[theoldcamper]

Originally Posted by Tanu3000

Hi Theoldcamper,

I tried to find this out, but I dont think you mentioned it.

• Is this going to be your first car?
• Do you know driving?
• Where do you stay in Bangalore?
• What cars did you consider before finalizing on the Taigun Topline?
• Is it necessary to spend 20L OTR on your car purchase?

Do let us know.

P:S: I stay in Bangalore and I own a Taigun GT+ DSG.

Cheers.

Yes my first car. My dad has a manual hatchback, on which I learnt driving.

I am proficient in driving, never have done highways yet. In Bangalore, I’ve driven only once for 3-4 hours using a rental car.

Started from Maruti fronx 1.0L TC, loved the drive, first time I drove automatic, it was so effortless compared to manual. The TC was expensive 16-17L OTR. I skipped a heartbeat. Found everything alright. Was super new to car hunt experience compared to now. This was earlier this year.

On the same day test drove Tiago and Punch AMT top models. Loved the nifty feeling of tiago, so easy to manoeuvre it in city traffic and have good understanding of all sides. There was too much and engine and wind noise creeping into cabin. Awful. Cabin felt alright. AMT head nod make me just say no.

Altroz I walked around felt just alright.

Punch’s AMT felt too significant during gearshift, felt like it was struggling to change gears. Overall cabin felt nice, loved the while treatment and huge space feeling inside.

Since, my impression was made by Fronx driving experience I was not clear whether to go for anything in the hatchbacks or micro SUVs. Mainly due to poor Automatic transmission feedback. AMT was a no no.

Didn’t even go look for hyundai hatchbacks because of safety reasons.

I loved harrier and harrier wasn’t in petrol, I dreamt for many months looking for petrol harrier on youtube and google searches. I also loved the design of Jeep compass.

Honestly, I was avoiding car purchase or extending it as much as I can.

Then many months went by. Then I’ve been watching some news of Harrier facelifts that made me go back to searching for cars. As I found no petrol, also came a realisation that Harrier AT is going to be very expensive and what I want is in 32L OTR range.

Practicality sinked in, I started looking at all cars in the 15-20L segment since i figured either get a 7-9L OTR car or go all the way to 20L, because being in mid something or the other felt missing.

My philosophy being, always ready to pay extra if the extra is worth it even if that means going over budget a little.

Seeing the market and the world, everything is going to be expensive going forward as it has been, for cars as well. Hence I didn’t want to force the issue of budgeting too hard.

So recently within a month, I found Honda elevate as a good contender, once I sat in the vehicle, it doesn’t wow, the front exterior is great, side is a bummer and read is alright. The part which made me instantly say no were poorly designed seats, there is poor thigh support on driver and read seats as well. Another dislike was NVH levels and noisy engine. Great suspension though, the model I was looking for came down to 20L otr. And it did not make sense to spent this much for what the issues were.

I was avoiding VW/Kushaq because of what I hear from everyone that it is not fuel efficient, expensive maintenance and poor ASS reviews. Also for some reason VW never attracted me in las 8-10 months of search. Kushaq I loved, but avoided going yo showroom because of same reason.

But after my high hopes going down the drain for elevate, considering it had great ASS and low maintenance tag, I started looking out.

That’s when Grand Vitara,/HYryder, VW and Skoda came into picture.

Love the GV exteriors, looks big. Also love how KIA seltos looks. Took TD of GV felt just alright, it didn’t wow me, it was the strong hybrid model. Went past a big pothole as SA insisted I go fast over it. The entire car jumped in air it felt. didn’t give me good confidence. But generally its nice to drive it. No major feedback, interiors were just alright not a fan. Small boot also was a downer.

Next on same day went for walk around of Skoda and VW. Loved the experience of VW showroom and the SA, the guy was very enthusiastic, he eventually made me make my mind by giving me the best TD experience.

Both Skoda and Kushaq felt similar except power delivery. My initial love for Kushaq’s front mean grill went away as I felt it will be eyesore, as it became already for me. Taigun’s clean looks kept growing over me.
Taigun did feel stiff but I’ll take it over less stable highway ride.

Is it necessary to spend 20L OTR. Hard question, safety wise what I am looking to do which is more highways, definitely yes. Considering the entire safety package, paired with the performance. I know I am an enthusiast at heart, just never got my own car for years to do so.

Price wise it doesn’t bode well to be honest, I am sure I tried to convince my mind, but It’s not breaking my bank. I see it as an opportunity to make more money. As any big purchase for salaried person will eat some savings. I am in early 30s. And stay in South Bengaluru.

