Volkswagen Taigun concept

Volkswagen has unveiled the Taigun concept at the São Paulo International Motor Show.

A micro-SUV, it measures just  3,859 mm (12’ 8”) long and 1,728 mm (5’ 8”) wide, dimensions that make the Taigun not much larger than the diminutive Up! city car upon which it’s based. 

As with the Up!, power comes from a three-cylinder, 1.0 litre petrol engine. However, for the Taigun the use of a turbocharger and direct fuel injection have raised the power output by almost 50% to an impressive 108 bhp (81 kW / 110 PS).

Similarly, peak torque is increased to 175 Nm (129 lb/ft), a figure that should help the small Volkswagen perform off-road. However, don’t expect it to be too capable over rough terrain, because the Taigun is strictly front-wheel drive.

A comparatively light weight of 985 kg (2,171 lbs) means that average fuel economy is estimated to be around 62 mpg (4.5 l/100km). What’s more, performance should be more than adequate thanks to the upgraded motor: Volkswagen is quoting a zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 9.2 seconds and a 115 mph (186 km/h) top speed.

Although for now it’s just a concept vehicle, it would be astonishing if the Taigun didn’t eventually make it into production.

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