Volkswagen Taigun Matte Black SUV Spied Testing with Skoda Kushaq [Video]

Volkswagen Taigun spied testing in a new Matt Black paint scheme along with Skoda Kushaq; The German duo is based on the same MQB-A0-IN platform and uses an identical powertrain setup.

Volkswagen India launched the Taigun in September last year under its India 2.0 strategy. The mid-size SUV was introduced alongside its Skoda twin, the Kushaq. These two SUVs held the baton for the German carmakers till the introduction of the Slavia and Virtus sedan. Now, the Skoda Auto Volkswagen India group’s sales are mainly driven by these four models, which use the same underpinnings and powertrain setups.

Also read: Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo: New details surface

Volkswagen Taigun Matte Black SUV Spied Testing: Details

Although the Taigun is quite new in the market and Volkswagen recently launched the first-anniversary edition of the mid-size SUV in India. Now the four-wheeler was spotted testing in an all-new matte black paint scheme along with its twin, Kushaq. The colour of Taigun in the spy video has some slight Grey hue as well, giving out a contrast appeal with the silver alloy wheels.  Both the SUVs were not wearing any camouflage which suggests that no cosmetic changes are in work. Apart from the distinctive paint scheme on Taigun, everything else was visibly the same. For reference, the Taigun is currently available in six colour options, namely Carbon Steel Grey, Wild Cherry Red, Reflex Silver, Candy White, Rising Blue and Curcuma Yellow.

Some media reports hint at the introduction of an AWD version of the German SUVs to take on the likes of Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder AWDs. However, if the existing platform can accommodate the AWD setup is still unknown. Apart from India, the Taigun is sold in the South American markets by the name T-Cross. The Indian manufactured SUV  is exported to foreign markets and it doesn’t offer the AWD system. So an AWD Taigun in future is highly unlikely. Whatever the case, one thing is quite clear, the Volkswagen group is definitely onto something new.

Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq: Powertrain and Pricing

Under the hood, both SUVs use the same set of engine and gearbox options. The 1.0-litre TSI engine puts out 115 bhp and 178 Nm torque and comes paired with a 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic transmissions. The more powerful, 1.5 TSI EVO engine belts out 148 bhp and 250 Nm of peak torque. This engine is mated with a 7-speed DSG and a 6-speed manual gearbox. The former is a 3 cylinder unit while the latter is a 4 cylinder engine which comes with cylinder deactivation technology.

The Volkswagen Taigun is priced from Rs. 11.40 lakh to 18.60 lakh (ex-showroom). The range of Skoda Kushaq starts from Rs. 9.99 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs. 19.49 lakh (ex-showroom).

These SUVs take on the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder in the segment.

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