Volkswagen Taigun Facelift Breaks Cover During Road Tests
Volkswagen has commenced road tests of the upcoming Taigun facelift, marking its first public appearance with partial camouflage. Spotted testing on Indian roads, the refreshed Taigun is expected to hit the market by early 2026. This development follows closely on the heels of the Skoda Kushaq facelift sightings, indicating a coordinated mid-life update for both compact SUVs built on the MQB-A0-IN platform.
Cosmetic Changes Focused on Front and Rear Ends
The spied test mule wore camouflage at the front and rear, suggesting that most design revisions will be concentrated in these areas. Expect the facelifted Taigun to feature newly designed bumpers, tweaked headlamps, and updated tail lamp clusters. Since no major sheet metal changes are anticipated, the updates will likely be limited to plastic and trim components, keeping the core body structure intact.
Interior to Feature ADAS and Fresh Cabin Materials
Although the cabin wasn’t visible in the recent spy shots, the interior is expected to receive subtle upgrades in the form of new trim finishes, colour themes, and enhanced upholstery. A key highlight of the facelift will be the introduction of an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) package, bringing the Taigun up to speed with segment trends. Other anticipated features include a 360-degree camera and possibly an upgraded infotainment unit.
Powertrain Line-up to Remain Unchanged Initially
At launch, the Taigun facelift will retain its current engine options — the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol (115hp, 178Nm) and the more powerful 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (150hp, 250Nm). Both engines will continue with manual transmission options, while the 1.5-litre variant will also keep the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
However, a major change is in the pipeline for the 1.0-litre version’s automatic option. The current 6-speed torque converter gearbox is likely to be replaced by a new 8-speed automatic transmission, though this update is expected 6-8 months after the facelift’s official launch. Volkswagen-Skoda is also working towards localising the 8-speed gearbox, which would reduce production costs compared to the imported 6-speed unit.
Taigun Facelift to Compete in an Intensifying SUV Market
The facelifted Taigun will arrive almost four years after the original version debuted in September 2021. Its arrival comes at a time when the midsize SUV market in India is becoming increasingly competitive. Volkswagen’s refreshed offering will face new rivals, including the next-generation Renault Duster and an upcoming Nissan midsize SUV, both expected to debut around 2025–2026.
With cosmetic enhancements, new features like ADAS, and a refined automatic gearbox on the horizon, the 2026 Taigun facelift is shaping up to be Volkswagen’s key contender in the fiercely contested midsize SUV space.
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