Volkswagen Taigun, with a robust build quality, sophisticated design, and five-star Global NCAP safety, has established a remarkable position in the mid-size SUV domain. The biggest factor behind its popularity is the availability of two turbocharged petrol engines, appealing to a vast section of buyers. On the more efficient front, you get the 1.0-litre TSI engine, and on the more powerful front, the 1.5-litre TSI EVO engine along with ACT. For most potential buyers, the final nail in the coffin remains the actual-world Taigun mileage and the output of each of these engines.
This in-depth 2025 guide has been created to guide you through this decision. We’ll dissect the official ARAI ratings, discuss the reality of owners in everyday road use, and talk about the subtleties of performance, cost of ownership, and driveability. You’re either a city runner who wants good fuel economy and affordability, or an enthusiast who wants head-turning performance, and knowing the true character of each engine makes the ownership proposition more fulfilling.
The Engines: A Tale of Two Turbos
Both the 1.0L and 1.5L engines are turbocharged and feature direct injection, but they are fundamentally different in character and technology.
1.0-litre TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection)
This is an intra-city level, 999cc, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, and this is the entry level into the Taigun range. It is a workhorse and has been developed to deliver an excellent balance of power, performance, and frugality. It offers a respectable 115 PS of power and 178 Nm of torque, which is more than sufficient for intra-city usage and relaxed highway cruising. It has a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter auto box offered in two trim levels.
1.5-litre TSI EVO with ACT
These are 1498cc, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines and are the top-of-the-line engines offered in the Taigun range. These are advanced engines that deliver a class-leading output of 150 PS of power and an astonishing 250 Nm of torque. Its USP is Active Cylinder Technology (ACT), which has the capability of shutting down two of the four cylinders at the lower load situations (such as highway cruising) to derive better fuel efficiencies. These engines come with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 7-speed DSG torque converter-style automatic gearbox as the transmission options.
Official Mileage: The ARAI Figures (2025)
The ARAI-claimed mileage figures are a good starting point for comparison, as they are measured under identical, controlled conditions.
- Taigun 1.0L TSI Manual: 19.2 km/l
- Taigun 1.0L TSI Automatic (TC):17.23 km/l
- Taigun 1.5L TSI Manual: 18.47 km/l
- Taigun 1.5L TSI Automatic (DSG): 19.01 km/l
By these figures, the 1.0L TSI manual looks the most efficient on paper. Surprisingly, the 1.5L TSI DSG automatic transmission is more economical than the 1.0L automatic transmission due to the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and the cylinder deactivation system. These statistics, however, don’t always translate into the daily reality of driving.
Real-World Taigun Mileage: What Drivers Experience
The only true measure of an engine’s efficiency is under a combination of traffic, highways, and diverse driver styles. And this begins where the myth meets reality, as we often find that the reality of things doesn’t come anywhere close to the company’s claims.
Taigun 1.0L TSI
- City: In urban traffic, the 1.0L TSI’s economy generally lies in the range of 11-13 km/l. The three-cylinder unit tends to drink a bit in city traffic, and the necessity to rev it more quickly to deliver rapid acceleration affects consumption.
- Highway: Out on the highway, however, the 1.0L TSI does much better. With proper and disciplined driving and cruise settings of about 90-100 km/h, owners have achieved 16-18 km/l figures. The 6th gear of both the manual and the automatic transmission assists in keeping RPM levels in check, thereby enhancing efficiency.
- Combined Average: For a mixed driving cycle, a realistic average Taigun mileage for the 1.0L TSI is around 14-15 km/l.
Taigun 1.5L TSI EVO
- City: Despite having a bigger engine displacement and more power output, the 1.5L TSI may be remarkably frugal within the city, and may easily give around 12-14 km/l. That has more to do with the excellent torque, so the engine does not have to be revved so much, and the fast-shifting DSG gearbox.
- Highway: This is where the 1.5L TSI’s Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) comes into its own. When cruising at constant speed, ACT can turn two cylinders off, and the engine runs effectively as a more efficient two-cylinder unit. This results in excellent highway mileage, with owners consistently achieving 18-20 km/l, rivalling or even surpassing the 1.0L TSI.
- Combined Average: A realistic average Taigun mileage for the 1.5L TSI is around 15-16 km/l.
One of the things we learn from this is that although the 1.5L TSI engine produces more power, it was moreover more efficient in everyday use, particularly on the highway. This defies the common belief that a compact engine will always be more economical.
