From Auto Expo 2014 in New Delhi

Asian premiere for the Volkswagen SUV concept Taigun

Volkswagen has two of the most successful SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicle) of European origin in its range with the "Tiguan" and the "Touareg". Now Europe's largest carmaker will significantly extend this range with new models in a wide variety of classes. A compact model in the lower price segment, the Taigun, is in the development phase; the latest version of this SUV concept was presented in New Delhi, India in February 2014 - a new sport utility vehicle features a new rear section with outside-mounted spare wheel. And this is exactly the solution future drivers wished for in the new Taigun. Volkswagen took the opportunity to analyse feedback from around the world to adapt the new SUV ideally to customers' wishes. One of these wishes: fast access to the spare wheel without having to empty the boot first. The advanced version of the SUV concept now meets this demand. The four-seat Taigun is powered by a new and fuel-efficient 1.0-litre TSI engine (turbocharged, direct injection petrol engine) with 81 kW / 110 PS (from 5,000/min). Average fuel consumption is just 4.7 l/100km (110 g/km CO2). This enables a range of around 1,000 kilometres (with a fuel tank capacity of 50 litres).

Clear silhouette.
The body of the Taigun – as compact as it is attractive – has been designed with an independent, confident and sporty look. From the side, the flared wings catch the eye; their powerful form is homogeneously integrated with the lines of the silhouette, which are otherwise very calm and clear, and extends into the doors.

Defining the design of the silhouette is the slanted surface below the side windows, the so-called character line in the jargon of the designers. Stylistically, this precise character line connects the front and rear sections of the concept; at the rear, it transitions into the C-pillars. At the front, designers of the Taigun intentionally emulated the larger Volkswagen Tiguan and Touareg SUVs. Like them, the concept also exhibits lines that are dominated by horizontal design elements. The newly designed rear section of the Taigun presented in India is characterised by an outside-mounted spare wheel. When the boot lid is opened, it swings out with the lid; the boot lid is hinged on the driver's side.

Info: In November 2006, Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft and the Government of Maharashtra signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of an automobile production plant in the city of Pune. The Volkswagen Group India plant in Pune is one of the most modern in the Volkswagen Group. The facility covers the entire production process, from body shop through paint shop to final assembly. The plant has an area of about 2,300,000 m², of which about 194,000 m² are covered with buildings. The plant at Pune currently produces a special hatchback version of the Volkswagen Polo, the Volkswagen Vento and the Škoda Rapid. In 2013, about 100,000 vehicles were produced. The production process features highly advanced production methods meeting the most stringent production quality and environmental compatibility requirements. With a total amount of €580 million, the Pune plant is the largest investment by a German company to date in India. In 2012 and 2013, a further €100 million were invested in process and product improvement measures, www.volkswagen.co.in