The drive from Jammu to Srinagar gave us everything we needed to understand the car. Fast highways, broken patches, tight ghats and long climbs. In the middle of all that, the updated Taigun feels instantly familiar. And that pretty much sums up this facelift.
Lets be honest. It is not a revolutionary facelift. It is a cleaned-up, better-equipped version of something we already had.
| Model | Old Taigun (Ex-showroom) | New Facelift (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|
| Base | ₹10.58 lakh | ₹11 lakh |
| Mid variants | ₹12–16 lakh | ₹12.7–17.2 lakh |
| Top | ₹19.19 lakh | ₹19.3 lakh |
Exterior
At first glance, the changes are subtle, especially at the rear. Look closer, and you start noticing where Volkswagen has spent its effort. The overall silhouette remains unchanged, which is kind of expected from a facelift.
What’s new includes:
- A redesigned front grille with a connected LED light bar
- Illuminated VW logo at the front and rear
- Tweaked bumpers
- New alloy wheel designs
- Updated LED lighting signatures
It looks sharper, slightly more premium, and more in line with Volkswagen’s global design language. But if you’re expecting a dramatic transformation, this isn’t it. It’s more of a visual refresh than a redesign.
Interior
Step inside, and the approach is similar. The layout is familiar, but there are clear upgrades in terms of tech and features:
- Larger Instrument cluster
- Updated UI and connected features
- Ambient lighting touches
- New upholstery options
There’s also a noticeable push towards making the cabin feel slightly more premium, especially in the higher variants.
The big additions come in terms of creature comforts:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ventilated front seats
- Electric front seat adjustment
These were things the Taigun was missing earlier, and their inclusion brings it somewhat closer to what buyers now expect in this segment.
Engine & Performance
| Engine | Power | Torque | Gearbox |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 TSI | 115 PS | 178 NM | 6MT / 8AT (new) |
| 1.5 TSI | 150 PS | 250 NM | 7-speed DSG |
The biggest update is the new 8-speed torque converter for the 1.0 TSI.
1.0 TSI
In everyday driving especially on the highways, it feels smoother and easier than before thanks to the new gearbox. But push it harder, especially on inclines with a full load, and you start noticing its limits. There is a slight lag when you ask for quick acceleration, and it needs to be worked.
1.5 TSI
Switch to the 1.5, and the difference is immediate. More torque, better response, and a sense of effortlessness that suits the Taigun much better. It’s the same proven motor, paired with the DSG, and it continues to be the one to pick if you enjoy driving.
Driving Impressions
Another place where the Tiguan feels familiar, and in a good way. The steering is accurate, the chassis feels composed, and the car remains stable even when speeds climb. Through the ghats, it feels predictable. The suspension is slightly firm, but it works well for the kind of roads we encountered. It absorbs most imperfections without feeling floaty, while still maintaining good control through corners.
In simple terms, it still drives like it used to. And that hasn’t changed.
Safety
- 6 airbags are now standard
- ESC, hill hold, multi-collision braking included
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Maintains its 5-star Global NCAP rating
However, there are still some noticeable omissions:
- No ADAS
- No 360-degree camera
- No electronic parking brake
In this day and age, and In a segment where rivals are pushing hard on features, this is where the Taigun feels behind.
Verdict
The strengths are easy to see. The platform is solid, the driving experience remains as good as before, and the 1.5 TSI continues to be a genuinely enjoyable engine. The added features, especially the panoramic sunroof and updated tech, bring it closer to current expectations and make it easier to justify its price.
At the same time, this update feels conservative. The changes are clean but simply cosmetic especially for the 1.5. The interior seems polished but is still the same as before. And while feature additions help, it still misses out on some things that buyers now almost expect at this price point.
The 1.0 TSI, despite the new gearbox, also reminds you of its limitations when pushed, especially in real-world conditions like loaded highway runs or mountain climbs. It works, but it doesn’t quite match the character of the car. Which brings us to the bigger picture.
If your priority is how a car drives, the Taigun still makes a strong case for itself, especially with the 1.5 TSI. In the end, this facelift doesn’t change what the Taigun is. It just makes it a bit more complete. However, given how the Kushaq still brought some segment first updates, like rear massagers, something similar should have been offered here as well, maybe rear sear ventilation for one ? It would have simply strengthened the Taiguns case.
