- Production begins ahead of launch
- To borrow mechanicals from the new Skoda Kushaq
Volkswagen India is all set to announce the prices of the all-new Taigun facelift tomorrow. It shares its underpinnings and mechanicals with the new Skoda Kushaq, so we have a clear idea of what to expect from the updated Taigun. Bookings are also expected to commence shortly after the launch.
Ahead of tomorrow’s price announcement, the automaker has begun production of the SUV at its Pune plant. The exterior has already been revealed during this event, and the SUV now benefits from a much more modern and cleaner look compared to its predecessor. The overall design appears less cluttered, featuring a connected lighting setup and a wide chin that lends it a more aggressive stance.
As for the cabin, the Taigun could receive minor yet meaningful improvements such as an updated infotainment screen, an all-digital instrument panel with new graphics, a cleaner dashboard layout, a panoramic sunroof, and updated seat upholstery. It could also get the rear seat massage function from the Kushaq, adding a convenience feature for rear passengers.
It will be interesting to see whether Volkswagen also skips ADAS and a 360-degree camera, like its Skoda sibling, or bundles these features with the top-spec Taigun facelift.
Mechanically, the new Taigun will continue with the same 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre turbo petrol engines. That said, the new eight-speed automatic gearbox could make its way to the 1.0-litre Taigun, while the 1.5-litre version is expected to continue with the seven-speed DSG.
The Taigun and Kushaq have long enjoyed the tag of being the driver’s choice in the segment due to their superb dynamic ability, albeit at the cost of offering fewer features than rivals. However, with the arrival of players like the Renault Duster, which promises the best of both worlds, it could become increasingly difficult for Volkswagen to continue riding the wave of being the most dynamically sound SUV in the class. Prices play a crucial role in scenarios like this, hence we expect Volkswagen to price the Taigun aggressively.
