The 1.0-liter TSI engine might sound small, but it’s one of the biggest strengths of Volkswagen’s new-age cars in India. The Taigun is no exception, featuring the same 3-cylinder 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter automatic.

While the manual transmission delivers a far more engaging drive, it does feel a bit notchy, especially in the lower gears. First gear tends to be a little grunty, but shift it into second and third, and the Taigun picks up speed effortlessly. If you’re not careful, you’ll find yourself hitting the speed limit in no time.

[Short Note: The Volkswagen Taigun’s 1.0-liter TSI engine makes 114 horsepower and 178 NM of torque. VW also offers a larger 1.5-liter TSI EVO engine which puts out nearly 150 horsepower and 250 NM of torque and can be paired with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG automatic transmission]

Cruising at 100 kmph is effortless, and even at 120 kmph, there’s still plenty of power left for quick overtakes. The engine maintains its composure up to 150-160 kmph without showing any signs of strain—making it one of the quicker SUVs in its segment.

But the Taigun isn’t just about performance; it also delivers impressive ride comfort. Unlike older mass-market Volkswagen models, it gets a softer suspension setup that effortlessly absorbs the unpredictable undulations of Indian roads. However, the shock absorbers can be a bit noisy—a minor annoyance, especially if you’re used to the refined damping of Hyundai or Honda cars.

All things considered, the Taigun strikes a fine balance between excitement behind the wheel and everyday comfort.

Step inside the Taigun, and you’re welcomed by a completely revamped interior.

One of our team members, a Polo owner since 2013, was left stunned by how Volkswagen has transformed its cabin design for India. In his words, ‘The Taigun’s interior is by far the most advanced cabin you’ll find in any affordable Volkswagen from the last decade. Looks like VW is gearing up for a fight with the tech-loaded Koreans.’ And honestly? He’s not wrong.

Unlike the Creta or Seltos, where large screens dominate the dashboard, Volkswagen takes a more refined approach. The 10.1-inch touchscreen is seamlessly integrated into the dash, cleverly positioned to minimize reflections while being slightly tilted towards the driver for better accessibility. The system is smooth, and the UI is intuitive, though we did run into occasional connectivity issues with our smartphones.

[Short Note: The Volkswagen Taigun comes with features like Ventilated front seats, Sunroof, Cruise Control, Wireless Phone Connectivity, Cooled glove box etc., depending on the trim you’re getting. However, even the base spec model comes with stuff like Auto Start-Stop, Touchscreen infotainment system, rear AC vents, height adjustable front seats, electronically adjustable ORVM and a lot more which make even the base model extremely practical for the money!]

Moving to the rear, you get two USB-C ports alongside the AC vents, adding a touch of practicality. The seats? Comfortable for the most part, but just like the Virtus, the rear seats are a bit upright, which could be a concern on long drives. The front seats, however, offer solid bolstering, keeping you in place when attacking corners.

Space-wise, headroom and legroom are adequate, but don’t expect Creta or Seltos levels of comfort—this is a smaller SUV, and that reflects in the cabin. Thigh support is decent but not exceptional, especially if you’re over six feet tall. Given that cars like the Citroën Basalt now offer extendable thigh support, it’s time for Volkswagen—and every other automaker—to step up and integrate such practical features.

Where the Taigun really falls short is boot space. At just 375 liters, it has the smallest trunk in the segment, significantly lagging behind the Creta’s 433-liter offering.

That said, if you're in the market for a compact, fun-to-drive crossover that prioritizes driving dynamics over sheer size, the Taigun makes a strong case for itself.

When it comes to design, the Volkswagen Taigun undeniably feels smaller than its Korean rivals—because it is. If you’re after a bulky, dominating presence, the Taigun might not be your top pick. But size isn’t everything.

With sharp shoulder lines and a muscular stance, the Taigun makes a bold statement. Its boxy headlamp and tail-lamp housings add to its rugged appeal. While we’re not entirely sold on the connected tail lamps, they’ve proven to be a hit among buyers.

Chrome accents dominate the front grille, fog lamp housing, and door handles, adding a premium touch. Prefer a stealthier look? The Taigun Sport lineup lets you black them out for a more aggressive aesthetic.

[Short note: Volkswagen offers the Taigun in two distinct lineups—the Taigun Chrome and the Taigun Sport. The key difference? The Sport models swap out chrome accents for sleek blacked-out elements, including all-black alloy wheels, giving it a more aggressive, performance-oriented look.]

Beyond that, the Virtus Chrome edition comes with a set of 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, contrasting the stealthy blacked-out setup found in the Sport models.

The Volkswagen Taigun makes a strong case for itself in the compact SUV segment, offering a solid blend of performance, practicality, and a fun-to-drive character. 

While it may not match the sheer size and feature-packed nature of its Korean rivals—the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos—it brings something unique to the table: European driving dynamics, a robust build, and a more driver-focused experience.

The Volkswagen Taigun offers a total of five variants with the 1.0-liter engine. At the top of the lineup, the GT Line trim stands out with its all-black treatment, while the rest feature chrome accents for a more traditional look.

After closely evaluating all the trims, we believe the Highline and Highline Plus models strike the perfect balance between enthusiasm and practicality—ideal for those seeking a daily driver with just the right amount of excitement.

That said, if you're on a tighter budget, the Comfortline still packs plenty of value. Add a few essentials like the infotainment screen and a rear parking camera, and you're all set!

What makes the Taigun even more compelling is that even its lower trims don’t feel compromised. No over-the-top gimmicks—just a well-built, practical SUV that stays rock solid on the road, even at triple-digit speeds.