It competes with cars like the 2023 Kia Seltos, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and Mahindra XUV700.

BHPian Ripcord09 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hyundai Creta N-Line

What you'll like:

• Distinct N-Line touches set it apart from the regular Creta
• Punchy 158 BHP, 1.5L turbo-petrol motor mated to a 6-speed MT or 7-speed DCT
• Firmer suspension coupled with weighted steering make the Creta N-Line fun to drive
• Tasteful N Line-exclusive steering wheel, gear selector, red accents, etc. liven up the interior
• Feature-rich equipment list includes LED headlamps & tail-lamps, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, ventilated seats, 360-degree camera & more
• Price premium over the regular Creta is justified by the additions & improvements
• Safety kit = ADAS Level 2, 6 airbags, TPMS, hill assist, dashcam (only N8 variant), auto headlamps etc.

What you won't:

• Without a power bump, it feels more like an additional variant rather than a performance-oriented model of the Creta. Hyundai should've tuned the N-Line engine for some more power
• N-Line specific design changes may not be to everyone’s liking
• Although well-priced in relation to the SX(O) variant, it is still an expensive crossover
• Firmer suspension means bad roads & bumps are felt more than in the regular Creta
• 6-speed MT should've had shorter throws & clutch travel should have been shorter in the N-Line variant
• Some misses (no auto wipers, illuminated window buttons, full-size spare tyre on top trim)
• Back seat's width makes it better for 2 adults and a kid, rather than 3 adults

Pre-facelift Review

Facelift Review

N-Line Review

Kia Seltos

What you'll like:

• A superbly engineered all-rounder that delivers a premium experience
• Handsome, contemporary styling. Looks very sharp
• We find the Seltos to be well-priced for what it offers
• Nice, user-friendly interiors with sufficient space & good quality
• Loved the punchy 1.5L turbo-petrol
• Mature on-road behavior, including at highway speeds. A+ brakes as well
• Unusually wide variant offering. Seems there is something for everyone
• Safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, blind spot monitor, TPMS etc.

What you won't:

• Back seat's width makes it better for 2 adults and a kid, rather than 3 adults
• Dual-clutch ATs (like the Petrol DCT) have a history of poor reliability in India
• Extremely confusing & complicated variant spread
• You get bigger SUVs & Crossovers for the same money (e.g. Hector, Harrier, XUV700)

2023 Facelift Review Link

First Review

Volkswagen Taigun

What you'll like:

• Has its own fresh, European character in a segment dominated by Indian, Korean and Chinese SUVs
• Unmistakably VW styling matched with solid European build quality
• Cabin has good legroom to offer, supportive seats, perfect ergonomics & lots of storage
• 148 BHP engine makes the Taigun one of the most fun-to-drive crossovers in the segment!
• Sporty 1.0L & 1.5L turbo-petrols are mated to slick 6-speed MTs & smooth ATs
• Sorted suspension offers a balanced ride & handling package
• Safety features include up to 6 airbags, ESC, 3-point seatbelts for all, electronic differential lock, brake disc wiping, multi-collision brake and more
• Features like active cylinder tech, ventilated seats, sunroof, 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, auto headlamps & wipers etc.
• 5-star GNCAP safety rating - full details here!

What you won't:

• DQ200 DSG transmission has a history of poor reliability & breakdowns in India
• Narrow cabin width makes a 5th adult completely unwelcome. Best for 4 onboard
• Interior colour scheme and quality don't feel up to traditional VW standards. Some polarising details too (chrome outside, painted plastics inside...)
• Sure lacks the street cred / presence offered by some competitors
• VW’s after-sales service can be a hit or miss. Many VW owners find it expensive too
• Turbo-petrols are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard

Review Link

Skoda Kushaq

What you'll like:

• A breath of fresh (European) air in a sea of Korean, Chinese & Indian SUVs
• Classy exterior & interior styling matched with solid European build quality
• Cabin has good legroom to offer, supportive seats, perfect ergonomics & lots of storage
• 148 BHP engine makes the Kushaq one of the most fun-to-drive crossovers in the segment
• Sporty 1.5L turbo-petrol is mated to slick 6-speed MTs & smooth ATs
• Sorted suspension offers a balanced ride & handling package
• Safety features include 6 airbags, ESC, 3-point seatbelts for all, electronic differential lock, brake disc wiping, multi-collision brake and more
• 6-year extended warranty & 4-year all-inclusive service packages available
• Features like active cylinder tech, ventilated seats, sunroof, wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, audio system with a punchy subwoofer, auto headlamps & wipers etc.
• 5-star GNCAP safety rating - full details here!

