Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder vs Volkswagen Taigun: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 16-18 Lakh for Off-roading Enthusiasts
Off the beaten track lies adventure. The off-roading enthusiast, for that reason, is looking only for the best off-road cars, or top SUVs for off-roading in India. Today, we look at the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Volkswagen Taigun, and find out what draws off-roaders to them.
In this article, we will share
- What an off-roading enthusiast looks for in a car
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder vs Volkswagen Taigun – an in-depth look at their variants, features, and off-roading capabilities
- How to pick the right car for you
So, can these cars handle water-wading, rough or muddy terrains, or traverse through sand? Are they capable of mild to serious off-roading? Let’s find out.
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What an Offroading Enthusiast looks for in a car
Here’s what to look for in a car as an off-roading enthusiast:
- Drive system – What drive system does the vehicle have (FWD, AWD, or 4X4)
- Ground clearance – the car should have high ground clearance to tackle uneven terrains
- Low range gearing – the car should have low range gearing to allow the vehicle to drive at lower speeds while still operating the usable power band/RPM of the entire engine
- Locking differential – the vehicle should have differential locking for better traction when driving on soft, muddy or uneven surfaces
- Engine power and torque – the engine should have adequate power and generate enough torque
- Safety – safety features are important, especially when traveling through challenging terrains
- Comfort and convenience – the vehicle should offer good comfort, as well as convenience features
An off-roading enthusiast looks for high ground clearance, 4WD system, mechanical diffs, approach and departure angles that can tackle uneven terrain. Safety tech like hill hold, hill descent control, ESC boost confidence when off-roading.
Low range gears add thrill while engines with good low end torque matter. Capabilities like water wading, underbody protection are welcome. Good interior space, modern comforts and tech make road trips pleasurable. Rugged aesthetics and design add to the off-road appeal.
Why Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Volkswagen Taigun are popular
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Volkswagen Taigun offer a mix of rugged soft roading capabilities and car-like comforts at attractive prices.
The Hyryder’s 4WD variant has a 208mm ground clearance and a low range gearbox for traversing trails. Safety kit includes 6 airbags, vehicle stability control, hill hold assist. Interiors feature a 9-inch touchscreen, ambient lighting, ventilated seats and more. The 1.5L petrol makes 103hp while the hybrid produces 116hp. Generous space and Toyota’s reliability appeal to overlanders.
The Taigun lacks a 4WD option but has a 188mm clearance and tech like ESC, hill start assist for mild off-roading. The sporty GT variants are powered by a 150hp, 1.5L turbo petrol mated to a 7-speed DSG. Razor sharp handling from the European-tuned suspension and up to 6 airbags inspire confidence. Premium interiors paired with connected tech make road trips enjoyable.
Overall, these compact SUVs stand out for their blend of soft off-road talents and car-like comforts.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Volkswagen Taigun variants shortlist in Rs 16-18 Lakh Range
For Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 18 October 2023 |
|---|---|
| V AWD | ₹17,19,000 |
| G Hybrid | ₹17,99,000 |
For Volkswagen Taigun, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 18 October 2023 |
|---|---|
| 1.5 TSI GT | ₹16,26,000 |
| 1.5 TSI GT DSG | ₹16,80,000 |
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V AWD
The Hyryder V AWD stands out with its part-time 4WD system, 208mm ground clearance and 19.4 degree approach angle. The 103hp, 1.5L engine offers adequate grunt while safety kit includes 6 airbags, VSC. At ₹17.19 lakhs, it brings proper off-road hardware. If you’re a tech aficionado, you can read our comparison of the Hyryder with Hyundai Creta.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder G Hybrid
The Hyryder G Hybrid has a mild-hybrid powertrain making 116hp. The eCVT gearbox allows relaxed off-roading but lacks 4WD. It offers great fuel efficiency of 27.97kmpl. At ₹17.99 lakhs, it appeals as a fuel-efficient soft roader. If you’re style-conscious, you can read our comparison of the Hyryder with Kia Seltos.
Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI GT
Among Taigun variants, the GT packs in a 150hp 1.5L TSI mated to a 6-speed manual. Agile handling from the European chassis makes trails fun but 4WD is missed. Priced at ₹16.26 lakhs, it works for easy off-road jaunts. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read how the Taigun stacks up against Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI GT DSG
The Taigun GT DSG adds the convenience of a 7-speed DSG automatic to the punchy turbo-petrol. Safety is boosted with 6 airbags and hill start assist. But lack of 4WD limits extreme terrain ability. Overall an engaging premium soft roader for ₹16.8 lakhs.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Volkswagen Taigun for Offroading Enthusiasts
For hardcore off-roading, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V AWD is the clear winner. Its full-time 4WD system with low range gearbox can tackle challenging terrain that the FWD Taigun variants simply can’t access.
The Hyryder’s higher 208mm ground clearance also gives it an edge over the Taigun’s 188mm clearance on rough trails. Generous approach and departure angles allow crossing steep gradients. Safety tech like downhill assist, traction control and 6 airbags boost confidence while off-roading.
The Hyryder’s 103hp engine offers adequate grunt for trails. Its spacious interiors pack in features like ventilated seats, wireless charger, auto AC ensuring comfort on expeditions. At ₹17.19 lakhs, the Hyryder V AWD strikes the best balance between serious off-road hardware and everyday comfort.
The Top 3 choices
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V AWD
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder G Hybrid
- Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI GT DSG
| Variants | 4WD | Ground Clearance | Approach Angle | Hill Hold Assist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V AWD | Yes | 208mm | NA | Yes |
| Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder G Hybrid | No | 208mm | NA | Yes |
| Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI GT DSG | No | 188mm | NA | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Hyryder V AWD secures the top spot for its 4WD system, class-leading 208mm ground clearance and 19.4 degree approach angle – vital for serious off-roading. Generous safety kit adds confidence while traversing trails.
- The Hyryder Hybrid makes it for its fuel-efficient 116hp petrol-electric powertrain. The eCVT gearbox allows easy off-roading, though 4WD would have been welcome. It appeals as an efficient soft-roader.
- The Taigun GT DSG features for its sporty 150hp turbo-petrol mated to a snappy 7-speed DSG automatic. European dynamics make light off-roading fun but lack of 4WD limits extreme terrain ability.
The Hyryder V AWD is the undisputed choice for off-road purists desiring 4WD capabilities. The Hyryder Hybrid works for easy trails with its efficient hybrid drivetrain. The Taigun appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy occasional mild off-road drives in a premium compact SUV.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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