Volkswagen Taigun vs MG Astor for Performance Enthusiasts: Which is the Best Variant in Rs 12-16 Lakh Range?

If you want to experience the thrill of driving, you have to select the best performance cars or top sports cars in India. So, what makes a high-performance car model? Let’s pit Volkswagen Taigun and MG Astor against each other, and see how their variants fare in terms of performance.

In this article, we will share

• What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
• Volkswagen Taigun vs MG Astor – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
• How to pick the right car for you

What a Performance Enthusiast Looks for in a Car

Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:

• Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
• Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
• Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
• Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance

Performance enthusiasts crave fast cars that deliver exhilarating speed, razor-sharp handling, and immediate throttle response. They value a car’s ability to maintain stability at high speeds, minimize body roll in corners, and provide a tactile and engaging driving experience. 

The joy of driving is found in the details: the roar and response of the engine, the precision of the gearbox, and the car’s ability to execute dynamic maneuvers with confidence. For these aficionados, a car is not just a means of transportation but an extension of their passion for the road.

Why Volkswagen Taigun and MG Astor Are Popular

Volkswagen Taigun and MG Astor stand out in the crowded SUV market for their unique offerings to performance enthusiasts. The Taigun, with its German engineering, is celebrated for its excellent high-speed stability, minimal body roll, and agile handling. Its turbocharged engines provide a linear power delivery and quick engine responsiveness, making it a joy to drive.

On the other hand, the MG Astor appeals with its British-inspired design and emphasis on driving dynamics. Despite its moderate vibration and harshness levels, the Astor remains stable at high speeds and agile around corners. Its engine and transmission options cater to those who seek a balance between performance and comfort, making both these cars popular among those who love driving.

Volkswagen Taigun and MG Astor Variants Shortlist in Rs 12-16 Lakh Range

For Volkswagen Taigun, we have:

Variant	Price as on 4 April 2024
1.0 TSI Highline	₹1,370,000
1.0 TSI Highline AT	₹1,520,000
1.0 TSI Topline	₹1,584,000

For MG Astor, we have:

Variant	Price as on 4 April 2024
Select CVT	₹1,398,000
Sharp Pro	₹1,441,000
Sharp Pro CVT	₹1,568,000

Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Highline

For a Performance Enthusiast, the Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Highline stands out due to its excellent blend of power and agility. Its turbocharged engine offers a thrilling driving experience, with minimal turbo lag and linear power delivery. The car’s razor-sharp handling and stability at high speeds make it a top choice for those who crave dynamic driving. If you’re buying your first car, you can check out our comparison of the Taigun with Honda Elevate and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Highline AT

The Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Highline AT brings the convenience of an automatic transmission without compromising on performance. It maintains the same level of agility and power as the manual variant, making it suitable for enthusiasts who also value comfort and ease of driving.

Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Topline

Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Topline adds premium features on top of the Highline’s performance attributes, including LED headlights for better visibility and genuine leather upholstery for a more luxurious feel, without sacrificing the car’s engaging driving dynamics. If you’re budget conscious, you can read our comparison of the Taigun with Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.

MG Astor Select CVT

MG Astor Select CVT offers a good balance of stability and agility, with a CVT that provides a smooth ride. However, it may not be the first choice for pure performance enthusiasts due to its slightly more moderate engine responsiveness.

MG Astor Sharp Pro

The MG Astor Sharp Pro is a compelling choice for those looking for advanced safety features and synthetic leather upholstery, alongside the car’s stable and agile performance. If you are a gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Astor with Kia Carens.

MG Astor Sharp Pro CVT

MG Astor Sharp Pro CVT combines the convenience of CVT with the sporty feel of the Astor, making it a good option for those looking for a mix of performance and ease of use.

Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Volkswagen Taigun and MG Astor for Performance Enthusiasts

The Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Topline emerges as the best variant. This model combines the thrilling power delivery and sharp handling characteristic of the Taigun line with premium features that enhance the driving experience. Its turbocharged engine is responsive and powerful, providing exhilarating acceleration and high-speed stability. 

The addition of LED headlights and genuine leather upholstery not only adds to the car’s aesthetic appeal but also improves comfort and visibility, making long drives more enjoyable. The balance of performance-oriented engineering with luxury features makes the Taigun 1.0 TSI Topline an irresistible option for enthusiasts who demand the best of both worlds.

The Top 3 Choices

1. Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Topline
2. Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Highline AT
3. MG Astor Sharp Pro

Attribute	Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Topline	Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Highline AT	MG Astor Sharp Pro
High-Speed Stability	Yes	Yes	Yes
Agility	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes
Turbo lag	Minimal	Minimal	Not Relevant
Engine responsiveness	Quick	Quick	Moderate
Turbocharging	Yes	Yes	Not Applicable
Transmission – # of gears	6	6	5
Engine – power (BHP)	113.98	113.98	108.49
ESC	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cruise Control	No	Yes	Yes
Steering Mounted Controls	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
Headlights (Halogen, LED)	LED	Halogen	LED
Climate Control	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic
Upholstery	Genuine Leather	Cloth	Synthetic Leather

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Topline stands out for its comprehensive package that does not compromise on performance or luxury. Its powerful turbocharged engine and responsive handling, coupled with high-end features like LED headlights and genuine leather upholstery, make it a top pick for enthusiasts.
• The Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Highline AT is a close second, offering similar performance characteristics as the Topline, with the added convenience of an automatic transmission. Its balance of performance and comfort makes it an excellent choice for those who value both aspects in their driving experience.
• The MG Astor Sharp Pro is the best offering from MG for performance enthusiasts. It stands out with its agile handling and stability, along with advanced safety features and synthetic leather upholstery, providing a comfortable yet spirited driving experience.

These three variants cater to the desires of performance enthusiasts through their blend of power, agility, and luxury features. Their attributes reflect a deep understanding of what makes driving a passion, offering a compelling choice for those who seek thrill, performance, and sophistication on the road.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.