[Tanu3000]

Originally Posted by theoldcamper

Is it necessary to spend 20L OTR. Hard question, safety wise what I am looking to do which is more highways, definitely yes. Considering the entire safety package, paired with the performance. I know I am an enthusiast at heart, just never got my own car for years to do so.

Now that is a more comprehensive answer. So you have driven elsewhere, just not in Bangalore.

You want a safe car, automatic, reasonably good performance characteristics, good NVH, decent fuel economy and reliable ASS. Sadly you wont get it all

Taigun/Kushaq are the only mid size SUVs which have 5 stars in GNCAP. Other cars (Elevate, New Seltos) could be 5 star rated, but we don't know that yet.

Performance & fuel economy are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Any performance driven turbo petrol engine (VW/Skoda/Creta/Seltos/Astor) is going to be thirsty, unless you coast all the time. If you want fuel economy, you will have to get the naturally aspirated engines (Creta/Seltos/Astor/Elevate) and drive with a light foot. Or you can go all out and get a mild/strong hybrid (GV/Hyryder).

NVH levels across the segment are comparable, but I heard the Koreans/Japanese (Creta/Seltos/Elevate) do a better job of it than the European/Chinese (Taigun/Kushaq/Astor).

Reliable ASS: As long as you are staying in a tier 1 city, servicing any of the above brands/cars should not be an issue. If you dont like service at one, you can switch to a different one. Some will be 20% more expensive, some will be 20% cheaper. Some will be far away, some will be close by. Some will try to rip you off, some wont I would suggest not to make this a criteria, if you stick to tier 1 cities. If not, then its a completely different discussion.

Let us know, what is really important to you. By your previous post, it looks to be sorted performance/drivability. Are you willing to give up the other aspects for this? or do you want a balance?

Cheers.

[theoldcamper]

From what I understand most aspects other than safety and driveability also gets covered in Taigun. Found good mileage as well depending on how one drives. Since, Ill also enjoy time to time, I am okay with low FE time to time.

I am okay for hit or miss ASS, something as you said can be worked out by changing service centre.

Can’t have all, probably for the right reasons. Constraints usually allow for some things to be better than others. Which imo is a win.

[Tanu3000]

Originally Posted by theoldcamper

From what I understand most aspects other than safety and driveability also gets covered in Taigun. Found good mileage as well depending on how one drives. Since, Ill also enjoy time to time, I am okay with low FE time to time.

You seem to have your heart set on the Taigun Lets talk Taigun then. I had a previous post comparing the engine/gearbox of the Topline and the GT Plus here (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/offic...ml#post5251651 (Volkswagen Taigun Review)

This was my observation more than a year back, before I took delivery of the GT+. I have now driven it for 12K kms.

I believe there must be a 3-4 lakh difference between the OTR prices of the Topline and the GT+ variant. I believe the feature list difference between both of them is much narrower now (With the addition of ventilated seats/electric adjusted seats etc). But this price difference is more than justified.

The 1.5TSI/DSG is a brilliant combo and makes the Taigun a very potent vehicle. The 150 HP figure is not that important, as you will never travel at 215 kmph to make use of it. The important bit is the 250 NM that is available between 1700 RPM and 3500 RPM. It makes the car amazingly quick/fun to drive even within city limits. The higher price is well justified for someone who enjoys a spirited drive. If you can afford it, you will never regret buying a more expensive/powerful car.

That being said, I did realize that the GT+ seats are more supportive compared to the Topline variant. They have better under thigh support, especially for the driver. Strange but true

Let me know if you have any other specific questions. I have been a VW owner since 2014 in Bangalore. I bought my Polo 1.2 MPI in 2014 and sold it in 2022, replacing it with the Taigun GT+.

Cheers.

[theoldcamper]

I think price difference is a lot. It does seem it’s worth the difference.

In your opinion, for someone who will cover 40-50,000km in let’s say 2 years time. Would you say the mileage on the 1.5DSG will actually be cheaper than the 1.0AT, considering the price difference?

For me it’s tempting to get the DSG but reliability raises concerns, do you think the 7 year warranty shall do the trick? Another point is total cost of ownership. That becomes quite steep, also add the accessories, cleaning, care etc.

Honestly it’s confusing, both gearbox failure concern and breaking the budget if I save more money on fuel and some more with 1.0L. Happy to then rev hard than sedate.

