Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI MT or 1.5 TSI MT: which is more engaging to drive?

I currently own a Hyundai Elite i20 petrol and it has covered around 57,000km. It is an 8-year-old model and I am planning to upgrade it with a car in the Rs 15 lakh-20 lakh bracket. The VW Taigun caught my eye, but should I go in for the 1.0 manual or the 1.5 manual? Also, how expensive is it to maintain a VW and what are the other options in this range. My requirements are a petrol engine with manual gearbox and an engaging drive.

Deepak Mathew, Wayanad

Autocar India says: If you want a car that is engaging to drive, then the Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI with the 6-speed manual gearbox is a driver’s delight. The 150hp, 1.5 turbo-petrol motor is smooth and very strong and you’ll love the performance, which is enhanced by the smooth and short throw of the 6-speed manual.

The ride and handling too is top class, especially on bumpy roads. The Taigun gives you a lot of confidence at speed, which you don’t get in other midsize SUVs except the Skoda Kushaq, which is fundamentally the same car, but with a different badge. The 1.0 TSI is also very engaging to drive and, in fact, feels a bit more agile as the light engine makes it less nose-heavy. However, our first option would be the 1.5 for the sheer performance it delivers.

Also See:

Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI review, test drive

Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI video review

Volkswagen Taigun review, test drive

Volkswagen Taigun vs Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI comparison video