Volkswagen Begins Exports Of Locally Built T-Cross SUV To Other Countries

• The first batch of 1,232 SUVs exported to Mexico. 

• First MQB A0 IN-based vehicle to be exported. 

• VW has been exporting cars from India since 2011. 

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India has begun exporting the Taigun-based T-Cross SUV from India. It’s the first export model from the carmaker that’s built on the localised MQB A0 IN platform. The Taigun retails between Rs 11 lakh to Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom), and rivals the Hyundai Creta, MG Hector and Kia Seltos compact SUVs. 

VW Taigun interior for representational purposes 

The made-in-India T-Cross has the same dimensions as the Taigun compact SUV, and the equipment list is similar. It gets the Taigun's digital driver's display, a 10-inch infotainment system, and a new panoramic sunroof that is unavailable in the India-spec model. The T-Cross also trumps the Taigun in its safety equipment – six airbags (standard across all variants), front parking sensors, driver fatigue monitoring, and a Park Assist autonomous parking system.  

In India, the Taigun comes with a choice of two turbo petrol engines: 115PS 1-litre TSI and a 150PS 1.5-litre TSI. But you only get a 110PS/155Nm 1.6-litre petrol engine in the Mexico-spec T-Cross. It's paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox in the base variant, while all other variants come equipped with a 6-speed automatic. These specs are only for the Mexico-spec model and will likely differ for other markets.

European VW T-Cross exterior for reference 

Don't confuse the T-Cross with its Euro-spec subcompact namesake, either. The latter SUV is smaller, with a wheelbase 100mm shorter than the Taigun. You can also differentiate between the two SUVs by looking at their front fascias. The India-made T-Cross looks similar to the Taigun, while the Euro-spec T-Cross has distinct headlamps, a larger front grille, and a cleaner, sportier-looking bumper design.

Here’s a handy table with all the powertrain differences between the Taigun and T-Cross: 

Also read: 

• Skoda Slavia-based Volkswagen Sedan (Virtus) To Be Unveiled In March 2022

• 2022 Skoda Kushaq Style Automatic To Be Offered With Six Airbags Only

The first batch of India-built T-Cross SUVs consists of 1,232 cars bound for Mexico. It’s only the first phase, and VW will likely export the SUV to other countries, too. The carmaker has been exporting cars built in India since 2011, and locally manufactured models make it to a total of 61 countries.