Volkswagen Taigun Facelift Revealed In India
Putting an end to anticipations, Volkswagen India has revealed the facelifted Taigun in India. This mid-cycle update has made the SUV more competitive in the mid-size SUV race. It brings sharper styling, more features, and a new 8-speed torque converter transmission. Changes on the facelift resemble those of the new Kushaq.
The design on the facelift has evolved significantly. It looks sharper and more attractive than before. The overall design draws inspiration from Volkswagen’s global SUV lineup. Some resemblance to the recently-launched Tayron R-Line can also be seen.
The front fascia has changed a lot. It now gets a slimmer grille, new bumper with wide horizontal slats, sleeker headlamps with an LED connecting light bar and illuminated Volkswagen logo. The new Taigun remains unchanged in dimensions and rides on new 17-inch wheels. Lower trims get 16-inch units. It gets revised LED tail lamps with sequential turn indicators, and an illuminated Volkswagen logo. Even the rear bumper has been redesigned.
The GT variants get Gloss Black trims instead of touches of Chrome. These also get multiple ‘GT’ badges. Nine colour options are available on the new Taigun, including two new shades- Avocado Pearl and Steel Grey.
The overall dashboard design and layout remains familiar even on the facelift. Look closely and you will spot subtle changes which enhance the overall experience. You’ll notice new trims that feel more premium than before. Volkswagen is also offering multiple interior colour options on the new Taigun.
The new SUV is better packaged. It gets a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an updated 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment unit now runs smoother software and integrates AI-based voice commands. It comes with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Additionally, the facelift also gets a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and powered front seats, ambient lighting, automatic climate control, wireless charging and more. The facelift seems to have closed the technology gap that the Taigun had with its rivals.
Notably, the facelifted Taigun misses out on the massage function for rear seats. This feature is already on offer on the facelifted Kushaq that launched in March this year. Also, VW claims that smart packaging has improved the boot capacity and practicality.
The safety equipment has also improved on the new model. It offers over 40 active and passive safety features. The facelifted Taigun comes equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, traction control, front and rear parking sensors, hill-hold assist, auto-dimming IRVM, ISOFIX mounts, all-wheel disc brakes and more. The pre-facelift Taigun had a five-star safety rating and the same is expected to be carried forward.
The new Taigun continues with the same two engine option as before- 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI. The smaller engine makes 113hp and 178Nm and comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission and an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Volkswagen also claims a 5.8 percent improvement in fuel efficiency for this engine. The 1.5L engine produces 148 hp and 250 Nm and continues with a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
Volkswagen hasn’t announced the prices yet. The new Taigun will have to compete with a bunch of strong products like the Tata Sierra, second-generation Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, facelifted Skoda Kushaq, Renault Duster and more. The segment as such, is very sensitive to price.
To make the deal sweeter, Volkswagen is offering a standard 4-year/1,00,000 km warranty on the new Taigun, with four years of roadside assistance and three free labour services.