[zapstar]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

[*]Safety features include up to 6 airbags, ESC (all variants), 3-point seatbelts for all, electronic differential lock, brake disc wiping, multi-collision brake and more

I had two questions:

1. Does the 1.0L TSI get all the safety features as well or are some of them are omitted?
2. What features are missing in 1.0L model when compared to the 1.5L model? The reverse seems to have been answered.

[srinath34]

Great review Gannu_1 and CD in typical T-BHP fashion!!

Somehow to me, Taigun seems to be more attractive than the Kushaq in terms of variants going to be on offer.

I am personally interested to see how the 1.0 TSI+AT top-spec is going to be placed. I guess its going to offer the best of both worlds ; i.e. loaded interiors [with Kiger-like virtual cockpit (wish it got the fully blown one), 6 airbags, ventilated seats], exteriors (those smashing machine cut alloys) and moderately punchy 113 BHP engine and reliable AQ200 torque convertor. Even if no virtual cockpit, that dot matrix analogue cluster looks nice compared to the Kushaq's.

Some surprises

• Why have a dummy button on the steering if there is no feature programmed to it? Is it something that could be only for the export markets?
• Undamped door handles and glove box
• Fabric seats on the range topping trims and nice leatherette ones w/ventilation on the probable VFM trims
• No rough road package for India. Could find an exposed oil/fuel filter that could shatter on stone impact.
• No keyless go in 2021 for an almost 15-20 lakh car
• No dual-tone trumpet horn which was a typical VAG item. Ironically, the Korean siblings are offering it.

Hope the September launch event clears out the doubts of many potential buyers!

Cheers

[Rajeevraj]

Maybe biased, but just by reading the review, felt the Taigun to be a better package than the Kushaq. Hope VW does not mess up the pricing on this.

Was surprised to see only the driver window has one touch auto up/down. It was a small distinguishing nice to have feature earlier where all windows had one touch auto up/down.

[kiransagar]

They could have included the Panoramic sunroof and 360 degree in top variant to make it a complete package. I know its not must but why not have it in 20+ car specially when the rival Creta is giving it.

[Livnletcarsliv]

Kudos to the review team. Again an excellent review. Proving every word worth it.

Personally, I expect that Taigun and Kushaq should cater to a different set of customers. Nevertheless, the character of both should be driver-focussed/oriented which the VAG cars are known for in India.

However, this review has only bought a heavy disappointment to me regarding the Taigun. Is it really even worth 20L-21L? T-Roc was more VW than this Taigun/Kushaq.

[ZB86]

Fantastic review Gannu_1 and CD. Despite all the video reviews on Youtube by various channels, nothing comes close to this.

Taigun's cabin looks much better than Kushaq. The AC vents in Kushaq looked very budget like, and the shape of the vents seemed to amplify the feeling for me. The layout in Taigun even if it is of the same quality looks better in pictures.

From outside, both Taigun and Kushaq look their part and it is a tough call to pick between the two. But when it comes to interiors, visually the Taigun definitely feels a notch above.

The rear space makes it difficult for me to consider this as my next upgrade, since I have a family of 5, and it became a little difficult with my Ecosport which I sold few months back.

Every carmaker should give the option of Manual / AT on their top end variant. Unless the sales are such that people are not buying the manual anymore in this price bracket. If I am not wrong, I think it is only the Seltos which does that in segment.

Little off the topic, but I have never owned a Diesel car, the current crop of Crossovers / SUV tempt me to consider one for my next car. A question to the members, if your average daily drive is below 10kms, and you do not cross 4-5k kms in a year, would it still make sense to consider the current gen diesels in Creta / Harrier?

[dh.harshal]

Thank you for a splendid and detailed review!
Note - I've been driving Vento 1.2 TSI DSG for over 5 years now.
After reading the TeamBHP experience & having gone through the usual Vlogs (Evo, Autocar, OD, Faisal, etc.), it's a heart v/s brain decision here.

By Heart, I'm all in for Taigun.
The grunt that 1.5 TSI makes; puts a smile on my face.
The way it handles around the corners makes me just grab that steering right away.
And the way it seems planted on the road at high speeds, I crave for those long highway rides.

By Brain, I'm being put off by some logical questions.
- Can you live without Ventilated seats? May be.
But It doesn't even have leather seats. Oh no!
- Can you live without a 360 camera? I'll manage.
But it's reverse parking camera doesn't even have dynamic guidelines. Oh Crap!
- Can you live without Front parking sensors? Why not.
But even the rear has only 3 sensors (not 4). Really??
And it doesn't even have a proper TPMS. Shit!
- Can you live with a smaller boot? For sure! I can fold the rear seat when needed.
But the rear doesn't fold fully flat and the loading lip is very deep. Oh my back!
- Can you live without a premium audio system from the market leaders (Bose, Alpine)? Definitely!
But it doesn't even have a woofer. What??
- Can you leave without one touch roll up/down and anti-Pinch windows? May be.
But your decade old Vento model has both of them. I know, feels let down.
- Can you live without NCAP test results? Yes, Because the doors make a proper thud.
Remember, Seltos also made the Thud & everyone praised its build. Scratching my head now!
- Can you afford high cost of service & maintenance? Sure!
But Volkswagen ASS is..... That's a worry.
- Can you afford ~21L for it? Yes, it's a German engineered car.
But you get much more value for money in Polo/Vento (and other CSUVs)? That's true.

