Volkswagen Taigun Concept (2012)

Technically, the Volkswagen Taigun Concept resembles the very contemporary New Small Family by Volkswagen, which it would round out in an upward direction if it were to be produced. The concept’s exterior look follows the very concise and clear Volkswagen design DNA. This gives the Sport Utility Vehicle a sophisticated and powerful appearance. The VW Taigun is 3,859 mm long, 1,728 mm wide and 1,570 mm tall. Between the front and rear bumpers, the vehicle sports a wheelbase of 2,470 mm, which is large in relation to its exterior length. The results: short overhangs and appealing proportions.

The four-seat concept car is powered by a new 1.0-litre TSI engine with 81 kW / 110 PS. The Volkswagen Taigun Concept engine extends the range of the three-cylinder petrol engines by adding direct fuel injection plus turbocharging technology, which opens a new chapter in downsizing strategy at Volkswagen. The engine delivers a high torque of 175 Nm at a low 1,500/min. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Brand for Technical Development, comments: “The torque-strong three-cylinder is an ideal engine for such a compact SUV; it is a companion for driving through the urban environment that is as efficient as it is dynamic.” The lightweight concept car, weighing 985 kg, has a top speed of 186 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds; its combined fuel consumption is about four and one-half litres of fuel per 100 km.

The Volkswagen Taigun Concept, which is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels and size 205/50 R17 tyres, is also adept at handling offroad terrain thanks to its high engine torque and high ground clearance. Also providing a plus in active safety is the ESC electronic stabilisation programme.

As on the exterior, the designers developed a look for the interior that reflects, in its clarity, the spirit of the times in our urban world. Those with an affinity for the latest smart phones or tablet computers will also like the interior design, the feel of its surfaces and the layout of controls in the Volkswagen Taigun Concept. The SUV is also a prime example of optimal space utilisation. The tailgate encloses a 280 litre bootspace; when the rear bench seat is folded down, cargo capacity increases to 987 litres.