What you won't:

• DQ200 DSG transmission has a history of poor reliability & breakdowns in India
• Narrow width makes a 5th adult completely unwelcome. Best for 4 onboard
• At 385 litres, boot space is lesser than its direct rivals (Creta & Seltos = 433L)
• Sure lacks the street cred / presence offered by some competitors
• Skoda’s notorious dealerships & after-sales horror stories
• Turbo-petrols are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard

Review Link

Mahindra XUV700

What you'll like:

• Handsome styling matched to solid build quality. Has street presence, feels robust
• Very spacious interiors with comfy seats and sorted ergonomics. 6-footer passengers welcome!
• 197 BHP turbo-petrol mated to a smooth 6-speed torque converter
• Sorted suspension with good road manners & high-speed stability
• AWD available for the adventurous, unlike most FWD crossovers in the segment
• Loaded with features like radar-based driver assistance system, pop-out door handles, panoramic sunroof, driver memory seat, 360-degree camera, 10.25" infotainment & instrument cluster etc.
• 12-speaker Sony audio system is fantastic! You'll enjoy its sound quality
• Safety features include 7 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, hill hold, hill descent control, driver drowsiness detection, TPMS, ISOFIX...

What you won't:

• Petrol AT is thirsty due to its hefty weight, 197 BHP & torque-converter AT
• Some cabin plastics & a few rough areas don't feel premium in an otherwise loaded SUV
• Missing features such as an auto-dimming IRVM, paddle shifters, full-size spare wheel, ambient lighting, rear sunblinds...
• Concerns over niggles & bugs in a freshly baked, complex Mahindra
• Mahindra's after-sales service is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• AWD is not available with the petrol motor

Review Link

Here's what GTO had to say about the matter:

Damn good time to be in the market for a 20-25 lakh crossover! Those are some seriously competent turbo-petrols. The new Seltos looks deadly, the Creta N-Line is nice (both offer 158 horses!), the VW & Skoda siblings are a pure driving delight with their 1.5L turbo-petrol DSGs and of course, there is the 200 BHP XUV700. Although, as great as the XUV700 is, it cannot match the other 4 in terms of sheer driving pleasure.

Between the Creta N-Line & Seltos, I'd still go for the latter in the deadly matte grey.

Between the Taigun & Kushaq, I'd pick the Skoda.

But really, this is one tough poll. If it came to putting my money down, it would be the Seltos 1.5L Turbo-Petrol. 2nd choice XUV700 only if I needed a bigger SUV.

Here's what BHPian tp_dominator had to say about the matter:

Voted for the Seltos X - line here as barring XUV700 and considering the other crossovers on the list, it comes out much better in every sense. Ride quality might be a little bumpy with the 18 inchers, but I had the Ford Ecosport with the low-profile 17-inch tyres as standard and compared to that, it's way better.

I feel glad to be owning both the cars - XUV700 and Seltos in their respective top trims in diesel AT guises and our de facto choice for family road trips is always XUV700. Over longer journeys, it has proved to be more comfortable than the Seltos and has ample space and power too. While driving solo too, I have extracted 18-19 kmpl from the XUV700 sometimes and it is as fuel efficient as the Seltos as driving XUV700 at 110-115 kmph delivers the same mileage as driving the Seltos at 100-105 kmph. However, if highway drives are out of the picture and it's going to be occasional, Seltos is better at performing city duties. Just the right size to park in congested areas and overall a better and refined experience than XUV700. For instance, the Auto hold function on the XUV700 doesn't release the brakes as smoothly as the Seltos does and multiple other things including the Auto Start-Stop logic which makes Seltos an overall better city commuter.

Also, the cost of upkeep is going to be lower on the Seltos than the XUV700 as we have the MCP package and regular services are covered till 50k kms in it. But if it has to be a one-car garage, XUV700 will be better.

Here's what BHPian Jaguar had to say about the matter:

Voted with my wallet

After using a Verna for 10 years, the Creta N-Line felt like a natural progression. The electrically adjustable under-thigh support and the beautiful N-Line steering were the biggest attractions for me. It does feel well-built as well.

I had explored all the cars on the poll list except the Seltos. The VAG twins don't hold a candle to the older VAG cars and the cost-cutting is evident on all fronts except the engine. The XUV 700 was too big for my needs and the diesel engine of the XUV felt coarse compared to the one in my Thar.

Here's what BHPian B58lover had to say about the matter:

My pick would be the XUV700, a safe-fast-tech loaded & reliable.

One thing I wanted to ask, is why Creta and Seltos' poor safety rating and unstable structure are not mentioned in the ''What you won't like section''?

Here's what BHPian vattyboy had to say about the matter:

All of the cars mentioned here are equally good, so a buyer cannot go wrong with any of them.

Ultimately, it's just a matter of the buyer's personal preference, especially regarding the appearance of the cars and which brand they prefer.

My personal favourite from this selection is the Creta N line.

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say about the matter:

Choice of fast crossover comes down to the XUV700 petrol and the Taigun/Kushaq 1.5 GT twins. The Creta N Line and Seltos X line will not even be in contention.

If I am looking for a vehicle for purely personal use, then I will get one of the Germans with my eyes closed. Driving pleasure is unmatched. I’ll go for the Kushaq, I prefer its interior ambiance over that of the Taigun.

But if there is an angle of practicality or family usage involved, which is invariably the case for most buyers, I’ll have to go for Mahindra. The much larger cabin and boot space of the XUV700 cannot be matched by the smaller VW/Skoda. It also helps that the 2.0 mStallion is by far the best engine of this lot, and the rest of the car is pretty darn competent as well. The superbly priced and well kitted AX5 variant of the XUV700 is the single most VFM car that can be bought for 20 odd lakh rupees today, while the AX7L is about as loaded as it gets.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Engine is super-smooth, effortless cruiser on the highway, gear shifts are not felt at all except when shifting from 2 to 1.

