Buying a used Volkswagen Taigun: What to look out for

GOOD FOR: Ride and handling balance, strong engines

LOOK OUT FOR: AC cooling, EPC issue

Volkswagen launched the Taigun SUV in 2021 to go up against other midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and its Skoda cousin - the Kushaq. The Taigun stands out for its strong build, sorted dynamics and punchy engines, making it ideal for enthusiasts, but it’s also got a high crash-test rating and a fairly substantial boot, which will appeal to family buyers. Here’s what you need to consider before buying a used example.

Volkswagen Taigun powertrain and mileage details

1-litre, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine options; 19.87kpl maximum claimed mileage

The Taigun is offered with two TSI turbo-petrol engine options – a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder unit that produces 115hp and 175Nm and a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder unit that’s good for 150hp and 250Nm. Both engines come with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, with the 1.0 TSI getting a 6-speed torque converter automatic option and the 1.5 TSI getting a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic option. The 1.5 TSI engine also features fuel-saving cylinder deactivation technology.

As for fuel efficiency, the Taigun is claimed to return 19.87kpl and 18.15kpl for the 1.0 TSI manual and automatic, respectively. The 1.5 TSI manual and automatic, meanwhile, are claimed to deliver 18.61kpl and 19.01kpl, respectively. However, expect the real-world figures to be much lower, given that they are turbocharged engines.

Volkswagen Taigun variants and features

17-inch alloy wheels, 10-inch touchscreen, sunroof

If you enjoy driving, you’ll gravitate towards the 1.5 TSI for its added punch, and it’s nice that it can be had with a manual gearbox for added engagement. But, of course, the 1.5s will be more expensive to buy. For most use cases, though, the 1.0 TSI does a great job. The manual works just fine, but opt for the auto if you want the added convenience. Just beware that it can be quite thirsty.

As for the trim levels, at launch, the Taigun was available in Comfortline, Highline, Topline, GT and GT Plus. Volkswagen also introduced other trims like the GT Plus Sport and GT Line, along with a limited-run GT Edge Trail Edition later down the line.

Layered dash has a good mix of materials; sporty steering feels nice to hold.

In terms of features, the top-spec GT Plus variant gets a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the My Volkswagen Connect app, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, leatherette upholstery, ambient lighting, automatic climate control, a wireless charging pad, a sunroof, cooled front seats and 17-inch alloys. On the safety front, the Taigun comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill-hold control, a tyre deflation warning system, parking camera and ISOFIX child seat mounts. Commendably, it also has a full 5-star crash-safety rating from Global NCAP.

If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll find good value in the Highline (1.0) and GT (1.5) trims, but they do miss some feel-good features. Otherwise, it’s worth going for the top-spec Topline (1.0) and GT Plus (1.5) for the complete Taigun experience.

Warranty

What’s nice is that the Taigun comes with a 4-year/1,00,000km standard warranty that can be extended to 7 years/1,50,000km. There were also service value packages on offer, so look for an example that has this and the extended warranty, as that’ll ease your ownership experience. Regardless, the Taigun is a fairly reliable SUV that’s backed up by Volkswagen’s widespread service network in India. Getting spare parts won’t be an issue either, but it’s worth keeping in mind that certain components of the 1.5 TSIs will be expensive to replace.

What to look out for in a used Volkswagen Taigun?

AC cooling

Taigun owners have reported insufficient cooling from the HVAC system. Volkswagen has acknowledged this issue in the past and even rolled out a software update to help improve the system’s performance. Before purchasing, check if the cabin cools effectively and also get it inspected by a technician.

EPC issue

Some owners have faced problems with the electronic power control (EPC) module. The car can throw up an EPC error warning light on the dash, and owners have reported a loss of power or even a complete shutdown as a result. Take a test drive and keep a lookout for the EPC light in the cluster, and it’s also advisable to get the car scanned via the OBD port to ensure there are no issues.

Interior rattles

There have been complaints about rattling sounds coming from inside the Taigun’s cabin as the car ages. Before buying, drive over a broken road and listen for any rattles or squeaks coming from behind the dashboard, centre console or door cards.

Past recalls

Over the course of its lifespan, the Taigun has been recalled a few times to fix potential issues relating to the fuel pump, rear seat belts and a suspected missed weld seam on the track control arm due to a production process irregularity. Before purchasing, ensure these have been taken care of if your car was part of any of the recalls.

Second hand Volkswagen Taigun price, resale value

Rs 8 lakh-14 lakh

There are plenty of used Taiguns on the market at various prices. However, don’t spend over Rs 14 lakh, irrespective of the spec. 1.0 TSI manuals will be the most affordable, while the 1.5 TSI DSG will be the expensive ones. As always, there’s scope to haggle the price down further as this SUV is due for an update fairly soon.

Volkswagen Taigun fact file

Years produced	2021-present
Price when new	new From Rs 10.50 lakh (ex-showroom, India)
Engine	Engine 3 cyls, 999cc, turbo-petrol/ 4 cyls, 1498cc, turbo-petrol
Power	115/150hp
Torque	175/250Nm
175/250Nm	385 litres
Ground clearance	188mm