German car maker Volkswagen is set to enter the compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment of the Indian car market with the launch of a model, named Taigun. Sources close to the development process stated that the model is likely to be assembled in India, apart from one other international location. Industry experts are considering it as a wise move by Volkswagen as the compact SUV segment has gained prominence in the Indian market with the success of cars like Renault Duster, Mahindra Quanto and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
However, it is unlikely that the Taigun will be introduced in the United States of America as its features might not suit the choices of buyers there. This is the reason why Volkswagen is planning to focus on regions like Asia and Southern Africa, where the markets are growing at a fast rate. Although no official statement has been released, it is expected that the Volkswagen Taigun could come to India by 2016. Volkswagen first unveiled the Taigun compact SUV as a concept vehicle at the 2012 Sao Paulo Motor Show.
Speculations are rife that the front-wheel drive Taigun is going to be priced below the Tiguan, an existing model of the company. According to statistics, the compact SUV market clocked global sales of over 8.7 million units, which is expected to grow further in future due to the rise in demand in developing nations. As per company sources, the Volkswagen Taigun will be manufactured in two facilities across the world, in order to cater to the demands of growing market. For nations where left-hand drive cars are operating, Volkswagen will manufacture the Taigun at the Sao Paulo plant. On the other hand, the right-hand drive Taigun is slated to be produced at the firm's production facility in Pune.
The German car maker has plans of adding a level of versatility and uniqueness to the existing front-wheel drive compact SUVs. The Taigun will be based on the PQ12 structure, a new small family platform that is also put to use in the UP!. Industry experts also believe that a natural gas version might also be introduced by the German car maker even though no official statement has been made regarding the same. It is expected that the Volkswagen Taigun will be equipped with a turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine featuring direct injection.
Volkswagen has made a name for itself in the Indian car market with the iconic models like Polo and Vento models. The Germany-based firm will be hoping to cash in on the positive responses of the two cars to create a platform for the Taigun. What is likely to benefit Volkswagen is the fact that despite the market conditions being unfavourable in general, the compact SUV segment is witnessing a high rate of growth. The Volkswagen Taigun is likely to compete with the likes of Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster and the upcoming Nissan Terrano, post its launch in the Indian auto market.
