Right then, here we are. @Rk38, @Starfish94, @phale, @Yamahafazer600, @szafirowy01, @Deskyx, @EnryGT5, this is my offering into the Battle of the Compacts. And to prove I mean buisiness, this is just about the most detailed post I’ve ever made on this forum
#2016 Erin Tauga (Mk 3 Facelift) - OUTDATED
[color=red]This post is now outdated.[/color]
Introducing the facelifted version of the 3rd generation Tauga. This post showcases the new design of the car and also acts as an info page for the Mk 3 in general.
##Overview
Erin’s compact executive saloon has continuously innovated since its launch back in 1999, and now some 17 years later, it is still maintaining the original ethos of the Tauga: not to be the car of the future, but the car you’ll be driving in 5 years time.
Utilising the same Aluminium body/AHS Steel chassis setup we’ve always used, the new Tauga is as light as ever, yet still manages to integrate excellent safety-focused design features and provide an adaptable platform on which to develop different variants.
A brand new multi-link rear suspension design has been created that has allowed our engineers to make different setups for the Saloon, Coupe and Tourer models, allowing for each model to drive as well as the other whilst accounting for different weights.
The interior and boot are larger than ever thanks to new chassis design, enlarging the cabin space without affecting the centre of gravity. That means better practicality whilst maintaining the Tauga’s great driving characteristics.
A whole range of new features have been implemented on this latest generation, including:
ADRAC Suspension (Adaptive Reaction Suspension) - a limited, cost effective, semi-active suspension system is included as standard on all models, to provide an adjustable and rewarding driving experience.
Limited Slips Diffs as standard - vastly improving traction and handling all trim levels in the range.
TapTouch™ - custom designed, Android powered infotainment system that works alongside your smartphone, all controlled via a gorgeous 9" touchscreen display*, including Gecko™ voice control.
Erin RoadSmart safety pack - providing viewing cameras, radar guidance, autobraking, adaptive lighting and other assistance & warning features to ensure the safest drive possible, alongside the 5 star Euro NCAP rating.
For the facelift, the Tauga saw a major redesign of its exterior and updates to its interior, plus the introduction of a new engine and the release of the much anticipated X-tuned version.
* 9" display not availible on S trim level, which instead has a 7" display
##Aesthetic Changes
The Tauga showcases the 2nd generation of the 2010s design style, sharpening up the most distinctive features and adding new details. The shape of the body has partially shifted too. More focus on angular styling was the main change, and this can be seen all over the car.
##New Engine
Back in 2015, Erin launched the Merna X-Eco, powered by a turbocharged 2.4l i4. While originally built specifically for that car, it has since made its way into the Nardella XR, and now onto the Tauga. This version has been detuned to be more economical, reducing the size of the turbo, changing the cam profile and running a much leaner air-fuel mixture. The result is an all-purpose engine that works brilliantly in every version of the car, and provides a reliable and efficient power source.
##Return of the Tauga X
After 2 years in development, the Tauga X 3.3 is finally back. More powerful and more advanced than ever, this new edition of the car builds on the previous one with a 7 speed double-clutch sequential gearbox mated to a fully electronic differential, all-active suspension and a the 5th generation of Erin’s classic 3.3l V6, now producing 417 hp. 0-60 is dealt with in 4.6 seconds, 4 seconds if you use launch control, and it’ll top out at 191 mph.
Speed isn’t everything though; this car is a military grade weapon in the corners, with a 52F/48R weight distribution that ensures this thing isn’t tail happy but also won’t overseer. Plus, compared to its rivals, this is a lightweight machine: 1670kg is all it has to deal with, meaning it is pointed and planted on the road.
Rumours have also circulated that X tuned versions of the Coupe and the Tourer could also be released later this year.
##A Tauga For Everyone
If the Saloon version isn’t quite what your after, then the Coupe and the Tourer might be more to your taste.
As always, the Coupe has been developed separately to other variants, ensuring that this car is more than just the Saloon version with part of the roof chopped off. The whole cabin is lowered and the rear seats are shifted to ensure that passengers in the back still have plenty of space and that comfort levels are kept high. The lower weight also makes Coupe variants the fastest in the range.
If you’re wanting the superb driving characteristics and excellent efficiency of the Tauga with room enough to take the whole family and the dog on holiday, then the Tourer is the option for you. All trims come with Erin’s AllDrive AWD system as standard, and benefit from acres of boot space. Perfect for exploring muddy backroads one day and commuting to work the next.
##Pricing Guide
To keep things simple, the stats shown are only for the Saloon version of the car. Drivability and Sportiness scores vary a little between this and the other variants, but it’s usually only by around 3 points either way.
