After being on sale since 2021, both the Volkswagen Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq have received their mid-cycle updates in 2026. Both SUVs continue with the same 115 hp 1.0-litre and 150 hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines, but the 1.0-litre now also gets a new 8-speed automatic alongside the 6-speed manual, while the 1.5-litre retains the 7-speed DCT. Claimed fuel efficiency figures have also been revised with the updates.
Let us compare the claimed mileage 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
*The facelifted Taigun gets a new 8-speed AT, while the older model came with a 6-speed AT.
As the table suggests, 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 larger 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. The increased weight is likely due to additions like 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
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.
Uday Singh
Saptarshi Mondal
Rivan RS 
Saumil Shah
