Volkswagen's latest concept car called the Taigun

The latest buzz coming from Volkswagen is the announcement of their latest concept car called the Taigun. Volkswagen has unveiled it at the São Paulo motor show, and previews the look of a possible small SUV based on the New Small Family platform, which underpins the award-winning up!. But, don't get too excited just yet, as Volkswagen will be monitoring public reaction to this vehicle before taking a decision on whether to put the Taigun into production.

So this is what they have released about the new concept car so far: the Taigun is small on the outside – at just 3.86 metres long and 1.73 metres wide – but big on the inside, thanks to a generous 2.47 metre wheelbase. These dimensions give the Taigun short overhangs (708 mm front and 681 mm rear) and purposeful proportions, while the clear, concise exterior styling follows the unmistakable Volkswagen design DNA.

A new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 110 PS at 5,000 rpm and pushing 175 Nm (129 lbs ft) of torque through the six-speed manual gearbox is what will possibly powering the Taigun. The engine is based on the latest EA211 series, and with the use of direct fuel injection and turbo charging it is able to return a combined fuel consumption of just 4.7 litres per 100km (60.1 mpg), despite being able to take the 985 kg Taigun from zero to 62 mph in 9.2 seconds and on to 186 km/h (115 mph) top speed.

Its look is deliberately styled to emulate that of its SUV siblings, the Tiguan and Touareg, as is evident in the rugged side panels, under body protection and practical roof rails with LED spotlights. Volkswagen describe it as a vehicle for the urban environment: the high driving position gives the driver an optimum view in traffic, while there’s plenty of room for luggage, thanks to a practical 280-litre load space that increases to 987 litres with the rear seats down. The tailgate is split, with the top two-thirds opening upwards and the bottom third folding down, making loading even easier. The interior offers plenty of room too with headroom of 1,036 mm in front and 980 mm at the back.

Let's hope public reaction is strong enough to convince Volkswagen to put the Taigun into production. I'll be on the lookout for any updates on this.

For more information on the Taigun or any of Volkswagen's vehicles, please visit their official website by clicking here.