As standard, all cars come with a 6 speed manual gearbox.
S 2.0l/2.4l - Saloon from £20760, Coupe from £20862, Tourer from £22360
Faux-leather interior, standard detailing, choice of 16" and 17" wheels, standard sound system, premium air-con system, lite cruise control system, collision mitigation system, 5 USB charging ports, in-car internet**
Lex 2.0l/2.4l/2.5l - Saloon from £26040, Coupe from £26230, Tourer from £27225
Leather interior, chrome detailing, choice of 16"-19" wheels, improved sound system, full cruise control system, dual-zone climate control, collision mitigation system, 5 USB charging ports, in-car internet**
Vox 2.4l/2.5l - Saloon from £30240, Coupe from £30353, Tourer from £31200
Leather interior, chrome detailing, choice of 16" to 19" wheels, Bang & Oulfsen sound system, full cruise control system, dual-zone climate control, RoadSmart pack as standard, 5 USB charging ports plus wireless charging pad, tinted rear windows, in-car internet**
X 3.3 - Saloon from £49800
Sports interior, optional bucket seats with 3 point harness, 18" custom wheels, Bang & Oulfsen sound system, full cruise control, dual-zone climate control, RoadSmart pack, 5 USB charging ports plus wireless charging pad, tinted rear windows, in-car internet**, all-active suspension, 7 speed DCT transmission, active cooling flaps, X button plus XTune settings, electronic active limited slip differential
###Engines
Details of the engines available for the Tauga are as follows:
2.0l i4 TDi TwinC
Power: 184hp @ 6600 rpm - Torque: 179 ft-lb @ 4300 rpm - Reliability: 72.7 - Smoothness: 57.6 -
Efficiency: 30.31%
2.4l i4 TDi TwinC (Eco Variant)
Power: 216hp @ 5800 rpm - Torque: 223 ft-lb @ 4300 rpm - Reliability: 77.1 - Smoothness: 59.0 -
Efficiency: 31.21%
2.5l i6 TDi TwinC
Power: 241hp @ 6300 rpm - Torque: 223 ft-lb @ 5000 rpm - Reliability: 78.8 - Smoothness: 82.1 -
Efficiency: 31.95%
3.3l V6 Di TwinC
Power: 417hp @ 8600 rpm - Torque: 274 ft-lb @ 7100 rpm - Reliability: 79.8 - Smoothness: 68.8 -
Efficiency: 27.60%
###Optional Extras
Features that can be configured to all trim levels.
AllDrive - £999 - All wheel drive system, for improved acceleration and grip.
Not available with 2.5l i6 TDi engine.
RoadSmart Safety Pack - £549 - Advanced safety pack that comes with:
Radar guided cruise control, auto-adjusting headlights, autobraking, self-parking, lane departure warning, full 360 degree viewing cameras, auto dim rear view mirror, tire pressure warning, grip monitoring system, heated front and rear windscreens, heated mirrors, 2 extra airbags
7 Speed Auto Gearbox - £239 - 7 Speed automatic transmission for smoother driving.
Exploration Pack - £679 - Pack of extras designed to increase utility, comes with:
Tow bar, roof rack, mud flaps, all-weather carpets,
Plus, exclusive to Tourer models: Dog guard, rear bumper boot protector, extra boot lighting
**In-car internet provided via Telefonica over 4G connection. Subscription based. T&Cs apply.
##Why buy the Tauga?
When compared with it’s rivals from Saminda, Maesima and other companies, the Tauga may seem more expensive. Plus, in many cases, it can’t match them for Drivability or Comfort. But what you get with for that extra money makes all the difference:
• More choice - Different bodies to suit your needs, and a whole host extra features, some available as standard and some as optional extras.
• Better Safety - A surprising advantage in this day and age; Erin maintains its commitment to very high safety standards with the Tauga.
• Rear. Wheel. Drive. - You’re not buying a family hatchback, you’re buying a sedan. Where the power goes matters.
• Properly engineered suspension - We don’t mess around in this department. The Tauga has proper double wishbones at the front and a superbly designed multi-link setup at the rear, plus it’s semi-active.
• More power from better engines - Efficiency and performance go hand in hand with Erin’s Pureon engines. Perhaps it’s a lame point to make, but that extra power benefits how you drive, from overtaking on a motorway all the way up to towing caravans and trailers. And all of this adds up to…
• A Far Superior Driving Experience - There’s no need for silly words like ‘dynamic’ and ‘responsive’; the Tauga provides a brilliant and rewarding driving characterstic.
Comments, criticism, complaints all welcome! I’d love to hear what you have to say
##UPDATE:
Statitsics and prices are now all up to date (15/10/16)