Been reading through your posts, happy to catch up sometime. I also stay in JP Nagar.

I started going through DSG posts and rethinking just to be sure, also don’t want to do a TD of DSG, unless I feel ready financially. It makes sense to think through this one. Please look at my last reply to your reply.

What do you think?

[theoldcamper]

+
Been reading through your posts, happy to catch up sometime. I also stay in JP Nagar.

I started going through DSG posts and rethinking just to be sure, also don’t want to do a TD of DSG, unless I feel ready financially. It makes sense to think through this one. Please look at my last reply to your reply.

[Tanu3000]

Originally Posted by theoldcamper

What do you think?

40K - 50K kms in 2 years is a lot. Wouldnt you be better off with a diesel in that case? But yes, we barely have any diesel cars left and those that are, have worrying DPF issues. Concerning the Taigun, do note that the 1.5TSI is More fuel efficient than the 1.0TSI. The 1.5 TSI has ACT (Active Cylinder Technology) and along with the auto start stop feature it can be a frugal engine.

I suggest you read my previous post, which is an ode to the Taigun GT+. (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/offic...ml#post5599820 (Volkswagen Taigun Review).

Its pretty comprehensive and should give you a good take on ALL aspects of the Taigun GT+.

Originally Posted by theoldcamper

+
Been reading through your posts, happy to catch up sometime. I also stay in JP Nagar.

Definitely. Do drop me a DM.

Cheers.

[theoldcamper]

Originally Posted by Tanu3000

40K - 50K kms in 2 years is a lot. Wouldnt you be better off with a diesel in that case? But yes, we barely have any diesel cars left and those that are, have worrying DPF issues. Concerning the Taigun, do note that the 1.5TSI is More fuel efficient than the 1.0TSI. The 1.5 TSI has ACT (Active Cylinder Technology) and along with the auto start stop feature it can be a frugal engine.

I did read your post, supremely written. Thank you! I also spoke to an acquaintance and found that bumper to bumper traffic it’s rather stressful to DSG. Considering all factors and my realistic needs, I see that 1.0AT will be better fit and more than enough.

I might have overestimated the mile clocking figure. Only time will tell. I think I am happy with my decision.

What I am struggling is to bring down the pricing. The Lava blue color is what I want, and available only on the newer updated models and these come with little to no discounts. 21.30 OTR is what I’ve got the best till now, includes insurance 45K, rest the usual. Excluding SVP & warranty.

1. What’s the idea time to buy this year considering what I wrote above?
2. Should I take SVP and Max Warranty both or either one? I thought may be there are less troubles with AT gearbox and taigun so can avoid the warranty extension now.

Not able to PM you, don’t see an option, is it because, I am newly approved member? See if you can PM me?

[Tanu3000]

Originally Posted by theoldcamper

1. What’s the idea time to buy this year considering what I wrote above?
2. Should I take SVP and Max Warranty both or either one? I thought may be there are less troubles with AT gearbox and taigun so can avoid the warranty extension now.

The DSG gearbox doesnt enjoy traffic, thats true. I mitigate this, by shifting to manual mode whenever I am in bumper to bumper traffic, to relieve the stress on the gearbox.

You have your heart set on the Lava Blue topline variant. The dealer SA probably understands that. This is also the latest and greatest color that the Taigun comes in. Nothing that you can do can bring down the price by any significant margin

What you can do is make multiple bookings across dealers across the (Do a minimum of 3). No need to visit them, just call them and pay the booking amount to show you are serious. Now you can pitch them against each other. That should give you some sizeable reductions (If at all, as Lava Blue is hot selling right now).

Regarding time of purchase, it wouldnt matter in your case, as you want a hot selling item. It may have mattered, if you wanted a white or grey Highline, as dealers have rows and rows of them in their stock yard that they want to liquidate.

SVP purchase is up to you. It does save you from service cost inflation as well as random ripping off at the service center. But you have to pay for 4 years upfront. I dint choose it for my purchase, as I rather prefer dealing with the service center (As I have been a long time VW owner).

Extended Warranty was a must for me (DSG ). Nothing wrong in getting it, if you can fit it in your budget. Just brings more peace of mind.

Cheers.

[fhdowntheline]

Originally Posted by theoldcamper

I think price difference is a lot. It does seem it’s worth the difference.

In your opinion, for someone who will cover 40-50,000km in let’s say 2 years time. Would you say the mileage on the 1.5DSG will actually be cheaper than the 1.0AT, considering the price difference?

