Performance Enthusiast’s Guide: Choosing the Best Top-end Variant in Volkswagen Taigun and Kia Seltos

Written By: Kshitij Bisen
Published: July 18, 2023 at 05:01 PMUpdated: Updated: July 18, 2023 at 05:01 PM
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What a Performance Enthusiast Looks for in a Car

Performance enthusiasts look for cars that deliver an exhilarating driving experience. When looking for the best performance cars, they seek power, high speed, and exceptional handling capabilities. Key factors include the vehicle’s engine power and torque, acceleration rates, high-speed stability, braking, and agility. Transmission type and responsiveness also play an integral role. Additionally, performance enthusiasts appreciate features like a dynamic audio system and state-of-the-art gadgetry that enhance their driving pleasure.

Among mid-size SUVs, Volkswagen Taigun and Kia Seltos are known for their powerful engines and good acceleration, which performance enthusiasts appreciate.

Why Volkswagen Taigun and Kia Seltos are Popular Mid-size SUVs Among Performance Enthusiasts

Volkswagen Taigun and Kia Seltos are attracting performance enthusiasts due to their remarkable engine specifications and advanced transmission types. Taigun’s razor-sharp agility and Kia Seltos’s stability at high speeds make these models stand out. Also, the choice of an audio system from brands like Bose and the presence of features like power steering and touchscreen displays make them compelling.

Furthermore, these cars are highly praised on platforms like teambhp.com and autocarindia.com for their responsive engines, minimal turbo lag, and impressive power delivery, catering to the specific preferences of performance enthusiasts. However, while the Seltos has disk brakes on all wheels, the Taigun gets them in the front wheels, and drum brakes at the rear. But as such, they can be counted among the high-performance car models in India.

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For this comparison, let’s look at the top-end variants of Volkswagen Taigun and Kia Seltos as some of the fast cars in India.

Top-end Variants of Volkswagen Taigun and Kia Seltos

VariantPrice (INR)
Kia Seltos HTX Plus Diesel iMT17,59,000
Kia Seltos HTX Diesel AT17,59,000
Kia Seltos GTX Plus Diesel AT19,35,000
Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI GT Plus17,80,000
Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Edge18,00,000
Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Edge Matte DSG19,46,000

The Kia Seltos HTX Plus Diesel iMT is a good choice for performance enthusiasts with its FWD drive type, 113.43 BHP diesel engine, 6-speed AMT transmission, and high-speed stability. The HTX Diesel AT variant is equally impressive, featuring a 6-speed torque converter transmission. The GTX Plus Diesel AT variant stands out with additional driver assistance features. If you’re a budget-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the base variants of Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta.

In the Volkswagen Taigun variants, the 1.5 TSI GT Plus is a top contender, boasting a powerful 147.51 BHP petrol engine, 7-speed transmission, and razor-sharp agility. The 1.5 GT Plus Edge provides similar benefits but with 6-speed transmission. The 1.5 GT Plus Edge Matte DSG ups the ante with a DCT transmission and a quick engine response time. You can also check out how the Taigun compares with Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara as a high-performance car.

Best Variant among Volkswagen Taigun and Kia Seltos for Performance Enthusiasts

The Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Edge Matte DSG emerges as the best option for performance enthusiasts. It stands out for its 147.51 BHP petrol engine which ensures impressive power delivery. Its razor-sharp agility and high-speed stability make it a joy to drive. Also, the 7-speed DCT transmission enables smooth and fast shifting, enhancing the driving experience. Its instant engine responsiveness sets it apart from the rest, ensuring optimal performance at all times. If you’re a family buyer, you can read our comparison of the Taigun with Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

The Top 3 Choices

The top three choices are the Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Edge Matte DSG, the Kia Seltos GTX Plus Diesel AT, and the Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI GT Plus. The Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Edge Matte DSG shines with its instant engine response, DCT transmission, and high-speed stability. The Seltos GTX Plus Diesel AT impresses with its high-speed stability, advanced driver assistance features, and 6-speed torque converter transmission. Lastly, the Taigun 1.5 TSI GT Plus stands out with its 7-speed transmission and powerful engine.

Attribute Comparison

AttributesVolkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Edge Matte DSGKia Seltos GTX Plus Diesel ATVolkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI GT Plus
# of cylinders444
Acceleration (0-60 km/h)QuickModerateQuick
AgilityRazor-sharpModerateRazor-sharp
Audio System (Brand)OEMBoseOEM
Body RollMinimalModerateMinimal
Drive Type (AWD/RWD/FWD/4WD)FWDFWDFWD
Engine – displacement (cc)149814931498
Engine – Fuel type (petrol, diesel, CNG, Mild hybrid, strong hybrid, PHEV)PetrolDieselPetrol
Engine – power (BHP)147.51113.43147.51
Engine – Torque (Nm)250250250
Engine responsivenessInstantModerateQuick
Ground clearance (mm)188190188
High-Speed StabilityStableStableStable
Power deliveryLinearLinearLinear
Power SteeringYesYesYes
Top Speed (km/h)YesYesYes
Transmission – # of gears767
Transmission – Auto TypeDCTTorque ConverterNone
Turbo lagMinimalMinimalMinimal
Vibration and HarshnessLowModerateLow

These three quick car variants are indeed compelling choices for performance enthusiasts due to their powerful engines, responsive transmissions, and outstanding handling. They satisfy the need for speed, power, and control, which are all highly valued by performance enthusiasts.

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