Safety remains a paramount concern for car buyers in India. Recognizing this, Volkswagen India has made a significant stride in bolstering the safety quotient of its popular mid-size SUV, the Taigun, and the sedan, the Virtus. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this development and what it means for prospective buyers.
Standard 6 Airbags Across All Variants: Enhanced Protection
Previously, the Taigun and Virtus offered dual front airbags as standard on their lower-spec variants. This has now been rectified, with Volkswagen announcing that all variants of both models will now come equipped with six airbags as a standard safety feature. This aligns with the increasing focus on safety in the Indian car market and follows a similar upgrade implemented by Skoda, Volkswagen’s sister brand, for the Kushaq and Slavia SUVs.
The inclusion of six airbags significantly enhances occupant protection in the event of a collision. These airbags include:
- Driver and passenger airbags: These frontal airbags deploy in the event of a head-on collision, cushioning the driver and passenger’s upper body.
- Side airbags: These airbags are located on the sides of the front seats and inflate during a side-impact collision, protecting the occupant’s chest and abdomen.
- Curtain airbags: These airbags deploy from the roof pillars along the sides of the cabin and provide head protection for both front and rear occupants in the event of a rollover accident or a side-impact collision.
With six airbags now standard, both the Taigun and Virtus offer a more comprehensive safety package, providing peace of mind to drivers and passengers alike.
Sales Success and Consumer Preferences: Interesting Insights from Volkswagen
While announcing the standard six airbags, Volkswagen also shared some interesting insights regarding the sales performance of the Taigun and Virtus. Here are some key takeaways:
- Crossing the 1 Lakh Sales Mark: Launched under the India 2.0 project, both the Taigun and Virtus have achieved a significant sales milestone, surpassing the 1 lakh unit mark in India. This signifies their growing popularity amongst car buyers.
- Taigun Leads the Charge: Taigun has emerged as the stronger seller among the two, contributing over 60% of the total sales for Volkswagen’s India 2.0 lineup. This suggests a higher demand for SUVs in the current market.
- GT Variants Find Favor: A noteworthy 40% of customers have opted for the top-spec GT variants of both the Taigun and Virtus. This indicates a growing preference for sportier features and a more powerful driving experience.
These insights provide valuable information for potential buyers, highlighting the popularity of these models and the features that resonate most with consumers.
Feature-packed interiors for Comfort and Convenience
Beyond the safety upgrades, both the Taigun and Virtus boast a range of features designed to enhance the driving experience and passenger comfort. Here are some key highlights:
- Large Touchscreen Infotainment System: A 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes center stage, offering intuitive control over music, navigation, and phone connectivity. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ensure seamless smartphone integration.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: An 8-inch digital instrument cluster provides clear and easy-to-read information about vehicle speed, RPM, fuel level, and other crucial driving data.
- Automatic Climate Control: Automatic climate control maintains a comfortable cabin temperature for all passengers.
- Ventilated and Powered Front Seats: Ventilated front seats offer enhanced comfort during hot weather, while powered adjustability allows for a personalized driving position.
- Ambient Lighting: Customizable ambient lighting sets the mood within the cabin and creates a sophisticated ambiance.
- Panoramic Sunroof: (Optional) A single-pane sunroof brings in natural light and fresh air, enhancing the overall cabin experience.
These features combine to create a premium and comfortable driving environment for both the driver and passengers.
Powerful and Efficient Engine Options
The Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus are offered with two turbocharged petrol engine options, catering to a range of driving preferences:
1.0-litre TSI Engine: This engine offers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, generating 115 PS of power and 178 Nm of torque. It can be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
1.5-litre TSI Engine: For those seeking a more spirited driving experience, the 1.5-litre TSI engine delivers 150 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. This engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) for smoother gear shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: When did the Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus receive the standard 6 airbags update?
A: The announcement regarding the standard six airbags for the Taigun and Virtus was made recently.
Q: Are there any other safety features offered on the Taigun and Virtus besides the airbags?
A: Yes, both models come equipped with additional safety features such as electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold assist, rear parking camera, and rear parking sensors. Additionally, they have both received 5-star safety ratings in the Global NCAP crash tests, further solidifying their safety credentials.
Q: What are the different transmission options available for the Taigun and Virtus?
A: Both models offer a 6-speed manual transmission as standard. Additionally, the 1.0-litre TSI engine can be opted with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the 1.5-litre TSI engine gets the option of a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).
Q: Which variant of the Taigun and Virtus sells the most?
A: The Taigun, particularly the higher-spec GT variants, has witnessed stronger sales compared to the Virtus. This suggests a higher consumer preference for SUVs in the current market.
