VW has revealed a new compact crossover, built on its MQB A0 platform.

Due for its public debut at this month’s Indian Auto Expo, images and details for the VW Taigun have been confirmed.

In appearance, the similarity to the VWT-Cross is obvious, although the Taigun does have some slightly different styling details and a larger overall size.

It measures 4.2m bumper-to-bumper, which makes it 90 mm longer than the standard T-Cross, with a 2.65m wheelbase, which spaces the axles 99 mm further apart.

Keen followers of VW’s compact crossover strategy will recognise those dimensions as being like the long-wheelbase T-Cross, which is available in certain markets (but not South Africa).

With its longer proportions, the Taigun has a slightly roomier cabin and better overall luggage volume, compared to a conventional T-Cross.

That stretched wheelbase also benefits ride quality, especially on poorly surfaced roads. VW’s Taigun project engineers have also worked extensively on the model’s suspension set-up, altering the compression and rebound settings to ensure it works best on gravel.

Overall ground clearance is greater than that of a T-Cross, with the Taigun having205 mm of underbody clearance. This is 25 mm more than T-Cross and will certainly come in handy for those owners who are going to use their vehicles as true gravel travellers.

Mechanically the Taigun is akin to T-Cross in its engine and drivetrain offering. VW says a detuned version of its 1.5 TSI petrol engine will be the main powertrain option, good for 97 kW.

Like the T-Cross, drive on the Taigun is tothe front-wheels only, either via a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Although aimed primarily at the Indian market, and due to go on sale there by the end of 2020, the Taigun, with its additional space and greater ground clearance, could have a compelling business case in South Africa. VW SA will no doubt have to investigate how to make T-Cross, Taigun and T-Roc all work within a similar price point.

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