I see, people going Gaga over Taigun & it's driving pleasure. But how many of us, bought Polo GTI with 1.8 TSI engine for its sheer driving pleasure.
Many people are betting on the Facelift or even launch to rectify some misses. But seriously, how many facelifts or value additions or rectifications, we saw in Polo/Vento/Rapid in the last 10 years.

With Creta/Seltos selling like hot cakes and MG coming up with Astor with stupendous Value for Money, I fear Taigun/Kushaq may go the old way of offering heavy discounts within a year of the launch. The Vento owner, the driving enthusiast in me, wants them to succeed, but the possibility looks bleak.
I still wish them luck and my wait goes on!

Disclaimer - All opinions are personal and not expressed to offend anyone.

[SBM3J]

Awesome review as always.

I see a lot of us expect Taigun to be priced at premium to Kushaq for the 1.5L+DSG. I don’t get the argument. I for one think VW is going to price this cheaper than top end Kushaq. How else one can explaining swapping a comfort feature like ventilated and leatherette seats and premium(perceived) audio for 6 airbags? I know a lot of us care about additional airbags than cooled seats, but I don’t think we are in majority.

[Hells_Fury]

Originally Posted by dh.harshal

After reading the TeamBHP experience & having gone through the usual Vlogs (Evo, Autocar, OD, Faisal, etc.), it's a heart v/s brain decision here.

I think you've perfectly captured the dilema faced by many of us here, myself included. I'm in the market for an SUV/crossover in the 15-20L range and while the heart says to go for the Taigun eyes closed, the head cannot overlook some of the glaring misses in the Taigun. I'm really confused about whether I should wait for the launch or go ahead and book something else.

[AZT]

Great review. Aesthetically I like the look of the Kushaq better but I haven't seen it in the flesh so waiting to see these two parked side by side.

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Since the Taigun doesn't need to stick to the sub-4m rules, the bumpers protrude on either side. This should help protect the metal work in city driving conditions where minor altercations happen, and gets a thumbs up from us:

I think it's time the 4m rule is scrapped. Here's hoping 2022 has some policy change surprise.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by zapstar

1. Does the 1.0L TSI get all the safety features as well or are some of them are omitted?
2. What features are missing in 1.0L model when compared to the 1.5L model? The reverse seems to have been answered.

1. I can confirm that the 1.0 TSI Manual display car had 6 airbags. However, we have no information on the AT, as VW wants to keep some surprise on the variant distribution, which should be out soon.

2. I could not notice any missing features other than different spec alloys and missing dual tone black roof. Interior ambient lighting is in white, rather than red and also gets ventilated seats.

Originally Posted by drivingmelody

Seems like for top end models, for 1.5 TSI DSG go with Volkswagen and for 1.0 TSI torque coverter go with Skoda.

It's however sad to know that 1.0 TSI torque converter models won't get 6 airbags in either of them. Or is there some of hope till the official launch ?

There was no official confirmation on the features list of the 1.0 TSI AT. 1.0 TSI MT did have 6 airbags.

Also, Skoda Kushaq also misses out on 6 airbags on the 1.0 AT.

Originally Posted by mayank0782

Keeping DSG/DCT concerns aside, which engine of the two is faster and more fun to drive - The 1.4 Turbo in the Creta/Seltos or the 1.5 Turbo in the Taigun/Kushaq ?

As per some magazine comparisons - looks like the Seltos may be faster on paper. I believe the Seltos is also fun to drive, but I would () put my money on the Taigun 1.5 DSG, considering additional factors like the build quality, suspension tuning etc.

Originally Posted by kartavya

Purely in terms of rear space/comfort for passengers is this similar to the Compass? I see that the wheelbase is more than the Compass (just like the Kushaq).

Compass has better rear seat IMHO (though the VAG cars may have similar or better legroom). It feels like a car from a segment above as compared to the likes of Taigun and Kushaq, and it is priced similarly as well. Top end Kushaq 1.5 DSG ends at 21 onroad in my city, whereas the base Compass Sport 1.4 DDCT is above 24.

Originally Posted by ron178

I think it actually does get a keyhole, but you have to pry open the plastic panel that meets the free end of the handle using a flat tool or even using the flip key, and behind it lies a keyhole. At least that's how it works in our MQB Octavia (3rd-gen). Do note that it's a pain to put back once removed because it demands perfect alignment of the plastic tabs.