BHPian adv.yzr recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Greetings BHPians!

It's been a while since we got our VW Taigun GT Plus 1.5 DSG. Purchased on Dhanteras in November 2023 and replaced our close to 15-year-old Maruti Suzuki SX4. I'll be sharing buying & driving experience in this post for the larger audience.

We had purchased SX4 in early 2009 and 2024 being at the corner meant completion of 15 years and the 10-15 year old rule in Delhi-NCR also meant that we have to take a quick decision regarding it and considered the following options:

• I currently reside in Panchkula and make weekly trips to Gurugram, so thought of considering its registration extended in Panchkula, and keeping it for another 5 years. The reason being, the car was driven only 97k km and was in immaculate condition and we didn't really feel the need to sell it off immediately.
• Keep driving till the end-of-life and get it scrapped and avail incentives being offered.
• Sell it off and buy a new car.

After many deliberations and discussions, we opted for 3rd option and then began the search for a new car. The budget was approx 25 lakhs, however, we also thought that we should restrict it to 15 and with the remaining budget replace our 7 year old Baleno diesel next year. So the budget remained in the bracket of 15-25 lakhs and hence the following cars were considered:

Cars considered:

• Tata Nexon: Had booked the pre-facelift XZ+S(D) given the massive discounts. was falling well below the budget and was good enough for highway drives.
• MG Hector: Fell within the budget and was being offered huge discounts on Diesel variant.
• Toyota Innova Crysta: Trust in the brand made us consider it but dropped due to waiting period.
• Tata Harrier/ Safari: Pre-facelift models were being offered at huge discount and were falling well within the budget.
• Honda Elevate: New car but didn't feel good spending 20 lakhs on it.

We were not willing to buy Maruti, Kia or Hyundai primarily because we were looking for a strongly built car and hence the case. We didn't even consider VW/ Skoda due to past experiences of near & dear ones who suggested that we shouldn't buy it owing to high maintenance.

We went ahead with Nexon and finalised the delivery date etc. on the condition that we will do PDI first and then release the payment. However, on the day of PDI, on reaching the showroom, the sales executive informed that he is on his way and will take an hour to reach, that's when we went to VW since we had to pass that 1 hour and the rest is history.

We looked at both Taigun & Virtus and Taigun GT appealed us more. Took a test drive of GT DSG and TC and found that DSG is leaps and bound ahead of TC and finalised the same. They gave a huge discount and better resale value of our SX4. However, family members were still apprehensive of the brand and after multiple visits to the showroom, test drives, they were convinced to go for Taigun but said that we should go for 1.0 Tsi TC due to 2 lakh cheap and better reliability. But I wasn't convinced and persuaded them to go for GT+ DSG since we drive mostly on highways and it will be a much better option in comparison to TC.

Finalised on the colour, which was pre-decided that we'll be going for Lava Blue, since it was a relatively new addition to the colour palette. The sales executive informed that he has 1 car in stock and when we went to stockyard to check, we got to know that it has been sold and was there till yesterday. We decided that we should wait and look for other options or go ahead with Nexon. However, in the evening we were informed that GT+ DSG LB is in transit and is the updated model with ES+Subwoofer and it fortified our decision to get the car as early as possible.

Did the PDI, loan formalities etc. and finalised the date of delivery i.e. 10.11.23 (Dhanteras) and finally got it home.

My Perspective after Purchase and 8k km of driving:

• Engine & Gearbox: Engine is super-smooth, effortless cruiser on the highway, gear shifts are not felt at all except when shifting from 2 to 1. Power on tap given the fact that I haven't driven a car with so much power & torque. Excellent confidence on highways, I consider it as a perfect replacement for our beloved SX4.
• Ride Quality & Comfort: Superb ride quality, I don't think any suspension noise creeps in as reported by other members or maybe I am liking the car way too much. Seats are good and best for 4 people. I did a 3k trip in December to Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Khajuraho. Drove back non-stop from Lucknow to Chandigarh and I didn't feel tired or exhausted at all, such is the comfort I am experiencing.
• Fuel Efficiency: On highways I get 20-21 kmpl on cruising speeds of 90-100 which gets reduced to 18-19 kmpl on highway speeds of 110-120. In moderate city traffic, as observed in Panchkula-Chandigarh, I am getting 14-15 kmpl which gets reduced to 12-13 with instant acceleration/ heavy foot. Eco mode works efficiently and the switch from 2 cylinder mode to 4 & vice-versa is smooth and doesn't feel if it is running on 2 cyl. On my UP-MP trip, I got 18 kmpl overall.
• Niggles & Issues: Squeaking noise from driver side door. On undulating roads, the gearbox shifts to 1st gear and doesn't upshift even on manual input/ paddle shifter. Rest appears fine to me.
• Sound System: Feels good, sound quality is impressive, expecting improvements after coding.
• NVH: Smooth & Refined, can't hear the engine but get loud at higher revs. Car came with CEAT tyres, I have found them to be good.
• Service Experience: Average, I felt that VW Service center personnel are not that agile/ active as compared to MASS where they quickly attend to you and your vehicle, I am expecting a change in my perception.
• Overall Ownership Experience: Fantastic.
• Upgrades Planned: Fog Lamps, VCDS Tweaks, Bonnet Insulation (if available)

Accessories purchased from VW:

• Window shades: rear, side window
• Door visors
• Car Mats (fabric)
• Car Cover
• Trumpet Horn
• Luggage Net

Will keep you posted with new developments, experiences.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Got both headlights changed under warranty. The right side DRL was fading out and looked yellow.

