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The Volkswagen Taigun sports utility vehicle has been unveiled at the Sao Paulo motor show in Brazil, but is a world wide model. Like the Up the Taigun is small on the outside at just 3.9 metres long and 1.7 metres wide, but surprisingly roomy inside thanks to its generous 2.5 metre wheelbase.
Weighing in at 985kg that makes it 320mm longer than the Up and it has a 60mm longer wheelbase. Powering the four-seat softy is a new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 81kW of power at 5000 revs and 175Nm of torque at 1500 revs.
Drive is to the front wheels through the six-speed manual gearbox (no mention of an auto). With the use of direct fuel injection and turbocharging it returns fuel consumption of 4.7 litres/100km.
Painted in Seaside Blue with yellow highlights inside the dash from 0-100km/h takes 9.2 seconds and it has a top speed of 186 km/h. The look is strong and purposeful, with twin tailpipes, chunky side panels, underbody protection and roof rails with LED spotlights sitting on 17 inch wheels and tyres fitted with 205/50 series rubber.
The tailgate is split horizontally, just like station wagons of old, with a window that opens separately. Inside the designers have systematically reduced the number of functions to the most essential.
Similarly, the development team has come up with individual solutions for user controls. They include air nozzles with built-in fan and temperature controls. Taigun is also equipped with an infotainment system that interfaces with all commonly used smart phones.
To the right of the radio-navigation system is the combination on/off/volume control. Centrally located under the infotainment system and finished in fine aluminium are the hazard warning light switch (middle) and the buttons for rear window heating, defrost function, air conditioning system and exterior lights.
Above the radio-navigation system on the dashboard there are three auxiliary instrument dials for oil pressure, coolant temperature and charge pressure. The leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel has a sporty flat bottom.
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