Volkswagen Unveils Up-Based Taigun SUV Concept and Upgraded Gol

Volkswagen'sVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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lineup for the Sao Paulo Motor Show includes a new two-door Gol and the UpVolkswagen Up! Gen.1Germany, 2011 > present107 versions
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-based Taigun concept. 

The big news at Volkswagen's exhibit is that it is finally showing its new even more compact SUV concept called the Taigun. It uses the Up's platform and a new 1.0 TSI engine. The Taigun is just 3.86m long, 1.73m wide and 1.57m tall and has a 2.47m wheelbase. It weighs 985kg. However, it can still seat four people.

The car is painted Seaside Blue and has styling like a miniaturized TiguanVolkswagen Tiguan Gen.1Germany, 2007 > 2015132 versions
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. Like the Tiguan and TouaregVolkswagen Touareg Gen.2Germany, 2009 > present50 versions
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, the Taigun puts emphasis on its horizontal lines. At the front the rear underbody protection is obvious across the front of the car, and there is a similar styling element at the rear.

The tailgate is split in half. The top two-thirds is hinged at the top and opens upward. The bottom third is hinged at the bottom and opens downward. It has 280l of rear cargo space with the seats up or 987l with the seats down. 

The engine is a new three-cylinder 1.0 TSI with 110ps and 175Nm of torque. It will reportedly also be used in the future Up GT. The engine gives the Taigun a top speed of 186km/h, and it can accelerate to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds. Petrol consumption is around 4.5l/100km according to VW. 

The interior is also functional and uncluttered. The dials to control the HVAC functions are integrated into the vents. The driver turns the ring around the vent to activate it. 

The Gol has been the best-selling car in Brazil for the past 25 years. The new two-door is set to go on sale next year.