German automaker Volkswagen has launched the much-awaited Taigun compact SUV in the Indian market at a starting price of INR 10.50 Lakh. The Taigun will be available in four engine-gearbox combinations and two distinct variant lines – Dynamic Line and Performance Line. While the Dynamic Line gets three trim levels – Comfortline, Highline and Topline, the Performance Line includes GT and GT Plus. The range-topping GT Plus 1.5 TSI AT is priced at INR 17.50 Lakh.

The Taigun which will be launched in the Nepalese market on October 1st will be priced very attractively, tentatively between Rs 52 Lakh-Rs 69 Lakh. However, in the Nepalese market, the compact SUV will only be available in the Dynamic Line variant line.

In the Indian market, the Taigun will be available with two BS6-compliant petrol engine choices: a 1.0-litre TSI petrol unit that makes a best-in-class 115hp/175 Nm and a 1.5-litre petrol unit that generates 150hp/250Nm. While the Dynamic Line gets the 1.0-litre unit, the Performance Line comes with the latter. Transmission duties will be provided by a 6-speed manual/6-speed automatic torque converter (1.0 TSI) and a 6-speed manual/7-speed DSG gearbox (1.5 TSI).

Although the Volkswagen Taigun is based on the same ‘MQB A0 IN’ platform as the Skoda Kushaq, the Taigun has a distinct design, and it will come loaded to the brim with premium features.  The Taigun sports a refreshing design that is reminiscent of the bigger VW SUVs.

At the front, the Taigun gets a chromed single-slat grille, LED matrix headlights with integrated DRLs, a revised bumper with chrome accents, cornering fog lamps and a silver-finished faux skid plate. The side of the Taigun is flanked by roof rails, blacked-out B-pillars, dual-tone ORVMs, and 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. Similarly, the rear gets a roof-mounted spoiler, a silver bash plate, and connected LED taillamps. The Taigun is available with 5 colour options – Wild Cherry Red, Curcuma Yellow, Candy White, Reflex Silver and Carbon Steel Grey.

At 2651mm, the Taigun has the longest wheelbase in the segment thus making the compact SUV roomier on the inside and stable on the corners.  It also gets a practical boot space of 385 litres. The Taigun will be one feature-rich SUV. You’ll get an electric sunroof, automatic climate control, wireless charging, a segment-leading 8-inch fully digital instrument console, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen infotainment, cooled front seats, and a connected car system, etc., depending upon the variant you choose.

Safety features will include six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC (standard across all variants), a tire pressure monitoring system, hill-hold control, rear park distance control, and ISOFIX child seat mounts etc.

The Taigun will go against rivals like Skoda Kushaq, Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster, Kia Seltos, and Nissan Kicks.