By Ronan Glon
Wednesday, May 1st, 2013 @ 5:37 am
 

A set of images leaked out of a Chinese patent office have prematurely revealed the production-spec Volkswagen Taigun crossover.  Previewed by a thinly-veiled concept introduced in Brazil late last year, the Taigun is scheduled to go on sale in Europe, Latin America and Asia in early 2014.

The leaked images confirm the Taigun changes little in its transition from a show car to a production model.  The chunky overall lines and the rear door handles hidden in the C-pillar have been retained, but the mini crossover gains beefier bumpers on both ends, side repeaters on the mirrors, different headlights and a slightly altered roofline.

Based on a modified Volkswagen up! platform, the front-wheel drive-only Taigun will utilize a 110-horsepower 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine equipped with a turbocharger and direct fuel injection.  The mill will return up to 60 mpg in a mixed European cycle.

In Europe, the Taigun will also get a two-cylinder turbodiesel that will make its debut under the hood of the up! later this year.  With a displacement of less than a liter, the two-cylinder will be closely related to the engine that powers the XL1.

Look for official details about Volkswagen's smallest SUV to emerge closer to its on-sale date.  Volkswagen has not confirmed this, but the Taigun is not likely to reach U.S. shores due to its size.

  

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