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
| Variant | Price (INR) |
| Kia Seltos HTX Plus Diesel iMT | 17,59,000 |
| Kia Seltos HTX Diesel AT | 17,59,000 |
| Kia Seltos GTX Plus Diesel AT | 19,35,000 |
| Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI GT Plus | 17,80,000 |
| Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Edge | 18,00,000 |
| Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Edge Matte DSG | 19,46,000 |
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
| Attributes | Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Edge Matte DSG | Kia Seltos GTX Plus Diesel AT | Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI GT Plus |
| # of cylinders | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Acceleration (0-60 km/h) | Quick | Moderate | Quick |
| Agility | Razor-sharp | Moderate | Razor-sharp |
| Audio System (Brand) | OEM | Bose | OEM |
| Body Roll | Minimal | Moderate | Minimal |
| Drive Type (AWD/RWD/FWD/4WD) | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Engine – displacement (cc) | 1498 | 1493 | 1498 |
| Engine – Fuel type (petrol, diesel, CNG, Mild hybrid, strong hybrid, PHEV) | Petrol | Diesel | Petrol |
| Engine – power (BHP) | 147.51 | 113.43 | 147.51 |
| Engine – Torque (Nm) | 250 | 250 | 250 |
| Engine responsiveness | Instant | Moderate | Quick |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 188 | 190 | 188 |
| High-Speed Stability | Stable | Stable | Stable |
| Power delivery | Linear | Linear | Linear |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Top Speed (km/h) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission – # of gears | 7 | 6 | 7 |
| Transmission – Auto Type | DCT | Torque Converter | None |
| Turbo lag | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal |
| Vibration and Harshness | Low | Moderate | Low |
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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