With the duo of the Volkswagen Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq nearing their launch very soon, the compact SUV segment - which is already one of the most fiercely contested segments - is going to be infused with some fresh life. The Skoda Kushaq is all slated for its launch in June, 2021, while the Volkswagen Taigun will follow later in August, 2021. Ahead of its launch, IAB reader, Priyank Gurhani, has shared with us some exclusive pictures and a video of both the compact SUVs undergoing their final tests in Pirangut, Pune.
A total of six cars were spotted together, of which five were the Volkswagen Taigun and one was the Skoda Kushaq. Interestingly, although Volkswagen has already revealed the Taigun in full production-spec guise, two of the test mules were still seen wearing camouflage. A look at the alloy wheels suggest these could possibly be lower-spec models of the Taigun, details of which the carmaker is still yet to reveal. It is understood that both the Kushaq and the Taigun were being driven around by top company officials, perhaps for a final check on both the models before they hit the market.
A total of six cars - which included five Volkswagen Taiguns and one Skoda Kushaq - were recently spotted undergoing final tests in Pune.ArrayAlso Read : 2021 Volkswagen Polo is India-Bound - 5 Things You Must Know
The Skoda Kushaq will be leading the charge under VW Group's India 2.0 project and will be the first car to be underpinned by the MQB-A0-IN platform, an Indian derivate of the Volkswagen's smallest global modular architecture - the MQB-A0. Now in terms of size, it is worth noting that both the Taigun and the Kushaq will be marginally smaller than the Korean duo of the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta. However, they will still have the longest wheelbase in class of 2,651mm, which should translate to sufficient interior space, as they have been optimized to suit local preferences.
Volkswagen is still yet to reveal lower-spec variants of the Taigun, which will possibly have some notable differences.
Both the Volkswagen Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq will be identical under the hood, featuring two petrol engine options. VW Group's 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine will be the mainstay, and it produces 115PS of power and 175Nm of torque. This engine will come mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. There will also be a larger 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol engine that will come mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual. This engine produces 150PS and 250Nm of peak torque.
Although both the SUVs are identical under the skin, and they will even be manufactured alongside each other at Volkswagen's facility in Chakan, near Pune, they will be completely unique in terms of styling and design, with each car catering to their respective brand identity. Due to heavy localization and sharing of essential components with other models, Skoda and Volkswagen should be able to position the compact SUVs quite aggressively in the market. However, there will not be any compromise in terms of quality, as is synonymous with both the brands, and in that regard, they will still have a premium positioning. We expect prices for both the SUVs to range between INR 10-18 lakh (ex-showroom).
Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Volkswagen and Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.
Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushsaq - Image Gallery
TVS has launched the updated Apache RTR 160 4V in India, priced at ₹1,39,990 (ex-showroom, Delhi). While the design remains unchanged, the motorcycle now sports a striking grey-and-red paint scheme,..
Tesla has further reduced the wait time for its Model 3 sedan in China. New orders for any Model 3 variant now come with an estimated delivery window of just 1-3 weeks, down from the previous 2-4..
Jeep pays homage to its legendary roots with the Wrangler 4xe Willys ’41, a special edition inspired by the iconic 1941 Willys MB. Based on the plug-in hybrid variant, this retro-styled SUV flaunts..
The MINI Plant Oxford has begun production of the fourth-generation MINI Cooper Convertible, marking its return since 2015. Joining the MINI Cooper 3-Door and 5-Door, the plant now serves as the hub..
Audi has officially opened bookings for the refreshed 2025 Q7 in India ahead of its launch on November 28. Prospective buyers can reserve the SUV with a token payment of Rs 2 lakh through the Audi..
Xiaomi EV has hit a major milestone with the 100,000th unit of its first vehicle, the SU7, rolling off the assembly line. This achievement, announced by Xiaomi founder Lei Jun, comes just 230 days..
BMW India has just launched the new M340i xDrive, claiming the title of the fastest BMW ever produced locally. With a blistering 0-100 km/h time of just 4.4 seconds, this high-performance sedan sets..
Kia America is gearing up for an exciting showcase at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show, where it will unveil five new vehicles spanning its ICE, HEV, PHEV, and EV lineups. These models will feature..
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 has earned a spot on Newsweek's list of America’s Most Anticipated New Vehicles for 2025, highlighting its innovative design and market relevance. This recognition cements..
The Citroën’ë-C3 and C3 have been shortlisted as finalists for the prestigious ‘Car of the Year 2025’ award, standing out among 42 contenders evaluated by a jury of 60 journalists from 23 countries...
