The Volkswagen Taigun is finally here after a wait of over 1.5 years. The model has been eagerly anticipated and promises a whole lot of fun to drive dynamics, peppy engines, and a feature-loaded cabin. It looks good too, and there's ample chrome on the exterior to please the quintessential Indian buyer. VW India has finally announced prices and the range starts from Rs. 10.50 lakh, going up to Rs. 17.50 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Now those prices aren't exactly aggressive but they do look competitive. Just how much? Let's compare the new Taigun with each of its rivals in the segment to find out.
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| Volkswagen Taigun Prices | Dynamic Line 1.0 TSI | Performance Line 1.5 TSI |
|---|---|---|
| Taigun 1.0 TSI Comfort Line | Rs. 10.50 lakh | |
| Taigun 1.0 TSI Highline MT | Rs. 12.80 lakh | |
| Taigun 1.0 TSI Highline AT | Rs. 14.10 lakh | |
| Taigun 1.0 TSI Topline MT | Rs. 14.57 lakh | |
| Taigun 1.0 TSI Topline AT | Rs. 15.91 lakh | |
| Taigun 1.5 TSI GT Line | Rs. 15 lakh | |
| Taigun 1.5 TSI GT Line Plus | Rs. 17.50 lakh |
Do note: The Tata Harrier sits this one out since it does not get a petrol engine option, while we've skipped the MG Hector as well since a more direct competitor - MG Astor - is set to arrive in a few weeks from now.
Also Read: Volkswagen Taigun Launched In India
The Skoda Kushaq is a sibling to the Taigun and gets identical pricing to the Volkswagen Taigun
Starting this comparison some sibling rivalry. Both the Kushaq and the Taigun share the same underpinnings, engine options and even the feature list. This makes the models closely matched in terms of pricing. Both models start at the same Rs. 10.50 lakh asking price for the 1.0-litre version but Volkswagen manages to undercut Skoda by about Rs. 30,000 on the top-end. The Taigun 1.0 Topline AT is priced at Rs. 15.91 lakh, whereas the comparable Kushaq 1.0 Style AT with six airbags and TPMS is priced at Rs. 16.20 lakh. Volkswagen also brings the 1.5 TSI at a more accessible price point of Rs. 15 lakh for the GT Line MT, which is a good Rs. 1.2 lakh cheaper than the Kushaq 1.5 Style MT. The top-spec Taigun 1.5 GT Plus DSG also undercuts the Kushaq's Style DSG by Rs. 50,000.
The Kia Seltos is the sportier SUV on sale in the segment and prices are competitive on the offering
The second most-selling model in the segment is the Kia Seltos. Sporty, well-designed and feature-loaded, the SUV ticks all the right boxes and there are plenty on the roads too. The entry-level HTE trim is basic but undercuts the Taigun at Rs. 9.95 lakh, while the HTX 1.5 IVT is priced at a more accessible Rs. 14.75 lakh. The GTX (O) MT starts from Rs. 15.45 lakh, which is about Rs. 45,000 more than the Taigun GT Line MT, while the 1.4 GTX (O) DCT dual-tone is priced at Rs. 17.74 lakh and is marginally more expensive.
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The Hyundai Creta remains a segment favourite for the masses despite the premium pricing on top variants
Moving to the segment leader, the new-generation Hyundai Creta remains a hot seller and dethroning this one won't be an easy task for any new rival. The model gets 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated and 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine options across five trims levels, and a variety of transmission options. The new Creta is more accessible though at Rs. 10.16 lakh for the 1.5 E bare-bones variant, while the top-spec 1.5 SX (O) with the IVT gearbox will set you back by Rs. 16.82 lakh. The 1.4 turbo range starts from 16.83 lakh and goes up to Rs. 17.87 lakh for the top-spec SX(O) 7-speed DCT. The Taigun 1.5 GT Plus is cheaper by Rs. 17,000 in comparison.
The Renault Duster remains a sorted SUV with rugged dynamics and is attractively priced too
A little long in the tooth but the Renault Duster remains a compelling buy for its strong driving dynamics and rugged nature. It's also only petrol since the BS6 upgrade. Prices for the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated mill start at Rs. 9.86 lakh that goes up to Rs. 10.46 lakh. Meanwhile, it's the new 1.3-litre turbo petrol that has more meat and starts at 11.27 lakh, going up to Rs. 14.25 lakh. While it undercuts the Taigun by a good margin, the feature list isn't as extensive.
Also Read: Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT TSI Review
The Nissan Kicks 1.3 Turbo undercuts its rivals by a significant margin
A sibling to the Renault Duster, the Nissan Kicks is impressive on the highway and gets a likeable design too. And it's gotten better with that 1.3-litre turbo petrol, especially in the CVT automatic guise. Prices for the Nissan 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated manual though start at Rs. 9.50 lakh, going up to Rs. 10 lakh. Meanwhile, the more engaging 1.3 petrol range starts from Rs. 12.10 lakh and goes up to Rs. 14.65 lakh. The feature list does keep you wanting more.
