In 2012 Volkswagen presented a prototype of a small SUV based on the Up. Named Taigun (in the pictures), it was appreciated for its aesthetics and compact dimensions, perfectly suited for the city. Everyone expected a production model that would hit the market quickly, but nothing. The project was, surprisingly, put on the shelf.
Compare with the speed of approval of the other SUVs of the brand, namely the T-Roc and the T-Cross – the SUV of the Golf and of the Polo, The T-Roc was presented in 2014 and the T-Cross Breeze in 2016.
The reasons the Taigun never made it to the production line were predictably linked to costs. The Volkswagen Up and its brothers SEAT Mii and Skoda Citigo are separate models in the Volkswagen universe. Unique platform and many specific components result in high production costs, which is not at all desirable when derivative models live in the lowest segment of the industry and where price is of particular importance.
Taigun will be replaced by T-Track
Five years after the appearance of the Taigun, it seems that Volkswagen has finally decided to go ahead with the development of a small SUV based on the Up.
What has changed? The SUV phenomenon continues with remarkable strength, which allows brands to sell them at desirably higher prices. And keeping production in Bratislava, Slovakia, where Up is produced, margins will be acceptable.
Another reason is the growing need for a model of this type outside Europe, especially in markets like Brazil – it took longer to arrive, but Brazil is also surrendering to the SUV phenomenon.
But its arrival is still a long time away. Rumors point to it only arriving in 2020 and T-Track is currently the most talked about name to identify it.
Considering the base, the T-Track will use the same family of three-cylinder engines that we found in the Up. It also means that it will not have Diesel versions, but there is a strong chance of contemplating an electric version, as we can already see in the I p. It could be called an SUV, but versions with all-wheel drive are not planned.
Before him, we will meet T-Roc on the 23rd of August, and T-Cross will be known in 2018.