I have been using the VW Taigun 1.0 L TC for almost a year now. It's my only vehicle for both city and highway use, with 80% city driving. It has decent power and delivers an instant punch for overtaking. The engine does not feel jerky, and there are no issues in stop-go traffic. However, compared to the 1.5 DSG, it feels like a downgrade in terms of power and responsiveness on the highway.

Sridhar•12 Feb 2026

4/5

taigun is also great on highway for same reasons, suspension setup is well balanced between handling and comfort. 5 star safety and confidence inspiring at speed

Volkswagen Taigun Expert Reviews

Autocar score

We like

Rock-solid highway stability
Smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic

We don't like

Low speed ride feels harsh
Misses 360-deg camera, ADAS, rear sunblinds

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Volkswagen Taigun Images

Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel Image - 35673

Front Charging Outlet Type Usb Type A, Usb Type C Image - 35701

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Questions you may find useful

•5d

I currently own a Hyundai Verna (2019, manual transmission). My wife would prefer an automatic vehicle, and it will be her first car. I am also planning to upgrade to a luxury vehicle in the future. However, instead of purchasing two vehicles immediately, I am considering buying one car for my wife first, allowing her to get comfortable with it for about a year, and then purchasing another vehicle later. My plan is to sell the Verna, buy a new car for her, and share the same vehicle for some time. I am considering Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Renault Duster, Kia Seltos and Kia Sonet. Among these, I am looking at the automatic variants. My budget is up to Rs. 20 lakh, although I can stretch it to Rs. 25 lakh if the car is particularly compelling. The primary use case will be daily office commutes of around 8-15 km, including dropping off my son on the way, so ISOFIX child-seat mounts are essential. We also take occasional highway trips, typically once every three months. Considering these requirements, which option would you recommend?

•5d

The Kia Seltos 1.5 Petrol IVT would be the recommendation here. Since this will be your wife's first automatic car and you'll both be sharing it for some time, ease of driving should be a key consideration. The Seltos' naturally aspirated petrol engine and IVT automatic combination is exceptionally smooth in city traffic, making it very beginner-friendly. It is also spacious, comfortable on long drives, comes with ISOFIX mounts and feels premium enough that you won't feel the need to upgrade immediately.The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Mild Hybrid Automatic is another strong option. Its naturally aspirated petrol engine and torque-converter automatic are smooth and dependable, while Toyota's ownership experience is among the best in the business. However, it doesn't feel quite as premium or feature-rich as the Seltos.The Renault Duster Turbo DCT is appealing if you enjoy driving. It offers strong performance, a solid feel and excellent road manners. However, the DCT transmission is not as smooth in stop-start city traffic as the Seltos' IVT, which is an important consideration for a first-time automatic driver. It is also likely to be less fuel efficient than the Seltos in everyday use.The Volkswagen Taigun remains a great driver's car, but for your specific use case, the Seltos is the more rounded family package. The Sonet is a good SUV, but it feels a size smaller than the others on your shortlist.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

•1w

I’m looking for a compact SUV for India. My main consideration is great driving dynamics and power. I’m looking for a petrol variant and an automatic transmission. I’ll be using it mainly on long road trips and broken road explorations. Our dream is to do all India / global trips. In about 2 years, there’s a chance we’ll travel with four people (including me) more regularly, so I don’t want the car to struggle then. I don’t need features like ADAS, and I’ll want to upgrade the sound system and camera after purchase. While I’m leaning towards Renault, Skoda, and Volkswagen, could you give me 4-5 options and the best variant? My budget on road is 23-24 lakhs max.

•4d

Pick the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG, in either Prestige or Monte Carlo. It’s the most fun-to-drive in your budget, with strong mid‑range power for four-up highway climbs, and a suspension that rides well on broken roads without feeling floaty. It stays stable at speed, and the steering feels natural on long drives. One honest caveat: the 7‑speed dual‑clutch can feel a bit jerky in stop‑go traffic, but your use is mostly highways, so it suits you fine.Close second is the Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI DSG. Same punchy engine and gearbox, and equally enjoyable on twisty hill roads. Between the two, buy the one that gets you the better deal or closer service centres in your city.From Renault, the new Duster turbo‑petrol DCT is a solid choice too. It’s also great on rough roads and enjoyable in the twisties with enough performance for quick highways. Its DCT uses a wet clutch compared to the dry clutch from VW/Skoda, which means shifts are smoother in the city. Wet clutch transmissions are also generally more robust than dry clutch units.Alternatively, consider the Kia Seltos 1.5 turbo-petrol DCT. It has a roomier cabin, which will be important when you are travelling four up. It isn't quite as sharp as the above competitors, but it is enjoyable with plenty of performance.If you are going to be travelling to remote locations, service availability can be scarce. If that is a concern, then include the Maruti Victoris or the Grand Vitara 1.5 petrol. They can also be had with AWD, which can be very useful on rough roads and in icy conditions.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