I may have missed it somewhere but I did not see a reason why you dont want to consider the Virtus/Slavia over the CSUVs if you are going for the VW products. They have more space, especially boot space, same features and are a tad cheaper than their CSUV equivalents. Plus they would be a bit more enjoyable to drive on the highway.

[theoldcamper]

Originally Posted by fhdowntheline

I may have missed it somewhere but I did not see a reason why you dont want to consider the Virtus/Slavia over the CSUVs if you are going for the VW products. They have more space, especially boot space, same features and are a tad cheaper than their CSUV equivalents. Plus they would be a bit more enjoyable to drive on the highway.

Agree, I agree, I also like the looks of Virtus/Slavia a lot, they offer decent ground clearance. Although never drove any sedans, only sat in them, they never pulled my attention. I also like to think I like taller rather big sized vehicles like Land rover, Safari.

And I cannot get those both for reasons of price and them being too big for city. Similar is the reason for sedans, they are too lengthy to operate within city, also difficult to park. Also, I like sitting on a higher ground.

I absolutely loved the hatchback feeling of Taigun while on the driver’s seat. I actually forego the big suv size factor (seltos does look tad bit bigger, voluminous), just because how great everything is on Taigun.

I think sedan vs suv is just a very subjective, biased thing in addition to the city realities for me.

[theoldcamper]

Originally Posted by Tanu3000

You have your heart set on the Lava Blue topline variant. The dealer SA probably understands that. This is also the latest and greatest color that the Taigun comes in. Nothing that you can do can bring down the price by any significant margin

I made only one booking, the vehicle is actually available. But I am trying to get absolutely best price. Talking to multiple dealers. It also seems that particular vehicle is only 1nos in their stock. Been a week to this info, it hasn’t been sold, my guess is people don’t want to get lesser discounted one. Hence, I’ll try to get some more discounting.

I’ll skip the svp and warranty for now.

[fhdowntheline]

Originally Posted by theoldcamper

I absolutely loved the hatchback feeling of Taigun while on the driver’s seat. I actually forego the big suv size factor (seltos does look tad bit bigger, voluminous), just because how great everything is on Taigun.

I think sedan vs suv is just a very subjective, biased thing in addition to the city realities for me.

No issues, its your call. But think about whether you may regret having foregone additional space for a higher higher cost. Taigun is not exactly sub 4m either. Unless you have a tight parking situation at home, Taigun is not going to solve parking woes on a regular basis, not on busy streets anyway. From my experience in Pune, unless you are getting a small hatch, you are not better off in a 4.3m car than a 4.5m car as far as public parking issues are concerned.

[theoldcamper]

Originally Posted by fhdowntheline

No issues, its your call. But think about whether you may regret having foregone additional space for a higher higher cost. Taigun is not exactly sub 4m either. Unless you have a tight parking situation at home, Taigun is not going to solve parking woes on a regular basis, not on busy streets anyway. From my experience in Pune, unless you are getting a small hatch, you are not better off in a 4.3m car than a 4.5m car as far as public parking issues are concerned.

As much as I agree with you, I am happy with the decision. Yes, I am forgoing bigger boot and lower lost. Everything is relative, so is this decision.

I know it would mostly be me or 3-4 more folks on 3-4 day trips at max, all of which I think can be doe able with the boot. On most occasions it would be solo or duo. I am not married or getting married anytime soon.

Worthy car no doubt Virtus, but sedan form is not very appealing to me. If I could,
I would drive a pickup truck or wrangler sort all the time.

[naikpranav]

Hi!
I have faced a peculiar problem for the past three days-

On Wednesday I got my VW Taigun 1.5GT+ washed by GoMechanic. Simple outside power wash, and interior cleaning. It was returned with everything working.

Thursday morning the infotainment system wouldn't start. This has never happened before. I drove to my destination, parked, returned in 30 mins, and it started. There however was a weird crackling sound from the left side speakers.

Friday also the screen did not start, and after leaving it turned off for an hour or so, it started when I started the car. Crackling sound still persists.

Saturday - The infotainment not starting became more acute, and was really off most of the time.

Sunday- same as saturday

Monday - I took it to the VW workshop to get it checked, they also so it not working. It then started after the car was left off for 20mins or so. Now the sound quality was ok. They reset the settings in the system, and asked me to keep driving and see.

Any idea about what is happening?
I returned home, checked under the dash by opening up the glove box to check for any signs of water ingress, or any other tampering, I cannot see it.