December 12, 2025
The Kochi-Kottayam stretch of the highway is famous for its mixture of fast, open roads and sudden bursts of traffic, demanding a vehicle that can deliver both refined cruising ability and instant power. This is where the Volkswagen Taigun GT truly shines.
Equipped with the potent 1.5L TSI EVO engine and the quick-shifting 7-speed DSG gearbox (or 6-speed MT), the Taigun GT is arguably the most performance-oriented compact SUV available for Kerala driving enthusiasts.
Here is a detailed review of how the Taigun GT dominates the key aspects of a highway run in Central Kerala:
1. The Heart of the GT: Engine and Transmission
The performance of the Taigun GT is defined by its acclaimed powertrain, which makes overtakes decisive and stress-free.
2. Highway Performance: Stability and Power Delivery
The Taigun GT excels at maintaining composure, even when pushing hard on the highways of Kerala.
- Handling & Steering: The steering is light in city traffic (a bonus in Kochi) but weights up beautifully at highway speeds, offering the solid, confident feel expected of a German car. Body roll, while present due to the SUV stance, is minimal, allowing you to take sweeping curves towards Kottayam with high confidence.
- Ride Quality: The suspension is tuned for stability. Therefore, the ride feels taut and mature at speed, absorbing undulations and maintaining its line without feeling floaty. At lower city speeds, however, it can feel slightly firm over sharper bumps.
- 0-100 km/h: The claimed acceleration time of under 9.1 seconds (for the DSG) proves the immediate punch. This power is not just for bragging; instead, it is a critical safety feature, allowing the car to quickly escape sticky situations.
3. City Maneuverability & Mileage Reality
While the GT is built for the open road, its daily usage inevitably includes the congested stretches around Vyttila and Cherthala.
- City Driveability: The low-end torque is excellent, meaning the car doesn’t feel sluggish in traffic. The engine pulls cleanly from low RPMs. On the other hand, the DSG gearbox can occasionally feel a little jerky in bumper-to-bumper traffic, requiring a light foot.
- Mileage (The Trade-off): In heavy city traffic, the Taigun GT’s mileage can drop significantly. However, on the open highway run using the ACT (Active Cylinder Technology) feature, owners consistently report mileage figures in the 15-18 kmpl range, making it quite fuel-efficient for its power.
4. Safety & The ‘German’ Factor
Finally, safety is non-negotiable on Indian roads, and the Taigun GT provides peace of mind.
- Global NCAP 5-Star Rating: The structure is robust and the car comes with standard features like ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and six airbags, which provide a tangible sense of security at high speeds.
- Braking: All variants come with disc brakes up front and drums at the rear. The braking is powerful and reassuring, although some enthusiasts might have preferred all-around discs given the performance potential.
In conclusion, the Volkswagen Taigun GT is the definitive driver’s compact SUV for Kerala. It blends the practicality needed for city commutes in Kochi with the thrilling performance and rock-solid stability required to master the highways toward Kottayam.
Would you like me to find the current on-road price of the Taigun GT Plus in Kottayam, or would you like to compare its performance against its closest rival, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI?
