Volkswagen Taigun concept SUV features new 3-cylinder, direct-injected, turbo 1.0L TSI

24 October 2012

At the 2012 São Paulo International Motor Show in Brazil, Volkswagen presented the world premiere of a newly developed compact SUV concept: the Taigun. Technically, the Taigun resembles the very contemporary New Small Family by Volkswagen, which it would round out in an upward direction if it were to be produced. If it were to become a production car, Volkswagen noted, it would not only be offered in South America, but around the world.

The four-seat Taigun is powered by a new 1.0-liter TSI engine (turbocharged, gasoline direct injection engine) with 81 kW / 110 PS / 108 hp (from 5,000/min). Its combined fuel consumption is 4.7 l/100 km (52.3 mpg US), equivalent to 110 g/km CO₂. The new engine extends the range of the three-cylinder gasoline engines based on the EA211 engine series (earlier post) by adding a configuration with direct fuel injection plus turbocharging technology, which opens a new chapter in downsizing strategy at Volkswagen.

In addition to being fuel-efficient, the new engine offers high torque at low engine revs—175 N·m (129 lb-ft) from 1,500/min. This makes the three-cylinder TSI an ideal match for the Taigun. The concept vehicle, with a weight of 985 kg (2,172 lbs), accelerates to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds with the new engine. Top speed is 186 km/h (116 mph). The engine is combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox.