Volkswagen has lifted the lid on the Taigun concept - a compact crossover that seems to ratify earlier reports that the firm is looking to expand its crossover offerings.

As we mentioned in a previous article, one of Volkswagen’s projected models is a compact crossover based on the current-generation Polo. This model will undercut the new Tiguan, which is set to arrive in South Africa during the course of 2014.

The Taigun, which made its debut at the recent Sao Paulo Motor Show, sports a rugged pseudo-SUV stance with key design elements such as prominent wheel arches, anodized skid plates, ample platic cladding on the lower body section and 17-inch wheels. There’s a hint of micronized Amarok about the squared-off front section and strong rectangular grille with louvre elements that flow into the headlamps, while other key features include hidden rear door handles and a split tailgate.

The interior is typically concept-colourful with strongly contrasting trim elements, pod-like instrumentation and an infotainment system. Volkswagen hasn’t made mention of whether the Taigun is underpinned by a Polo platform, but the compact crossover is practical enough to encompass a load bay capable of accommodating 208 dm3 with the rear seats in place and 987 dm3 with the rear pews stowed.

With power provided by a 1,0-litre TSI engine developing 81 kW and 175 N.m of torque, the Taigun looks as though it’s aimed squarely at the likes of the upcoming Ford EcoSport compact crossover. This unit propels the Taigun from standstill to 100 km/h in 9,2 seconds on the way to a 186 km/h top speed and returns an average fuel consumption figure of just 4,5 L/100 km.

Volkswagen will gauge the public’s response to the Taigun concept before it considers a production run, but given the downsizing trend that seems to have grabbed the motor industry of late (not to mention the continuing craze for compact, rugged-looking crossovers and SUVs) we’d be very surprised if the Taigaun didn’t get the go-ahead.

Original article from Car