BHPian Atharva14 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

24.5K Kms update on my Taigun:

Update 1:

The clutch master cylinder was changed at 23k Kms. The clutch pedal used to sink in at almost very light pressure and get stuck. Parts were ordered in a week and was replaced. Since it is a hydraulic clutch, it uses the same oil from the brake oil reservoir, which requires the bleeding process to be done again. Drove for 1.5K kms after that and the clutch is just fine.

Update 2:

On my third driver-side window motor now. The first one part no. XY-a changed within 10 days of delivery.( April 2022). The second time, part no. XY-b changed to add the missing autofold orvm in my topline variant. (May 2022)

The third time, part no. XY-c changed recently because the window just stopped rolling down out of nowhere. According to the SVC, this motor is the latest one developed and is less prone to failure. Let's see how much time this motor holds up to. Post motor change, the window roll up down has slowed down considerably, compared to the other window. Software updated to the latest version for the auto up/down as well.

Update 3:

Got the puddle lights (logo projection) installed from the service center as well.

A new accessory and costs 3K for a pair. Attached Detailed video of the installation.

Got JK Tyre treel tpms installed from a tyre shop. Cost 3k for installation, tyre alignment, and balancing.

Update 4:

Got both headlights changed under warranty. The right side DRL was fading out and looked yellow. The left one had no issue but SvC went ahead and claimed both headlights under warranty. Installation requires bumper removal to unscrew the headlights. Got the new ones installed and the beams aligned properly at the svc.

Update 5:

VCDS Tweaks:

• Digital tachometer
• Fogs on with high beam and passing.
• Brake light on as hazard light while boot/bonnet open.

Update 6:

Added 60w auxiliary lights. Comes in 3 different modes and a separate switch to control it. The throw is good. Gave it power through the ignition fuse. Foglights have 100 W LEDs from Durvient.com

Other than that, wrapped the front chrome part of the bumper and alloy wheels in gloss black, according to my taste. Quick DIY.

 As of now, no highway trips. Overall efficiency stands at 11.5kmpl for Mumbai's Peak traffic time.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Both companies have added features to their cars to boost sales.

BHPian Motor Dev recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Over the past three years, Škoda and VW, sister brands, have introduced several vehicles in India to enhance their image and boost sales. Despite facing some criticism, these cars have gained a considerable fan base in a short time. Both companies have added features to their cars to boost sales. Putting that aside, among the four cars in the 2.0 strategy – Škoda Kushaq, VW Taigun, Škoda Slavia, and VW Virtus – which one would you prefer?

Škoda Kushaq:

Launched in June 2021

Škoda Kushaq Pros:

• Classy exterior & interior styling matched with solid European build quality.
• Cabin has good legroom to offer, supportive seats, perfect ergonomics & lots of storage.
• 148 BHP engine makes the Kushaq one of the most fun-to-drive crossovers in the segment.
• Sporty 1.0L & 1.5L turbo-petrols are mated to slick 6-speed MTs & smooth ATs.
• Sorted suspension offers a balanced ride & handling package.
• Safety features include 6 airbags, ESC, 3-point seatbelts for all, electronic differential lock, brake disc wiping, multi-collision brake and more.
• 6-year extended warranty & 4-year all-inclusive service packages available.
• Features like active cylinder tech, ventilated seats, sunroof, wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, auto headlamps & wipers etc.
• 5-star GNCAP safety rating.

• Škoda Kushaq Cons:

• No 1.5L diesel is a major disadvantage in a world where petrol costs over 100 bucks/litre.
• DQ200 DSG transmission has a history of poor reliability & breakdowns in India.
• Narrow width makes a 5th adult completely unwelcome. Best for 4 onboard.
• At 385 litres, boot space is lesser than its direct rivals (Creta & Seltos = 433L).
• Sure lacks the street cred/presence offered by some competitors.
• Škoda’s notorious dealerships & after-sales horror stories.
• Missing some now-expected features such as driving modes (sport), panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree camera.
• Turbo-petrols are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard.

Sales - Impressive, averaging around 2000 - 3000 units per month.

Review Link

VW Taigun:

Launched in September 2021

Volkswagen Taigun Pros:

• Unmistakably VW styling matched with solid European build quality
• Cabin has good legroom to offer, supportive seats, perfect ergonomics & lots of storage
• 148 BHP engine makes the Taigun one of the most fun-to-drive crossovers in the segment!
• Sporty 1.0L & 1.5L turbo-petrols are mated to slick 6-speed MTs & smooth ATs
• Sorted suspension offers a balanced ride & handling package
• 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
• Features like active cylinder tech, ventilated seats, sunroof, 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, auto headlamps & wipers etc.
• 5-star GNCAP safety rating.

