Volkswagen Taigun Concept

Reports have been circulating lately that Volkswagen is considering a smaller SUV to slot in under the Tiguan. Well, the company has presented just such a vehicle at the Sao Paulo Motor Show in Brazil.

The Taigun concept, dressed in Seaside Blue, could preview Volkswagen’s smallest SUV yet, and is based on the up! city car platform. The rugged looking pint sized crossover features essential SUV styling traits like plastic body cladding, anodised skid plates and striking 17” alloy wheels.

It also sports an upright Volkswagen grille and bulging wheel-arches that lend the Taigun a muscular look. Another design highlight of the concept is its hidden rear door handles, giving the SUV a three door coupé-like profile.

Inside, the uncluttered dashboard features high-contrast trims, dashboard-mounted instrument pods and air vents with integrated climate control knobs. At the back, the 280 litres boot can be expanded to 987 litres via the fold down rear seats.

Power comes from a 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine that delivers 81kW (110hp) and 175Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque. It propels the 985kg (2172 lb) Taigun from rest to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds before hitting a top speed of 186km/h (116mph). Volkswagen claims the mini SUV will average approximately 4.5L/100km (52.2 mpg US/62.7 mpg UK).