in Indonesia since 23 February 2022 using the "T-Cross" nameplate. An imported model, it is offered in a single variant with a 1.0-litre TSI engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.[8]

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  2021 Taigun 1.5 GT (India)
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  Interior
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  2020 prototype

Unrelated to the 2021 Taigun, the Volkswagen Taigun nameplate debuted as a near-production concept subcompact crossover SUV. It had the potential of replacing the hatchback CrossFox, and slotting below the Tiguan compact crossover SUV, competing against mini crossover SUVs alongside the Nissan Juke, the Mini Countryman and the Suzuki SX4.

The prototype was unveiled at the 2012 São Paulo International Motor Show.[9][10] The Taigun was planned to be unveiled by the Volkswagen Group for the model year of 2016,[11] however the plan was scrapped.[12][13] The car was deemed too small, contrary with the market trend and was instead replaced by the Volkswagen T-Cross which went on sale in 2018.

The Volkswagen Taigun is sold in India with a standard safety specification of two frontal airbags, i-Size approved ISOFIX anchorages, Electronic Stability Control, three-point seatbelts in all seats and post-collision braking. Higher trim levels are additionally equipped with side torso airbags and head-protecting curtains, and a tyre pressure monitor. Left hand-drive versions of the Taigun (exported to Mexico as the T-Cross) are equipped with crash avoidance technologies like Autonomous Emergency Braking, which are not available in India, and they have side airbags available as standard instead of as an option.

The Taigun has not been independently crash-tested by the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP).

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• Official website (India)