Volkswagen Taigun Cons:

• No 1.5L diesel is a major disadvantage in a world where petrol costs over 100 bucks/litre.
• Narrow cabin width makes a 5th adult completely unwelcome. Best for 4 onboard.
• Interior colour scheme and quality don't feel up to traditional VW standards. Some polarising details too (chrome outside, painted plastics inside...).
• Sure lacks the street cred/presence offered by some competitors.
• VW’s after-sales service can be a hit or miss. Many VW owners find it expensive too.
• Missing some now-expected features such as a subwoofer, driving modes (sport), panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, & rear window blinds.
• Turbo-petrols are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard.
• Kushaq's 'clever' touches are missing = no spot on top of the dashboard to place a deity, no smartphone holders on the front seatbacks, no ticket clip on the windshield, no elastic band in the doorpad to keep items in place, or even something as simple as the small reflective tapes on the doorpads.

Sales - Decent performance, with approximately 1000 - 2000 units sold monthly. Kushaq has higher sales.

Review Link

Skoda Slavia:

Launched in February 2022

Škoda Slavia Pros:

• Stylish exterior & interior design with solid build quality.
• Spacious cabin with supportive seats and ample storage.
• 148 BHP engine makes it one of the most enjoyable sedans.
• Smooth transmissions for both 1.0L & 1.5L turbo-petrols.
• Balanced ride & handling with a spacious 521-litre boot.
• Top-notch safety features: 6 airbags, ESC, electronic differential lock, brake disc wiping.
• Modern extras: ventilated seats, sunroof, wireless Android Auto & CarPlay, auto headlamps & wipers.
• Extended 6-year warranty & 4-year all-inclusive service packages.

Škoda Slavia Cons:

• DQ200 DSG transmission has a history of reliability issues in India.
• Limited backseat space for three adults; more comfortable for two plus a child.
• Interior quality doesn’t match traditional Škoda standards.
• Turbo-petrols are sensitive to driving style; fuel efficiency drops with aggressive driving.
• Inconsistent after-sales service; the brand's long-term reliability is variable.

Sales - A solid success with sales ranging from 1000 - 2500 units monthly, bringing enthusiasm back to the sedan segment.

Review Link

VW Virtus:

Launched in March 2022

Volkswagen Virtus Pros:

• Elegant exterior & interior design with robust build quality.
• Spacious cabin offering comfortable seats and good ergonomics.
• Strong engine options: 1.0L & 1.5L turbo-petrols with smooth transmissions.
• Balanced ride & handling dynamics for a comfortable drive.
• Safety features: 6 airbags, ESC, electronic differential lock, brake disc wiping.
• Modern additions: ventilated seats, sunroof, wireless Android Auto & CarPlay, auto headlamps & wipers.
• 6-year extended warranty & 4-year all-inclusive service packages.

Volkswagen Virtus Cons:

• DQ200 DSG transmission has a history of reliability issues in India.
• Limited backseat space for three adults; more comfortable for two plus a child.
• Interior quality doesn’t match traditional VW standards; polarising body-coloured interior highlights.
• Turbo-petrols are sensitive to driving style; fuel efficiency drops with aggressive driving.
• Inconsistent after-sales service; the brand's long-term reliability is variable.
• Missing practical touches like dashboard space for items, smartphone holders, and reflective tapes on doors.

Sales - The most popular among the lot, boasting a significant fan following with sales ranging from 1000 - 2300 units per month.

Review Link

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

In terms of desirability, the VW Virtus. Silver + black roof + black rims. It's the Jetta's spiritual successor.

In terms of reality though, we already own two low-slung German sedans & 1 Japanese sedan. Don't have any crossover, so I'd go for the Taigun 1.5L DSG. Why Taigun over Kushaq = just some brand variety as we already own a Skoda.

Here's what BHPian vattyboy had to say on the matter:

I will choose Skoda Slavia.

In my eyes, it looks best among the VAG 2.0 cars. Front headlights and tail lights give vibes of its larger siblings like Octavia and Superb.

Also, the Badge value of Skoda is slightly higher than VW in India.

Here's what BHPian ron178 had to say on the matter:

The Kushaq is the odd one out here because it’s the only one whose interior isn’t a straight lift from an existing car (Slavia=Fabia, Virtus=Polo, Taigun=T-Cross). That also unfortunately makes it a little less cohesive than the others, partly because of the drab grey panels and out-of-place orange and brown bits.

Among the other three, it’s a tough call. I’m more of a sedan person and have loved the profile of the Virtus since the Brazilian 2019 model, so I would prefer the Slavia and Virtus. Here it gets tricky: they are clearly made for different audiences. Certainly the Virtus GT in Cherry Red is droolworthy, but I think the interior won’t age as well as the Slavia’s. So Slavia it is. Plus point is, where I live it is Škoda who has the better sales and service network of the two.

Here's what BHPian shancz had to say on the matter:

Voted Virtus. Virtus GT 1.5 TSi DSG to be precise.