•1w

I am selling my Ford Figo diesel and planning to buy a new car. I drive around 400-500km in the city every month and do an occasional 1,200km highway trip once every three months. Should I buy the new Kushaq 1.5 or the Slavia 1.5? Are there any other recommendations?

•4d

Both are good choices, but if you don't often carry tall items in the boot, the Skoda Slavia is the better fit for your needs. Your quarterly 1200 km highway runs will feel easier in the sedan - it is more stable at speed, quieter, and its big boot still swallows a lot of luggage. With your 400-500 km a month in the city, the 1.5 TSI’s strong mid-range and light controls keep it easy, and the sedan’s lower shape gives slightly better mileage than the Kushaq on the open road.The downside is that you sit lower. The Kushaq’s extra height gives you a better view out, and it is easier to get in and out of. Ground clearance is slightly better, too, but the Slavia isn't exactly lacking. If you want the same mechanics with Volkswagen flavour, look at the Virtus 1.5 or the Taigun1.5.It's worth noting that the Slavia and Virtus are due for a facelift, which will arrive sometime this year. It will bring a revised front and rear design and a few new features, similar to what the Kushaq/Taigun got recently. If that doesn't matter to you, there may be better deals to be had on the current Slavia.

Hi experts, I am planning to upgrade from my Maruti Suzuki Wagon R to a midsize SUV. My budget is Rs. 18 lakh. My usage will be primarily on highways, with very limited city driving. My priorities are safety, comfort, fuel efficiency and maintenance costs. Based on these requirements, could you please share your recommendations?

•1w

The Skoda Kushaq or Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Automatic would be the top recommendations here.Since your usage is predominantly on highways, the strengths of these two SUVs align very well with your requirements. Both feel stable and confidence-inspiring at higher speeds, offer comfortable ride quality and have strong safety credentials. Their turbo-petrol engines deliver a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, while the new 8-speed automatic transmission should further improve efficiency and drivability. They also represent a substantial upgrade over the Wagon R in terms of refinement, comfort and long-distance cruising ability.Another strong option is the Honda Elevate CVT. It may not feel as sporty or engaging to drive as the Skoda and Volkswagen twins, but it excels in comfort, reliability and ease of ownership. The naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth and proven, while maintenance costs are likely to be among the lowest in the segment.

Volkswagen Taigun

Skoda Kushaq

Honda Elevate

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

•1w

I’m buying my first car and would appreciate your recommendations. Usage: Mostly self-driven, usually with 1-4 occupants, with occasional trips carrying 5 people. Around 70% city driving in Mumbai, with the rest being highway and weekend trips. Priorities: fun-to-drive and engaging, reliable and easy to own, strong safety, comfortable seats for a 6-foot driver, effective AC for Mumbai weather, good city ride quality, and decent factory audio system. I’m not looking for the most feature-packed car. I would prefer a well-engineered, enjoyable, safe, and comfortable car with a good long-term ownership experience. My budget is below Rs 15 lakh.

•1w

Pick the Volkswagen Taigun or its sister car, the Skoda Kushaq. They are fun-to-drive cars, are genuinely safe, and have secured a 5-star crash rating in Global NCAP tests. Since you said you want a fun-to-drive and engaging experience, you could consider the manual versions however the automatics too and very enjoyable to drive.For a 6-foot driver, the driving position would be fine thanks to good seat travel and adjustable steering, though make sure you check this yourself, too. The AC system was recently updated and copes much better with Mumbai heat, not the coldest in class, but effective enough. The factory audio is decent on mid trims, and they have all the basic features you would need.

Volkswagen Taigun

Skoda Kushaq

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