VW’s new SUV is almost here
Volkswagen was missing from the midsize SUV segment, but now the company has a new firepower in its arsenal in the form of the Taigun concept that was showcased ahead of the Auto Expo 2020. Based on the new MQB-AO-IN platform, the Taigun concept is nearly production ready, but when launched, will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos among others. VW says that the Taigun is specifically developed for the Indian market and the design speaks the same, which encompasses the typical Volkswagen design philosophy.
Volkswagen says the company has stretched the MQB platform to its full potential, thus the Taigun has a generous boot space, which is said to be on par for the class. With 2760mm of wheelbase, the cabin space too is generous as the rear passengers get adequate knee-room. The seats are said to be extremely comfortable with enough under-thigh support for the rear passengers and adequate side bolstering for those sitting in the front. The centre infotainment has a large screen but is smaller in size than its elder sibling, the Vision IN but interestingly, the Taigun is filled with USB C charging ports both in the front and rear cabin area.
The Taigun will initially be offered only with a petrol engine, which is a 1.5-litre TFSI mill that will deliver 130bhp and will be mated to either a 5-speed manual or the 6-speed DSG automatic unit. The company is also considering a CNG variant to the Taigun concept! A diesel engine of that size and capacity which is also BS VI compliant will need to be offered with a selective catalyst reduction (SCR) system which would make it expensive.
The Aprilia SXR 160 was perhaps the most significant two-wheeler showcase of the 2020
Auto Expo, with Piaggio saying that they will launch the product in the country over the coming months. The SXR 160’s unique design, emulates the best features from the maxi-scooter school of design distilled into a lightweight frame that Piaggio is calling their “CrossMax” design. Powering the SXR is a 160cc BS VI 3V motor that it will share with the Aprilia SR160 BS VI. That aside, the SXR 160 will also get a long list of premium features that include twin-LED Headlamps with DRLs, large backlit storage, all-digital instrument cluster and 12-inch alloy wheels.