Why ? Just look at the silhouette and the side profile

Here's what BHPian 84.monsoon had to say on the matter:

It is interesting that although all four vehicles are 70% the same, and the sedans are 90% the same as each other (same for the CSUVs), 60% of the votes here go to one of these vehicles - the Virtus! This is despite the rush towards CSUVs and away from Sedans today.

The Virtus stands out as a fantastic design, with the right mix of sleekness & dynamism. The increased ground clearance of 180 mm compared to most other sedans in the segment has been camouflaged well, and the front and rear ends (which are the bits different from the the Slavia) blend really well with the straight lines going all the way on the sides.

Here's what BHPian Axe77 had to say on the matter:

Since I already own a luxury SUV, if I wanted a second car (and one restricted to the above four choices), I’d pick one of the sedans rather than the crossovers. They’ll offer great boot space, much better back seat comfort I assume over their crossover counterparts and hopefully a better comfort as well thanks to being a bit lower (less pitching / body roll).

I’ve never closely followed the Slavia vs Virtus comparisons so don’t know off the bat which feels nicer. Whichever ones feel classier inside as well as out spec for spec and finish wise. Personally from the external images at least I prefer the overall look and silhouette of the Virtus. But I’ve seen some garish interiors on it though so if they’ve got a high end variant without the loud colors, that would be my pick. Engine wise, I’d pick the 1.5 DSG. My running is low enough to accept the lower FE and as a two car garage, I am ok to take some down time chances with the DSG.

Here's what BHPian Small Bot had to say on the matter:

If I could ever get myself to buy a VW or Skoda car (highly doubtful), my pick would be the Slavia 1.5 DSG in red.

I personally felt that the Slavia was the best looking of the lot, absolutely banging looker. It still turns my head when I see it on the road. And that 1.5 TSI engine is the sweetest.

Here's what BHPian ajmat had to say on the matter:

A Kushaq Monte Carlo would have been my shortlist but I felt it was overpriced. Am certainly glad I sold the Jetta as the saloons offer everything except the multilink suspension and solid build.

Having owned 4+ VAG cars, these did not make my shortlist for the following reasons:

• Expensive
• Build quality does not reflect the premium
• The niggles
• The rear end of the sedans are a bit "pear-shaped"

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Good headlights, way superior than the Polo, even the reflector headlight variants offer very crisp cutouts and beams

BHPian hellraiser_yank recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I'll list down my likes and dislikes about the Taigun:

Likes:

• Great engine, the 1.5 Evo engine is super smooth ( i can't live with the 1.0 originally being spoilt by Honda 1.5s the 1.0 seemed very poor in NVH), cylinder deactivation at consistent speeds helps fuel economy reach the 20+kmpl mark.
• DSG, DSG and DSG
• Very well tuned suspension out of the box, the average user will not complain.
• Instrument cluster is way superior with regards to information available
• Seat bolstering was perfect for my liking, the seat hugs you while cornering so you're not tumbled about or holding on for dear life like in the Polo
• Good headlights, way superior than the Polo, even the reflector headlight variants offer very crisp cutouts and beams with osram LEDs
• Keyless entry, push button start for convenience.
• A lot of options available to unlock with coding, especially safety features like break light illumination when boot is open. Could be life saving in some situations
• Spare parts/body panels are way cheaper than equivalent ones for Polo and are usually readily available.

Dislikes:

1. DSG, DSG and DSG, the DQ 200 rev3 in the Taigun is on torque upper limit from factory (250nm) so no scope of a remap without clutch upgrade. With regards to reliability.
2. No one touch up down for the windows besides the driver door, so even if activated by coding the key lock/unlock hold only controls the driver window.
3. Plastics seem cheaper. Overall the car interior feels cheaper when compared to the Polo.
4. Only 3 rear park sensors, to upgrade to 8k ops one has to replace the ones in the back also and of course fill out and repaint the rear bumper holes and make new ones for 4 sensors.
5. Even though the car is bigger the rear bench is suitable for 2 adults and maybe a toddler. Leg room is superior in the back.

The Taigun/Virtus/Kushaq/Slavia are the only real alternatives to the Polo. Everything else non German misses on some or the aspect for me, the Japanese and Koreans miss out on safety. The Indian marks miss out on consistency of performance.

I seriously considered the Taigun 1.5 DSG before I bought the Polo used but didn't need a bigger car.

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Dynamic mode as the name suggests, makes the car more dynamic based on your speed.

BHPian omranga98 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

577 days into owning the ca... No, let's make it sound cooler.

Okay!

So about forty million eight hundred fifty two thousand and eight hundred seconds into owning the Taigun, i finally got my car coded!

What is coding?

In simple terms:

it gets some locked hidden features unlocked so you can get the best out of your car.

In complex terms:

I won't even try but you can reach out to the lovely folks at Dr.CodeMyVag who not only did a perfect job coding my car but was patient in explaining the number of feautures we could unlock, what they would do, how it would work and 100s of other questions that popped into my mind

Let us start with:

How does it work?

Simply drop in a message on Dr.CodeMyVag's Instagram with what car you have and they will get back to you rather quickly with the coding options.

Generally almost all VW, Skoda, Audi, BMW, Mini, Ford, Jeep & Mercedes cars are coded by them.

