Volkswagen has this week revealed more information about the forthcoming Taigun production model, mentioned recently in our June issue of Leisure Wheels. The São Paulo Auto Show last year was the first time that the public laid eyes on the concept version of the vehicle.
The baby soft roader is set to be launched in 2016 could be based on the Golf or Polo platform. Expect Volkswagens new generation of three- and four-cylinder engines to be available, while all-wheel drive is expected to be optional.
It should slot in below the Tiguan on the Volkswagen family tree and compete against the likes of the Nissan Juke, the new Suzuki SX4 and Renault’s Duster.
Competing baby-SUVs in progress
Volkswagen isn’t the only one taking on the Juke-size crossover segment. In June we reportedly that Land Rover are working on a baby SUV, with Tata engineers reportedly working on 1,4 and 1,6 litre petrol engines (possibly also to be used by Jaguar). Both Saudi Arabia and South America are being eyed for production.
Other compact concepts
Honda is also reported working on a Jazz-based concept, Fiat’s 500X would fit well into this segment and may give rise to a baby Jeep as well, Audi’s cross coupe is expected to be based on the Taigun and aimed squarely at the Evoque, as well as Mazda’s CX-3 and Mercedes-Benz’s X-model (possibly based on the X-Trail) could see the light in the next three years. Volvo has also announced that it’s developing an all-new compact platform, which should open the way for a smaller derivative in the XC (crossover) line.
