2014 Volkswagen Taigun Concept
By Lorenzo Bianchi February 19, 2014
1.0-litre TSI with 110 PS and 175 Nm, 4.7 l/100 km fuel consumption.
Compact 3,859 mm length with 2,470 mm wheelbase.
New rear design with outside-mounted spare wheel.
Advanced Version Premieres in New Delhi
The 2014 Volkswagen Taigun Concept made its Asian premiere at Auto Expo in New Delhi as an advanced iteration of the near-production study first shown in São Paulo. The most visible change is at the rear: an outside-mounted spare wheel integrated into the boot lid, a response to global customer feedback seeking quicker access without unloading the luggage compartment.
Volkswagen markets the Taigun as a small SUV that was designed with affordability and usefulness in mind, targeting urban markets while maintaining off-road capabilities.
Small Size and Harmonious Ratios
The Taigun's length of 3,859 mm, which increases to 3,995 mm with the spare wheel, places it squarely in the subcompact SUV category. Width measures 1,728 mm and height 1,570 mm, rising to 1,605 mm with roof rails. The 2,470 mm wheelbase is long relative to overall length, producing short overhangs of 708 mm at the front and 681 mm at the rear.
Visually, the silhouette is clear and upright. A distinct character line extends beneath the windows and into the C-pillars, while flared wings blend into serene side surfaces. A clean side profile is reinforced by the integration of the rear door handles flush with the window line.
The front is mostly horizontal, like larger Volkswagen SUVs like the Tiguan and Touareg. The grille is framed by LED daytime running lights, which highlight its width. Metal underbody protection panels at both front and rear underscore the Taigun’s rugged intent.
110 PS Turbo Engine and Efficiency Focus
Power comes from a 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder engine producing 81 kW / 110 PS at 5,000 rpm. Maximum torque of 175 Nm is available from 1,500 rpm. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Fuel consumption is rated at 4.7 l/100 km, equating to 110 g/km CO2. With a 50-litre tank, range is approximately 1,000 kilometres. The concept, weighing 998 kg, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 186 km/h.
The Taigun rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with 205/50 R17 tyres. Approach angles measure 28 degrees at the front and 35.5 degrees at the rear, figures that hint at genuine light off-road capability despite its urban orientation.
Rear Design and Practical Engineering
The revised rear section integrates the spare wheel into the boot lid, which swings outward on the driver’s side. The rear window opens separately upward beneath a roof spoiler. The licence plate is centrally positioned within the metal underbody protection panel.
When the double cargo floor is added and the back seats are folded, the boot's 280-liter capacity increases to 996 liters. Within limited external dimensions, the package demonstrates careful space efficiency.
Clarity of Function and Interior Design
The Taigun's interior blends a contemporary style with robust exteriors. The beige seat covers with a honeycomb structure and orange piping look great with the "Ultra Orange" pearl exterior finish. The sporty look is enhanced by matte anodized aluminum elements and a flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel.
Multifunction air vent dials that also control temperature and blower speed are among the controls that are set up for ease of use. Through a specialized Taigun app, smartphone connectivity is integrated into an infotainment system.
Market Positioning
The 2014 Volkswagen Taigun Concept previews a compact SUV tailored for emerging markets and dense urban environments, combining efficient downsized power with robust styling. It signals Volkswagen’s intention to extend its SUV portfolio downward without diluting brand identity.