Volkswagen is all set to join the compact SUV ranks, as it will soon start developing its compact SUV Taigun. However, the vehicle will not make its way to the U.S., as the German manufacturer believes that the new model's compact size and three-cylinder gasoline and diesel engine suits American buyers. We all know that compact SUV segment accounting big in terms of sales in developing nations, specially the Asian and South African countries.
The VW Taigun was first shown as a concept at Sao Paulo Motor Show in 2012. The front wheel drive Taigun will sit below the company's existing Tiguan. According to the company, the small SUV market contributes more than 8.7 million sales worldwide in 2012, and it is expected to go higher in the coming future with high demand in developing nations. Ford EcoSport will be the biggest competitor for the Taigun, as it has been doing tremendous business for the carmaker across the globe. Volkswagen is planning to assemble the Taigun at its two manufacturing facilities to meet the demands of people in many developing markets. For left hand drive nations, the vehicle will be produced at its Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the right-hand drive Taigun will be developed here in India at its plant in Pune.
Volkswagen with Taigun, claims to offer buyers a more distinctively styled and versatile alternative to a growing number of compact front-wheel-drive SUVs. The company hasn't made any comment on the time for the production Taigun's introduction, however, the compact SUV has already completed its concept stage and moved for an initial engineering program. It is expected that the new car will go on sale by 2016, and the company will also launch a long-wheel-base second generation Tiguan, which was showcased at the Detroit auto show back in January as the CrossBlue concept.
The Taigun is based on Volkswagen's new small family platform structure (PQ12), which is also used in the company's small car Up!. The vehicle will probably get a petrol and diesel three-cylinders engine, mated to either a standard manual or optional dual-clutch gearbox. A natural gas variant is also likely to make its way to the market, however, the company hasn't made any comment on whether electric or gasoline-electric hybrids will also be developed.
VW Taigun is expected to be powered by the 1.0-litre, 109bhp turbocharged three-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine, sourced from the upcoming Up! GT. The engine will be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, and we could expect an automatic transmission as well.
Source : CarDekho - Volkswagen cars - Volkswagen Taigun SUV to be assembled in India