Good point. Thanks for sharing. Will try to check it out once the car is launched, and correct the review if needed.

Originally Posted by crazyro

Can we swap the Virtual cockpit with the analog one

Officially I don't think it will be possible. But its a VAG car! As Gannu mentioned in his post, tuners and accessories shop must already be searching the international parts bin for compatible parts.

Originally Posted by CafeRacer16

Is there any information on the number of variants & variant-wise features break up?

No. Despite checking with different officials at the venue - they were pretty tight lipped about that information.

Originally Posted by TorqueIndia

It would have been nice and affordable if VW provide AT option right from 1.0L base variants. Meanwhile media drive had only 1.5 variants?

Media drive was meant to showcase the 'GT' options with the 1.5 TSI EVO. Only two display cars were present with the 1.0 engine - one top spec and one mid-spec.

There is 6 speed torque converter AT option available on the 1.0L, but there is no confirmation on the variants for which it will be made available.

Originally Posted by abhishek46

The GT Spec loses out quite a number of features, compared to the GT+ Spec & even the Kushaq 1.5TSI Manual.

Just to add - there was no official information that the specs will be called GT and GT+. We did ask that question, and also whether the variants will be called Trendline, Comfortline and Highline in typical VW fashion. We were told to wait for the unveil event.

Originally Posted by ashishk29

The lack of all 4 discs, hood cladding, and engine protection at this price point(I'm guessing it will be priced closer to the Kushaq) is quite a miss IMO. Should definitely have had both.

Trust me - the first two doesn't really matter. Engine protection SHOULD have been provided. I hope it is atleast made available as an accessory soon.

Originally Posted by Sidban85

So, you can either have cooled and powered seats or digital cockpit with 6 airbags on top model.

Neither Kushaq nor Taigun gets powered seats.

Originally Posted by srinath34

• Why have a dummy button on the steering if there is no feature programmed to it? Is it something that could be only for the export markets?
• Undamped door handles and glove box
• Fabric seats on the range topping trims and nice leatherette ones w/ventilation on the probable VFM trims
• No keyless go in 2021 for an almost 15-20 lakh car

1. Yes the steering wheel is present on many international models
2. It's not undamped, but poorly damped. Doesn't fall freely as in the old Maruti 800, but does not have the open slowly either like the new generation TATA cars.
3. Keyless go is present in the top-spec trim. GT DSG test car had keyless go, whereas the mid-spec GT MT didn't.

Originally Posted by RD150

Will be interesting to see if buyers prefer the sporty looking Kushaq or the classy looking Taigun. Good time to start " Kushaq Vs Taigun" thread. For me, it's the Taigun, mostly due to better looking interiors.

I'll vote for the Taigun because of the interiors as well. Kushaq feels a bit dull and gloomy IMHO - the grey with black being the reason. You really don't feel like sitting in a 20L car. Skoda should have opted for full black, or black with beige.

Taigun has the same grey parts, but the lighter painted shades and seats uplift it a bit. The difference may not be drastic, but enough not to be a deal-breaker anymore.





Infact, I may have put my money where my mouth is -

[TheProModder]

Great review! The exterior of the car does look great but the car does lack a lot of features compared to the Koreans.

I wish it came with a better digital instrument cluster à la T-Roc, panoramic sunroof, leather seats with ventilation, and a 360° parking camera at least on the top-end trim.

The interior of the car just does not feel as premium as the competition and misses out on that wow factor.

[zapstar]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

1. I can confirm that the 1.0 TSI Manual display car had 6 airbags. However, we have no information on the AT, as VW wants to keep some surprise on the variant distribution, which should be out soon.

I pray to God that they don't screw things up on the safety front for the AT like they did for Kushaq.

Another Q: Is there any media drive scheduled for 1.0MT and AT versions?

[VT-RNS]

Originally Posted by ZB86

Little off the topic, but I have never owned a Diesel car, the current crop of Crossovers / SUV tempt me to consider one for my next car. A question to the members, if your average daily drive is below 10kms, and you do not cross 4-5k kms in a year, would it still make sense to consider the current gen diesels in Creta / Harrier?

If this is your expected running, there is no reason to go with diesel. Stick to petrol.

Even mechanically, my understanding is the diesel car with such low running will cost you more in maintenance than the difference in petrol vs diesel prices (not taking into account the initially higher price of diesels as well).

Enjoy the Turbo petrol if you want some additional thrill, over the NA.

Cheers!

[shishir333]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Infact, I may have put my money where my mouth is[/ATTACH]

This itself tells a lot about the car. If you have booked the car, it has to be a great one!
Congratulations...hopeful that you will go ahead and bring this car home. Did you book the 1.5 manual or the DSG?

Asking because I will follow you in this!