Performance and Driving Experience: Power vs. Practicality
The choice between these two engines is not just about fuel economy; it’s about the entire driving experience.
Taigun 1.0L TSI
1.0L TSI is a zippy and lively engine. It suits city use best, delivering brisk acceleration and nippy handling. The engine does have a distinct “thrum” of a three-pot unit, but it’s decently isolated inside the cabin. It’s more than capable of doing highway service, but overtaking at greater velocities may involve a downshift. The 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission is smooth and faultless, allowing for good traffic-friendly running at a comfortable level.
Taigun 1.5L TSI EVO
This engine is of another league. The 150 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque make for exhilarating performance. Acceleration is good, and the power delivery is smooth and potent across the rev range. That makes the Taigun 1.5L an enthusiast’s car, per se. Passing manoeuvres on highways are a breeze, with the engine never running short of power. The 7-speed DSG is brilliant, delivering lightning-quick and seamless shifting of gears, adding to the sportiness of the car. The four-cylinder configuration also makes the engine smoother and refined compared to the 1.0L engine.
Financial Breakdown: Price and Running Costs
The superior performance and technology of the 1.5L TSI EVO come at a premium.
- Price Difference (Ex-showroom, approximate): The 1.5L TSI variants are typically priced between ₹2.0 to ₹2.9 lakh higher than the equivalent 1.0L TSI models.
Given the real-world mileage figures, let’s see how the running costs compare, using an approximate petrol price of ₹94.77 per litre (mid-2025).
- Cost per Km (Based on Real-World Average):
- Taigun 1.0L TSI: ₹94.77 / 14.5 km/l = ₹6.53 per km
- Taigun 1.5L TSI EVO: ₹94.77 / 15.5 km/l = ₹6.12 per km
The 1.5L TSI may cost a little less to run per kilometre due largely to its better highway economy and the ACT technology. If you are a high-mileage user, the premium cost of purchase may be more relevant than the cost of running. The choice, then, isn’t a straightforward trade-off of power versus economy; it’s a trade-off of cost of purchase and a better overall package.
The Verdict: Which Taigun is for You?
Choosing between the two engines comes down to your priorities and budget.
For the City Commuter and Budget-Conscious Buyer:
- Best Pick: Volkswagen Taigun 1.0L TSI.
- Why: In the event of most city-type driving and reasonable annual mileage, the 1.0L TSI provides an ideal compromise. It’s much less expensive to purchase and has a snappy, dependable engine more than ample to undertake day-to-day chores.
For the Driving Enthusiast and Frequent Highway Traveller:
- Best Pick: Volkswagen Taigun 1.5L TSI EVO.
- Why: In case you are a complete fanatic of driving and are in the habit of taking long distances on road trips, then the 1.5L TSI has no competition at all. The increased muscle, improved smooth running of the engine, and the advanced DSG transmission lead to unadulterated fun and effortless driving. Its excellent cylinder deactivation technology ensures you have no compromises on Taigun mileage on highways either. For the money, if exchanged, it offers a class of performance and smooth running unrivalled in the category.
In short, each of these engines has an assortment of strengths unto itself. The 1.0L TSI is the head-over-heart option, presenting wonderful value and a solid all-purpose package. The 1.5L TSI EVO is the wish of enthusiasts, presenting a thrilling drive with the additional incentive of remarkable fuel economy.
FAQs
Q. Is the 1.5L TSI with ACT always running on two cylinders?
A. No. The Active Cylinder Technology only deactivates two cylinders under low-load conditions, such as cruising at a steady speed. The moment you accelerate, all four cylinders fire up instantly.
Q. What is the main difference between the 1.0L’s TC and the 1.5L’s DSG automatic?
A. The 1.0L’s TC (Torque Converter) is a more traditional and reliable automatic. The 1.5L’s DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) is a dual-clutch transmission that offers much faster and smoother shifts, enhancing the car’s performance.
Q. Is the maintenance for the 1.5L TSI more expensive?
A. Generally, the DSG transmission and the more complex engine technology in the 1.5L TSI can lead to slightly higher maintenance costs compared to the 1.0L TSI’s more conventional setup.
Q. Do both engines have the same boot space and fuel tank capacity?
A. Yes, both engine variants of the Taigun come with a 385-litre boot and a 50-litre fuel tank.
