There’s a new player in the heavily contested compact SUV segment. German automaker Volkswagen, in association with Pooja International Pvt. Ltd, has launched the Taigun compact SUV, a 5-seater compact SUV, in the Nepalese market at an introductory price of Rs 50.90 Lakh. The Taigun was unveiled by his Excellency, Ambassador for the Federal Republic of Germany to Nepal, Dr Thomas Prinz. The Taigun is Volkswagen’s answer to the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Skoda Kushaq.

The Taigun will be available in three trims and two gearbox options. In the Nepalese market, the Taigun will be available in the Dynamic Line variant only. The Taigun is priced at Rs 50.90 Lakh (Comfortline), Rs 63.90 Lakh (Highline) and Rs 69.90 Lakh (Topline). While the Comfortline trims comes mated to a  6-speed manual gearbox, the latter trims get a six-speed torque-convertor automatic gearbox.

The Volkswagen Taigun is the first model from the German carmaker to be built on the new MQB-A0-IN platform alongside the Skoda Kushaq, under the company’s India 2.0 strategy. Although the Volkswagen Taigun shares the same platform as the Skoda Kushaq, the Taigun has a distinct design, and it comes loaded to the brim with premium features.

In terms of design, the new Volkswagen Taigun features a two-slat grille with chrome inserts, a muscular elevated bonnet with chiseled lines, LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, 17-inch alloy wheels, an electric sunroof, functional roof rails, Infinity LED tail lamps, an integrated spoiler with a high-mounted stop lamp, and a shark-fin antenna. The Taigun measures 4221mm long, 1760mm wide, and 1612mm high. It gets a wheelbase of 2,651mm. Similarly, boot space is rated at 385 litres. The Taigun will be available in five exterior shades – Reflex Silver, Wild Cherry Red, Candy White, Carbon Steel Grey and Curcuma Yellow.

Inside, the 2021 Volkswagen Taigun will receive a dual-tone premium interior with features like ventilated front seats, 25.65 cm VW Play Touchscreen infotainment with smartphone connectivity, ambient lighting, 6 speakers, 20.32cm digital instrument cluster, and rear AC vents, etc. In terms of safety features, the Taigun is equipped with up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, seat-belt reminder, TPMS, hill-hold control, and multi-collision brakes.

Powering the Taigun in the Nepalese market will be a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, TSI petrol engine that is tuned to produce 114 bhp and 178 Nm of torque. “Our TSI engine is a high functioning combination of being energetic and economical – two characteristics that do not generally work together in conventional petrol engines. An amalgamation of Stratified Direct Fuel Injection (FSI), downsizing and turbocharging help it in delivering power and torque packed high-tech units with low consumption”, says Volkswagen.

During the press conference CEO of Pooja International Nepal Pvt. Ltd, Mr Bibek Bijukchhe, highlighted that “The Taigun is built with over 40 active and passive safety features which are designed to protect the occupants of the car and also the people around our cars. Some of the active safety features which come with the car include Tyre pressure deflation warning. Reverse camera with sensors, Electronic brake force distribution, Hill hold control, Three rear head restraints. The passive safety features include Multi-collision brakes, a high strength steel structure, up to six airbags, Three-point safety belts for all passengers and many more. Most of these features are not visible and hence maybe not be talked about much but they are of utmost importance as they contribute towards the safety of the occupants of the car. For example, the multi-collision brakes actually stop your car after an impact and possibly prevent the passengers from any further damage in case of multiple collisions & rollovers. Furthermore, in case of an unfortunate accident, a high-strength steel structure that absorbs the maximum impact of the crash will aid your safety. Volkswagen thymes with TSI, the brand’s pioneer technology for petrol engines that offers an incredible balance in terms of power responsiveness, acceleration, and fuel efficiency.”

He further added, “The all-new SUV Taigun is inspired from the already popular SUV Volkswagen T-Cross which has a very strong fan base in the European & Chinese market. Though powered with 1.0 TSI engine, it has received all the special attributes that T cross has, which makes it a tried and tested vehicle with no compromise on Power, Performance, Safety & Comfort.”

For the introductory period, the Company will be providing free accessories and attractive cash discounts for the first 100 buyers on first come first priority basis.

Similarly, Pooja International has also commenced the ‘Taigun Carnival Fest’ at 1 Durbar Mall, in Kathmandu with several exciting programs. To mark this festive season, the company has also introduced  “Volksfest SURPRIZE” one-month carnival in 1 Durbar mall, Kingsway with a chance to win BMW G310 GS, Suzuki Burgman Scooter, and Samsung Z Flip3. Interested buyers can avail test drive, booking, finance, insurance, and exchange facilities.