Once you confirm, they will ship a cable that connects to the OBD port in your car. While the cable ships to you, they will send a couple of softwares for you to install on your windows laptop. This is to make the cable compatible to the USB port i guess and also to run a particular software.

After downloading the apps and connecting the cable, you simple open Teamviewer (a screen sharing and remote access free app) on your laptop and let them connect to your laptop remotely.

From there on, simply follow their instructions as to when you should switch the car on, when to put it in the ignition mode and when to not get extra excited that you start asking them to code your Taigun into Tiguan.

In about 15 mins, the entire process is done and you can simply take the cable out, disconnect the laptop and go WOW! at the new features.

that brings me to:

What new features?

Quite a few actually:

• Removed 80 kmph & 120 kmph speed chime
• Sports display (this shows turbo PSI: VERY COOL)
• Off-road display. (this shows tyre angle, altitude above sea level!)
• Steering angle on virtual cockpit
• Refuel quantity display in virutal cockpit (how much fuel you can put in the tank before maxing out)
• RPM display as a bar on digital speedo screen in virtual cockpit
• A/c fan speed display in auto mode
• Enabling Dynamic mode (more on this later)
• XDS- Torque Vectoring set to stronger setting (more on this later)
• Car Honks on lock & unlock
• SCANDINAVIAN DRLS (the rear light bar lights up during the day along with front DRLS
• A/c control via screen (not very useful but good to remind you how terrible it would be to control A/c via the touch screen
• Start/Stop button pulsates. Looks very cool!
• Audio quality improvement via sound signature. You have the option of selecting more bass heavy Beats Audio sound signature or a more balanced Harman Kardon.
• Changing the colour of Virutal cockpit to any colour.
• The rear tail light section blinking with turn indicator
• Lane change blinks increased to 5 clicks from standard 3 clicks.

I am sure I am probably missing something here but yeah, what more do you want? Hehe.

Let us dig a bit further into the new unlocked features

Start/Stop button pulsates:

Sports display:

Screen shot from a video of sports screen in action. Notice the Turbo meter showing PSI of boost!

Off road display:

Tyre angle on virtual cockpit:

RPM bar on top of digital speedo:

Refuel quantity in virtual cockpit:

A/c controls on screen:

Taigun has single zone a/c so only the left side controls work. Both temp in the display are always in sync.

Audio quality improvement:

To be very honest. It is a difference you can only make out if you listen to two cars, one with it enabled and one stock to really make out a difference. Being a music producer and a DJ, i really do not think it made that much of a difference.

Enabling dynamic mode:

This is so NICE!

Honestly, they should have had this option in the screen of the car. Dynamic mode as the name suggests, makes the car more dynamic based on your speed. At lower speeds, the steering is lighter and as you speed up, it weighs up a lot better than stock. This has also improved the brake and accelerator pedal feel. This alone is worth the coding effort!

XDS-Torque vectoring:

I guess the only way i can describe this is: The car feels like it has 2x more grip at corners. Right after the coding was done, i went for a short (150 kms drive) and a few turns into the drive, i could feel this.

In moments of fast cornering XDS gives out exactly the right amount of power providing pressure on the inside wheel to prevent wheel spinning. The result is better traction and a reduction of any tendency to understeer. A really good feature again!

But what about my warranty?

This is one of the reasons why i was on the sideline for a while. I had opted for extended warranty and i have about 4.5 years remaining of it. I was a little scared of this messing up with it. But:

Apparently this does not matter in terms of warranty because you are not adding something extra, you are simply unlocking features that were already in the car. and incase any issue arises, everything mentioned above can be reversed back to original state without leaving a trace behind.

I had asked about 20 people from various car groups, car workshops and more regarding the warranty and almost all gave the same reply as above, so i went with it!

Should you get it?

Ask yourself, why not?

Would love to answer any questions regarding this.

Signing off with a nice sunset picture of my Taigun

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I have seen 2 cylinder mode get active at 110 Kmph and as low as 30 kmph. The switch is seemless and it is actually effective!

BHPian omranga98 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

You know the car is good when your daily driven car has lesser kms on the ODO than the weekend car

So sometime around May last year, i got an Ignis and a Taigun (15 days apart). Ignis does my daily office/factory duty while Taigun is for the weekend runs.

As of today, Ignis stands at 10500 Km and Taigun is at 11000. Which brings me here again after a couple of months to give a 11K Km update. Oh, and you can check out my 7000 kms update/mini review here:

Will try to keep it simple and touch a few key points along with some interesting findings. Starting with:

Hitting 10000 KMS:

It has been a breeze! The car works like a charm and being the more powerful 1.5 TSI coupled with DSG, you can never get bored of how this car pulls when it needs to or how well this car can behave at higher speeds or at city speeds.

I guess I have faced two issues with the car till date:

• The power window for the driver side had an issue and would not work with the auto up/down half of the time but this was later fixed by VW. But in the process of fixing it, they created the second issue:
• The driver side window rattles when it is not completely shut and power window switch housing also creeks when i play a little bass heavy tracks. It almost sounds as if some clip has broken inside the door housing and causing the glass panel to have a little play. I have not gotten the time to visit VW and get this fixed because it has been a very busy year. In fact, i opted for their pickup and drop option for car servicing. I thought it would be convenient but i ended up stalking the car with the VW tracking app to keep the speed and location in check haha.

