The Volkswagen Taigun facelift has recently been spotted testing in India under heavy camouflage, indicating that the German carmaker is preparing an update for its mid size SUV. The Taigun has been on sale in India since 2021 and it was introduced as part of Volkswagen’s India 2.0 product strategy. The SUV is based on the MQB AO-IN platform that underpins several Volkswagen Group models in the country. With the facelift now seen testing on Indian roads, the updated Taigun is expected to launch later this year with refreshed styling and feature upgrades.
The Volkswagen Taigun shares its platform with the Skoda Kushaq. Earlier this year Skoda revealed the facelifted version of the Kushaq with several design changes and feature additions. With the Taigun now undergoing testing, it appears Volkswagen is preparing a similar update to keep the SUV competitive in the segment.
Volkswagen Taigun Facelift – Expected Exterior Design
Despite the heavy camouflage, the spy images reveal several design updates. The front of the Taigun an facelift appears to get a connected LED daytime running light strip that stretches across the grille. An illuminated Volkswagen logo is also seen on the test mule. The headlights appear to be completely redesigned although they continue to be LED units. The front bumper also looks new and features chrome inserts that add a premium touch to the fascia. Overall the design language at the front seems to be inspired by Volkswagen’s newer global SUVs such as the Tiguan and the Tayron.
Moving to the rear, the SUV appears to receive a revised bumper with a new diffuser design. There is also a chrome strip that runs across the bumper along with reflectors placed at the edges. While the overall shape of the tail lamps appears similar to the current model, the internal lighting elements seem to have been redesigned which gives them a different lighting signature.
The side profile of the Volkswagen Taigun facelift looks largely unchanged. The overall silhouette and dimensions appear identical to the current version. The test mule can be seen with roof rails and a shark fin antenna which are already present on the existing model. Alloy wheel designs may also be updated when the car is officially revealed. One feature that could be introduced is a panoramic sunroof. The recently unveiled Kushaq facelift received this addition. It will be interesting to see if Volkswagen brings the same feature to the Taigun as well.
Volkswagen Taigun – Expected Interior And Features
At the moment there are no spy images of the interior. This means the exact cabin updates remain unknown. However, the Taigun facelift is expected to retain many of the features already offered in the current model.
These may include a 10.2 inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25 inch fully digital driver display. Other features could include powered and ventilated front seats, automatic climate control, and a wireless phone charger. The Kushaq facelift also introduced features such as powered front seats with a massage function. It remains to be seen whether Volkswagen adds this feature to the Taigun or introduces something unique to differentiate it from its Skoda sibling.
Volkswagen Taigun Facelift – Expected Powertrain
Currently the Volkswagen Taigun is offered with two petrol engine options. The first is a 1 litre TSI engine that produces 115 hp. The second is a 1.5 litre TSI turbo petrol engine that produces 150 hp. The 1 litre engine is paired with either a 6 speed manual transmission or a 6 speed torque converter automatic. The 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine is offered with a 7 speed DSG automatic.
With the Kushaq facelift Skoda introduced an updated transmission setup. The 1 litre engine now gets an 8 speed torque converter automatic while the 1.5 litre engine is offered only with the 7 speed DSG. It is possible that Volkswagen could introduce a similar configuration on the Taigun facelift as well.
Volkswagen Taigun Facelift – Expected Price And Rivals
The current Tiguan is priced between Rs 10.58 lakh and Rs 19.18 lakh ex showroom. With the upcoming facelift and additional features the price is expected to increase slightly. Once launched the Tiguan facelift will compete with rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and the upcoming Tata Sierra. It will also continue to rival its platform sibling the Skoda Kushaq. Another strong competitor could be the upcoming Renault Duster which is expected to launch in India soon.
Image Credits: 91 Wheels