Volkswagen Taigun: Not Just A Driver's Delight

The Taigun might skip the gimmicks, but on the road, it delivers driver-first performance, solid build, and pure fun

Compact SUVs are the choice of people now. Most are packed with large touchscreens, connected tech, panoramic sunroofs, and long feature lists, but how about a vehicle that is awesome to drive and provides best-in-class quality where it counts, on the road? Meet the Volkswagen Taigun!

Let's take a look at what it is like in the driver's seat and why it might be the ideal option for those who love to be in control.

Driving Experience: Fun Comes Standard

Taigun is built on Volkswagen's MQB-A0-IN platform. What does that get you? A solid chassis, enhanced weight distribution, and improved handling, and all of it is apparent the instant you drive it around a corner.

Where most small SUVs tend to be tall and floaty, the Taigun is planted. There is very little body roll, and the car stays in its line even if you push it a little bit. This reassuring behaviour makes it a delight for those who enjoy twisty roads.

The steering is another gem. It’s light at low speeds—perfect for city driving and tight parking spots—but builds weight progressively as you go faster. Few SUVs in this class offer this level of connection to the road.

Engines And Transmission: Turbocharged Thrills

Volkswagen offers the Taigun with two turbo-petrol choices:

• 1-litre TSI (115 PS, 178 Nm)

• 1.5-litre TSI (150 PS, 250 Nm)

The 1-litre TSI is fine for everyday driving, particularly with the 6-speed torque converter automatic. But it's the 1.5-litre TSI with the 7-speed DSG that provides the magic.

This engine-gearbox combo delivers sharp acceleration, effortless overtakes, and quick, seamless gear shifts. The DSG remains smooth in the city and turns responsive when you want to push it. Whether it’s a weekday run or a weekend blast, this setup is always game.

And the 1.5-litre power plant further shines with Active Cylinder Technology, which shuts down two cylinders under low-load conditions to conserve fuel. Clever, isn't it?

Build Quality: Premium Where It Matters

Step into the Volkswagen Taigun, and the dashboard is clean and tidy with an efficient design that prioritises usability over showiness. It's not going too hard at being cutting-edge, and that's no bad thing. Everything seems to have been placed with intent.

The materials that are used, particularly the plastics, feel sturdy and durable, the sort of quality that resists the wear and tear of time. The buttons and switchgear feel substantial and tactile too, giving you the sense that they've been constructed to withstand daily use. The seats are well-padded, providing a good balance of comfort and support whether you're driving through heavy traffic or cruising on the highway.

And then there’s the classic VW door thud—that unmistakable, reassuring thunk when you shut the door. It’s a small detail, but one that speaks volumes about the Taigun’s build quality. You can feel the focus on long-term build quality and attention to detail, something that gets lost in this class, where features tend to outweigh substance.

Features: Useful, Not Gimmicky

When it comes to features, the Taigun covers all the essentials, and then some.

You get the feel-good ones, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ventilated front seats for an extra dose of comfort during hot summers, a full-digital driver's display that's clear and informative, and automatic wipers and headlamps that take over in unpredictable weather. 

There’s also cruise control for relaxed highway cruising, a sunroof for added openness, and a responsive touchscreen infotainment system that feels well integrated with the rest of the cabin tech.

None of these features are an afterthought. There's no creaky software or gimmicky connected car technology that has you sifting through menus. Rather, it all works nicely, just the way it should. It's a package designed around what motorists actually do and utilise.

Volkswagen Taigun: For People Who Love The Thrill

The Volkswagen Taigun is for all, and that's exactly why it succeeds. If your definition of a good car is one that's well-made, handles confidently, and doesn't confuse you with gimmicks that you will never use, the Taigun stands tall in this overpopulated segment.

It creates a high-quality and involving experience for those who enjoy the drive, have faith in their vehicle, and a feeling of connection with the road.

And that, in this modern age of touchscreen-centric, distraction-laden SUVs, is a precious and delightful thing.

What do you love about the Volkswagen Taigun? Let us know in the comments!

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