What if the Germans made a Proton X50? That'd be this new 2021 Volkswagen Taigun

Its name might be an anagram of Tiguan, but read carefully: the new kid in the ever-growing SUV block is the 2021 Volkswagen Taigun, which just started production in India recently.

It's an interesting car, this. Actually, it reminds us a bit of the Proton X50 in more ways than one, but only if it were made by the Germans instead. Let's take a closer look...

Dimensions - Compact as it gets

First up, its size. Sitting on an indigenised version (MQB A0 IN) of the MQB (modular transverse matrix) platform that it shares with the Skoda Kushaq, the Taigun measures as below:

It's pretty much equal to competitors, and to give you a better picture, it's not too far off from how an X50 measures anyway, which is 4,330 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, and 1,609 mm tall on a 2,600 mm wheelbase.

Also read: What is a car platform? It’s not necessarily what you think it is

Exterior - One for the urban jungle

Borrowing cues from larger stablemates, VW's first made-in-India subcompact SUV is a rather cool-looking car.

It's a trademark VW look, with unfussy lines and lots of chrome around the exterior. The front end - with a three-slat grille and blocky headlights - reminds one of the larger Tiguan family.

Also read: Quick Review: VW Tiguan Allspace R-Line in Malaysia - Same price, now with USB-C & Wireless Apple CarPlay

Black cladding toughens up the sides, and depending on variant it comes with either single-tone 16-inch wheels or this glitzier 17-inch 'Manila' set.

The rear is its more distinctive angle, characterised by smoked LED tail lamps that are linked by a functional light bar. But it hasn't got two real exhaust outlets - those are just imprints on the rear bumper.

Capping off the looks are a choice of five colours: Curcuma Yellow as mostly seen in this set, Wild Cherry Red, Candy White, Reflex Silver, and Carbon Steel Grey.

Interior - Minimalistic modernism

Much like the exterior, the Taigun's dual-tone cabin looks the part. There's optional upholstery with contrast stitching too.

The interior is enlivened by a gloss silver (or red, depending on body colour) panel running lengthwise of the dashboard and along the centre console.

Also read: Ratings: Top 10 quietest cars we've tested - 6 cylinders quieter than electric?

There's faux carbon fibre inserts too - some may say they're an oft-abused trope - but done right it can look good, and this is an example.

Reading out vitals is an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, but it's simpler than the full-fat versions us Malaysians are familiar with in our VWs. Some variants make do with an analogue cluster in place.

For creature comforts, the Taigun comes with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charger, ventilated seats, a cooled glove box, and rear air-cond vents.

Also read: Why your next car should come with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay

Performance - There's a manual!

Its cause for deja vu here, as the Taigun has a turbocharged 1.5-litre mill paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. But that's only reserved for higher-end variants, while the cheaper ones get a 1.0-litre mill and a conventional 6-speed automatic.

Safety - No ADAS, very basic

No advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) here, just the standard kit of electronic stability control, a reverse parking camera and up to 6 airbags.

Also read: ADAS for dummies, Kia explains why you need it and what it does

Conclusion - Does it have a place in Malaysia?

Pricing for the Taigun haven't been officially revealed yet, but it's expected to range between INR 11 lakh (~RM 63k) to INR 18 lakh (~RM 102k).

If true, it'll be a smidge pricier than rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Kia Seltos, but it looks like plenty of car for the money.

Also read: 2021 Kia Seltos launched in Malaysia: 1.6L NA, CBU India, 2 variants, from RM 116k

Although chances of the Taigun coming here are very slim, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has already confirmed that it wants a piece of the B-segment SUV market. But what will it be - the T-Roc or T-Cross? Time will tell...

Also read: VPCM confirms new SUV model to expand its lineup; T-Cross, T-Roc or Touareg?