Some interesting discoveries:

I noticed this recently but VW has different suppliers for different glass panels on the car. The windshield, rear glass and the quarter windows is supplied by ASAHI INDIA GLASS LTD. while the windows are supplied by SAINT-GOBAIN SEKURIT. Here is a picture for reference:

I found an option in the infotainment that said : Reminder message or something along these lines. So i toggled it on. Why not huh?
Now this gives me this screen everytime i switch off the car and open the door.

Talk about German humour? well, It reminds you to not forget your children in the car (fair because there might have been a situation) but then it reminds you to activate Valet mode before that. Heck even turning off lights is 3 points higher than forgetting your kid in the car.

ACT or Active Cylinder Technology is underrated: This is for the folks on the sideline of deciding whether to get 1.0 TSI or 1.5 TSI. The bigger engine comes with ACT which basically shuts of ignition in cylinder 3 and 4 when the car is driven at a constant speed on a flat gradient. This makes this car really good for long distance cruising. I have seen upwards of 18 kmpl on one of the days when i felt like driving a bit sedated.

I have seen 2 cylinder mode get active at 110 Kmph and as low as 30 kmph. The switch is seemless and it is actually effective!

So i feel it should be another point to consider when making the decision between 1.0 & 1.5. This is if the drastic power difference is not enough!

I feel most do not know this but Taigun does not have a dual barrel setup like it appears to have. ie. both low and high beam is from the projector in the headlamp unit while the reflector looking like setup beside is a dummy.

With that said, it is a good setup if not great. I have driven through pitch black highway/hill sections and the throw is good. Way better than what my Polo had! Maybe down the line, i might add one of those light bars in a sneaky manner so it does not look out place.

Each projector houses about 12 high powered LEDs which you can notice projecting on my wallet in the picture below.

I really like how it looks.

Be it during the day time:

Or as the sun sets:

The rear light bar as it gets darker:

or a quick view out of the office window:

To sum it up, it has been a pleasant experience owning Taigun. Although DSG failing nightmares have reduced, they have not gone completely. I had started an SIP when i booked the car called DQ200 contingency fund. It should be adequate by the time it might actually fail haha.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Volkswagen has also announced the launch of the Virtus Sound Edition with a similar set of features.

Volkswagen has launched a new limited edition of the Taigun. The Taigun 'Sound Edition' is based on the Topline variant and is priced at Rs 16.33 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Taigun Sound Edition gets a 7-speaker sound system with a subwoofer and an amplifier. The SUV is also offered with powered front seats as standard.

On the outside, the limited edition Taigun gets ‘Sound Edition’ badges and graphics on the C-pillars. The SUV is available in four colour schemes: Rising Blue, Wild Cherry Red, Carbon Steel Grey and Lava Red. Adding a bit of contrast is the white-painted roof and ORVMs.

The Taigun Sound Edition is available with a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that makes 113 BHP and 178 Nm. The engine is mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Volkswagen has also announced the launch of the Virtus Sound Edition. The sedan also gets similar features as the Taigun.

Volkswagen Taigun Sound Edition ex-showroom prices:

• 1.0L TSI MT – Rs 16.33 lakh
• 1.0L TSI AT – Rs 17.90 lakh

Lower variants of the Taigun are available with a discount of up to Rs 65,000.

Volkswagen is offering benefits of up to Rs 1 lakh on the Taigun this festive season.

Lower variants of the Taigun mid-size SUV are available with a discount of up to Rs 65,000, while the high-end variants get up to Rs 1 lakh worth of benefits.

The Taigun and its twin, the Skoda Kushaq, are offered with two turbo-petrol engines. These include a 1.0-litre TSI that makes 113 BHP and 178 Nm as well as a 1.5-litre TSI that puts out 148 BHP and 250 Nm.

The 1.0L engine comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the latter gets a 7-speed DSG option. A 6-speed manual gearbox is available as standard with both engines.

Volkswagen recently introduced a special edition of the Taigun called the GT Edge Trail Edition. It features a few cosmetic updates both inside and out and is offered with the 1.5L turbo-petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The Taigun GT Edge Trail Edition is available with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 6-speed MT.

Volkswagen has launched a new special edition of the Taigun called the GT Edge Trail Edition. The SUV is priced at Rs 16.3 lakh (ex-showroom) and will be available in limited numbers.

The Taigun GT Edge Trail Edition features a few cosmetic changes that differentiate it from the GT Edge Limited Edition that was introduced earlier this year. The SUV gets functional roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels finished in black & red brake calipers.

The GT Edge Trail Edition is available in three colour options: Carbon Steel Grey, Reflex Silver and Candy. The car gets special decals and ‘Trail’ badges as well.

Inside, the Trail Edition gets black seat upholstery with red stitching and the word ‘Trail’ embossed on the backrest. The car is equipped with features such as a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic headlamps, a rearview camera and TPMS. VW is also offering a dashcam with a 2-inch display.

The Taigun GT Edge Trail Edition is available with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. It produces 148 BHP and 250 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.