Volkswagen Taigun Review: The SUV for Those Who Love to Drive

If you are tired of SUVs that are just “gadgets on wheels” and want a machine that actually talks to you when you press the accelerator, you have come to the right place.

The Volkswagen Taigun launched with a simple promise: bringing the “German DNA” to the mass market in India. It isn’t the biggest SUV in its segment, nor does it have a panoramic sunroof that stretches to the moon. But sitting here in 2026, the Taigun remains the benchmark for driving dynamics and safety in the ₹11 Lakh to ₹20 Lakh bracket.

With an ex-showroom starting price of roughly ₹11.70 Lakh, it sits right in the middle of a war zone occupied by the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. But does the “German Build Quality” justify the price tag, especially when the service cost rumors still haunt VW?

I drove the Taigun GT Plus across Mumbai’s traffic and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway to find out. Here is the real truth.

Quick Specs: What’s Under the Hood?

Before we talk about the “feel,” let’s look at the raw numbers. VW offers two turbocharged petrol engines. There is no diesel, and honestly, you won’t miss it.

Read more: Facelift Review 2026

Exterior Design: Understated but Classy

Volkswagen doesn’t do “flashy.” They do “timeless.”

The Taigun looks unmistakably European. It has that squared-off bonnet and clean lines that won’t look old even 5 years from now.

• The Front: The chrome grille with horizontal slats connects seamlessly with the LED headlamps. It gives the car a wide stance, although it isn’t as tall or imposing as a Scorpio-N or Harrier.
• The Rear (Best Angle): The Infinity LED Tail Lamp that runs across the entire boot width is the signature look. At night, this looks absolutely premium and distinct.
• Wheels: The 17-inch ‘Manila’ alloy wheels fill the arches well, though the gap between the tyre and wheel arch is noticeable (typical for Indian road-spec suspensions).
• Build Quality: The “Thud” is there. The doors feel heavy, and the panel gaps are consistent. It feels safer than 90% of cars on Indian roads just by touching the metal.

Interior, Comfort & Features: Good, But Not “Hyundai” Good

Step inside, and it is a mixed bag.

• The Dashboard: It’s a clean, no-nonsense layout. The dashboard features a colored inlay (Red in GT variants) which looks sporty. However, if you go looking for soft-touch plastics, you will be disappointed. The dashboard is mostly hard plastic, which feels durable but not exactly “luxury” for a ₹20 Lakh car.
• The Screen: The 10-inch VW Play touchscreen is crisp, fluid, and supports Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay perfectly. No lag whatsoever.
• Seating Comfort: This is a highlight. The front seats are excellent with great side bolstering—they hold you tight during fast corners.
• Ventilated Seats: Yes, the Topline and GT Plus variants get ventilated front seats—a lifesaver for Indian summers.
• Rear Space: Here is the catch. The Taigun is best suited for 4 adults. The rear floor hump is high, and the width is narrow compared to the Creta. Fitting three healthy adults at the back is a squeeze. Legroom, however, is fantastic thanks to the long wheelbase (2651 mm).
• Missing Features: No Panoramic Sunroof (it gets a standard size one), no 360-degree camera, and no ADAS Level 2 (mostly).

Engine Performance & Driving Dynamics: The Real USP

This is why you buy a Volkswagen. Period.

The 1.0L TSI (The Sensible Choice)

Don’t let the “1.0L” size fool you. This engine punches above its weight. It produces 114 BHP, which is more than enough for city duties. The turbo lag is masked well, and once you cross 2000 RPM, it pulls cleanly. The 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic is smooth—much better than the jerky AMTs found in budget cars.

The 1.5L TSI GT (The Enthusiast’s Dream)

This engine is a gem. 150 BHP in a compact SUV is a recipe for fun.

• Acceleration: Put your foot down, and the 7-speed DSG (Dual Clutch) gearbox drops two gears instantly. You are pushed back into your seat. Overtaking on highways is effortless.
• ACT Technology: It has Active Cylinder Technology. When you are cruising steadily, it shuts down 2 of the 4 cylinders to save fuel. You won’t even feel it happening.

Handling & Suspension

The Taigun handles like a hatchback, not an SUV.

• Cornering: You can attack corners at 80-90 kmph with confidence. Body roll is minimal.
• Steering: It is light at low speeds (easy parking) and weighs up beautifully as you cross 100 kmph.
• Suspension: It is on the stiffer side. You will feel the sharp bumps at slow speeds, but as you go faster, it flattens the road. It doesn’t float around like some soft-suspension rivals.

Safety: The 5-Star Shield

In a country where road safety is a gamble, the Taigun is an insurance policy.

• Global NCAP Rating: 5 Stars (Adult & Child Safety). It is one of the safest cars made in India.
• Standard Kit: 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD, and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) are standard across ALL variants.
• Build: It uses high-strength steel. In an unfortunate event, the cabin integrity of a VW is trusted far more than many Asian rivals.

Real World Mileage: The Truth

Volkswagen engines are sensitive to your driving style. Drive with a light foot, and they are decent. Drive hard, and they drink fuel.

The Competition: Taigun vs The World

The Taigun fights the kings of the segment.

Winner?

• Value/Features: Hyundai Creta wins. It offers more tech for the money.
• Driving Pleasure/Safety: VW Taigun wins hands down. If you drive yourself, pick the Taigun. If you are chauffeur-driven, pick the Creta.

Final Verdict: Is the Volkswagen Taigun Worth Buying?

The Volkswagen Taigun is not for everyone. It isn’t for the person who wants a “computer on wheels” with voice commands for the sunroof. It is for the person who loves driving.

If you appreciate a solid door thud, precise steering, and an engine that puts a smile on your face every time the signal turns green, this is the car for you. Yes, the interior plastics could be better, and the rear seat is narrow, but once you drive it, you will forgive everything else.

Buy it if:

• You prioritize 5-Star Safety for your family.
• You want the best driving dynamics and high-speed stability in this segment.
• You want a timeless design that doesn’t scream for attention.

Skip it if:

• You need to seat 3 adults in the back comfortably.
• You want features like a Panoramic Sunroof or 360-degree camera.
• You are looking for low-cost service and cheap spare parts (VW service has improved, but it’s still premium compared to Maruti).

FAQs (People Also Ask)