Volkswagen is all set to launch the facelifted Taigun in India today. The carmaker has already started its production at its Chakan facility. Like the model it replaces, the Taigun facelift will also compete with the Hyundai Creta and a slew of other compact SUVs (mid-size SUVs) when launched. Here’s everything we know about it yet.
Volkswagen hasn’t officially given out any detail of the facelift’s dimensions or specifications. We, however, have a reference point to speculate- the Kushaq facelift. Volkswagen is likely to adopt a similar approach with the Taigun facelift as well. The two SUVs have historically shared a lot of components and characteristics.
The outgoing model measures 4,221 mm in length, 1,760 mm in width and 1,612 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,651 mm. If Volkswagen takes a similar approach as Skoda, the length is likely to increase marginally. If so, the boot space may increase. Currently, it stands at 385 litres.
Creta, the segment leader, can accommodate around 433 litres in its boot- significantly higher! The facelift can potentially bring this to comparable levels. We’ll get to know more about this later today.
The facelift’s design has undergone a noticeable evolution. It now features styling cues inspired by Volkswagen’s global SUVs. The front fascia now gets a new bumper with wide horizontal slats. The LED headlamps are now sleeker and connected by a light bar. There is even an illuminated Volkswagen logo at the centre.
The sportier GT variants have their Chrome elements replaced with gloss-Black trims and multiple ‘GT’ badges. Other design highlights include new wheels, pronounced body cladding and wheel arches, roof rails, shark-fin antenna, connected LED tail lamps with revised internals and an illuminated Volkswagen logo.
The manufacturer hasn’t officially revealed the facelifted Taigun’s interior yet. It is expected to see slight cosmetic changes and noticeable equipment-improvements. The SUV is likely to get a panoramic sunroof, just like the new Kushaq.
Additionally, it will also see the addition of a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster (virtual cockpit) and may also get massage function for the rear seats. Other expected features are a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, integration of AI-based features, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, wireless charger, and more.
Many of these have become common finds in the segment. Rivals like the Creta and Seltos come packed with technology and features.
The outgoing Creta, however, misses out on in-built wireless Carplay and Android Auto and relies on a plug-to-play dongle to enable the same. Rear seat massage function, if introduced, will be a feature that only the Kushaq has in this segment. The air conditioning/ climate control system will also see improvements. Its cooling performance will be optimized further to suit Indian climatic conditions.
In short, the update is expected to bridge the technology/feature gap that the Taigun had with its rivals, particularly the Koreans. This will enable it to compete better with the segment-leader and other feature-loaded rivals.
The Taigun facelift is expected to retain its engine options- 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI, producing 113hp and 178Nm and 148hp and 250Nm, respectively. The smaller engine will offer the choice of a six-speed manual and a new eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The 1.5 TSI block is likely to be offered only with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
The Creta and several other mid-size SUVs offer the choice of a diesel engine, which is completely missing on the Taigun facelift. Also, both the engines offered are turbocharged units.
The mid-size SUV segment is one of the most competitive spaces in India’s automotive industry. Staying relevant there requires constant updates, smart strategies and careful product planning. The influx of models like the Tata Sierra, second-generation Seltos, and Renault Duster have raised the bar in terms of ‘feature expectations’ and has in a way, made even the Creta show its age. Time remains before we see how the facelifted Taigun performs in generating sales.