A partially camouflaged prototype of the Volkswagen Taigun facelift was recently spied testing on our roads for the first time. This follows a recent sighting of the Skoda Kushaq facelift, suggesting that a mid-lifecycle update for both these SUVs is arriving soon. As with most facelifts, the updates are expected to be largely cosmetic along with new feature additions on the inside. The Taigun facelift is expected to go on sale by early 2026.
- Taigun facelift to get new bumpers, revised headlamps and tail-lamps
- Equipment updates will see the addition of an ADAS suite
Volkswagen Taigun facelift exterior and interior updates
Updates expected to only the soft plastic parts.
The spied prototype was seen wearing camouflage just at the front and rear, suggesting this is where most of the changes will be concentrated. It’s expected to come with new front and rear bumpers, along with reworked headlamp and tail-lamp units; sheet metal changes are unlikely on the Taigun facelift.
While the spy images didn't give us a look of the interior, it can be expected with new trim pieces, colour options, upholstery and crucially, a longer features list. Chief of these will be the inclusion of an ADAS suite, which has now become commonplace in this segment, and a 360-degree camera.
Volkswagen Taigun facelift powertrain options
New auto gearbox in the pipeline.
The Taigun facelift is expected to remain mechanically unchanged, at least at launch. It will continue with the 115hp, 178Nm 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 150hp, 250Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine options. A manual gearbox will continue to be offered with both, and the 7-speed DCT with the larger 1.5-litre engine will also be carried over.
What’s interesting is that the 6-speed torque converter auto offered with the 1.0-litre engine is expected to be replaced with a new 8-speed unit; not at launch, but about 6-8 months after the model goes on sale. Skoda-VW is also keen on localising the new 8-speed gearbox as opposed to the current 6-speed unit that's imported.
Volkswagen Taigun to see new rivals.
The midsize SUV segment continues to be the most hotly contested segment in the Indian market. With the launch expected in early 2026, the Taigun facelift will be arriving about four years since it first launched in September 2021. Keeping it up to date will be crucial as there will be new entrants in this already crowded segment next year – the Renault Duster and a new Nissan midsize SUV.
Image Source: Jeevan_Kammar27 via Instagram
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
