After being on sale since 2021, the Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq have received their mid-cycle updates in 2026. While both SUVs continue with the same 115hp 1.0-litre and 150hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines, the smaller unit’s 6-speed automatic has been replaced by an 8-speed unit; the 6-speed manual remains unchanged. The 1.5-litre also retains its 7-speed DCT. However, claimed fuel-efficiency figures have been revised across the board.
Let us compare the claimed mileage figures of the Volkswagen Taigun facelift with the pre-facelift model and the Skoda Kushaq facelift to see how they stack up.
Volkswagen Taigun new vs old: Claimed mileage comparison
1.0-litre TSI’s claimed mileage has improved, while the 1.5-litre TSI’s has dropped
Volkswagen Taigun facelift vs old Taigun: Claimed fuel efficiency (in kpl) | |||
Powertrain option | New Taigun | Old Taigun | Difference |
1.0-litre TSI MT | 19.98 | 19.87 | +0.11 |
1.0-litre TSI AT* | 19.54 | 18.15 | +1.39 |
1.5-litre TSI DCT | 18.85 | 19.01 | -0.16 |
*The facelifted Taigun gets a new 8-speed AT, while the older model came with a 6-speed AT.
The claimed fuel efficiency of the Taigun’s 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine has increased with both manual and automatic transmissions. The larger jump in claimed mileage for the 8-speed AT over the older 6-speed unit is due to closer gear ratios that help keep the engine in a more efficient RPM range even at higher speeds, improving both mileage and smoothness of shifts.
However, the claimed mileage of the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine has slightly dropped. This could be linked to a small increase in kerb weight to 1,320 kg, up by 6 kg, likely due to additions such as the panoramic sunroof and rear disc brakes.
Taigun facelift vs Kushaq facelift: Claimed mileage comparison
The Taigun facelift is more fuel-efficient than the Kushaq with all powertrain options
Volkswagen Taigun facelift vs Skoda Kushaq facelift: Claimed fuel efficiency (in kpl) | |||
Powertrain option | Volkswagen Taigun | Skoda Kushaq | Difference |
1.0-litre TSI MT | 19.98 | 19.66 | +0.32 |
1.0-litre TSI AT | 19.54 | 19.09 | +0.45 |
1.5-litre TSI DCT | 18.85 | 18.72 | +0.13 |
The Volkswagen Taigun facelift is more fuel-efficient than the Skoda Kushaq across all powertrain options. The biggest gap is seen in the new 8-speed AT versions, followed by the 6-speed manual variant of the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.
Volkswagen is yet to reveal the prices of the Taigun facelift, but they are expected to be slightly higher than the outgoing model’s Rs 10.58 lakh to Rs 19.19 lakh range. In comparison, the Skoda Kushaq facelift is priced between Rs 10.69 lakh and Rs 18.99 lakh. Both SUVs rival other mid-size SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Honda Elevate, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder.
Prices are ex-showroom, India.