VW shows improved Taigun concept in New Dehli

Volkswagen is closer to entering the mini-SUV market after revealing a new Taigun concept in New Dehli, India on Wednesday. The second version of the concept gets a new trunk lid and a spare tire that is mounted on the outside of the tailgate.

The compact Taigun measures only 151.9 inches long, 68 inches wide and 61.8 inches tall. That's a tad shorter than the BMW X1, but about the same size otherwise. The concept weighs in at just 2,200 pounds.

The four-seater will use VW's new 1.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected three-cylinder engine making 108 hp, 129-lb-ft. A six-speed manual will send power to the front wheels, though we could easily see an all-wheel drive version at some point. VW says the Taigun has a 13-gallon tank, which would make for a 650-mile drive from full to empty.

As of right now, however, there are no plans to bring the little SUV to the United States.

The concept, which we will admit does look nearly ready for production, aside from those wheels and tires, gets a coat of VW's “ultra orange” paint.

Volkswagen told us in July that the Taigun will provide buyers with an alternative to the number of compact European SUVs, including the Fiat Panda Trekking, Suzuki Jimny and its own CrossUp.

By Jake Lingeman