Taigun Meets Virtus in Students-Created Volkswagen Pickup Truck Concept

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has unveiled a unique Volkswagen pickup truck concept that combines the Taigun (SUV) and the Virtus (sedan). The pickup is a part of the company's 2024 student car project under the Skill India initiative. It was developed by a group of mechatronics students over a span of nine months. For those unaware, the students's car project of the last year was the Skoda Rapid convertible.

About the recently unveiled pickup, SAVWIPL stated 'The project was developed in various phases, from car concept finalisation to ideas collection  market analysis, research and development, procurement, packing, and final car testing.' It further added that the students created and 3D-printed numerous components, showcasing their skills to apply innovative manufacturing techniques to tackle design challenges. They also added specialised equipment including underbody protection, studded tires, ambient lighting, and distinctive roof-mounted lights to round out the rugged pickup truck look.

Also Read: Volkswagen Taigun SUV Crosses 1 Lakh Unit Sales Milestone in India Within 3 Years of Launch

Volkswagen Pickup Truck Concept: Key Takeaways

The pickup truck's design blends the rear of the Virtus with the front of the Taigun. It includes blacked-out accents and GT badges (similar to the GT versions of the automobiles) for a sportier look. Other notable bits are an animated light display over the VW emblem in the front and roof-mounted lights.

The concept features 16-inch all-black alloy wheels, mounted on thick and larger off-road tyres, increased ground clearance (by 60mm) due to suspension tweaks, orange-coloured brake callipers a snorkel, 3D printed wheel cladding, honeycomb-patterned body graphics, 360-degree animated underbody lighting, a Volkwagen lettering (rear) and a cargo bed. 

Inside, the dynamic ambient lighting that spans the dashboard and door pads horizontally is the main feature. The lighting on the headliner, which creates the illusion of 'star gazing,' is another highlight. Currently, the features and the model on which the concept is based are unclear. 

The truck's mechanical details are unknown, but based on its GT badge, we believe it features a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with 148bhp and 250Nm.

Also Read: Volkswagen India Launches 'Volksfest 2024' with Discounts on Virtus, Taigun, and Tiguan

Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited, said 'It is impressive to see the unique concept of developing a Pickup truck by our Mechatronics students as a part of the Student Car Project. Our unique Student Car project is a great platform that gives wings to the imagination of the students to share the future of mobility.'