Volkswagen has released additional photos and a video with the Taigun concept which could reach production phase in 2016.
Autoweek has learned from sources within Volkswagen that Taigun will be made but probably won’t be sold in United States because they believe Americans don’t want three-cylinder gasoline/diesel engines and such compact dimensions.
First shown in October 2012 at the Sao Paolo Motor Show, Taigun’s most important rival will be the Ford EcoSport once it arrives in 2016. The left-hand drive Taigun will be built in Sao Paolo, Brazil, while right-hand models are going to be assembled in Pune, India. Volkswagen is also analyzing the prospects of producing the car in Kaluga, Russia.
The concept uses VW’s PQ12 platform which also underpins the up! but has been stretched a bit for the compact crossover. The wheelbase has been extended by two inches to 97.2 inches, while the track widths have stayed the same at 56.2 inches front / 56 inches rear. Those three-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines mentioned earlier will be mated to a standard manual gearbox or an optional dual-clutch transmission.
It seems Volkswagen is also planning a natural gas variant, while gasoline-electric hybrid and full electric versions are under consideration at this moment.