Volkswagen Taigun Facelift First Drive Review: Sharper, Tech-Loaded, But Still a German

To address the issue, Volkswagen has launched a facelift for the Taigun. But the German car maker has not looked to reinvent what the Taigun is supposed to offer car buyers. Instead, the Taigun now features incremental updates that make the experience of driving the SUV better than before. Read on to find out how.

Volkswagen Taigun Facelift First Drive Review: Performance – The 1.0 TSI Gets Better

The biggest mechanical update comes with the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine models. It continues to make 115 PS and 178 Nm, revs linearly to the redline, and despite its three-cylinder configuration, doesn’t really sound like one. However, all of this was also the case with the pre-facelift model of the Taigun. What’s changed is the gearbox.

Previously, buyers opting for an automatic transmission with the 1.0 TSI engine were offered a 6-speed torque converter. While it had its advantages, and offered an enthusiastic driving experience, its slow-speed driving manners left a little to be desired. In short, it could feel jerky when driving off from a standstill, and in other slow-speed driving conditions.

Volkswagen has sorted this by offering a new 8-speed torque converted with the 1.0 TSI engine. The low-speed jerkiness is now a thing of the past, and the new transmission upshifts and downshifts rather seamlessly in slow driving conditions. If you want the transmission to quicken up its pace and make the driving experience more engaging, just shift it into ‘Sports’ mode which holds onto revs longer for sportier driving.

Furthermore, the addition of extra cogs is bound to improve the fuel efficiency, something even Volkswagen has said is the case. However, we haven’t done a proper fuel efficiency test to determine if that is the case.

As for the 1.5 TSI engine, Volkswagen has made no difference there, and it continues to be a highly refined turbo-petrol engine in the segment, where it might not be the most powerful anymore, but remains the most engaging.

Volkswagen Taigun Facelift First Drive Review: Ride and Handling – Still a Driver's SUV

Volkswagen has wisely left the suspension setup untouched. The Taigun continues to offer one of the better ride-and-handling balances in the segment. It absorbs small potholes, broken patches and expansion joints confidently while remaining composed at highway speeds.

Even during quick lane changes at triple-digit speeds, the body remains controlled and stable. There is some firmness at lower speeds, which occasionally translates into slight body movement over sharper imperfections, but the overall setup remains comfortable.

Crucially, the suspension never feels soft or floaty. There is always a sense of control that keen drivers will appreciate. The 1.5 TSI model felt more planted and stable at triple digit cruising speeds.

Volkswagen Taigun Facelift First Drive Review: Design – A More Premium Presence

On the design front, the most obvious changes can be found at the front. The facelift gets slimmer and wider headlamps that stretch further towards the edges. Connecting them is a full-width LED light bar that immediately gives the Taigun a more modern appearance. Combined with the redesigned bumper, the front end looks wider, more premium and significantly more contemporary than before.

There's also a stronger family resemblance now. The design language feels inspired by Volkswagen's larger SUVs like the Tayron, giving the Taigun a more upmarket presence on the road.

Move to the side and changes are minimal. The silhouette remains identical, which is hardly surprising for a facelift. The biggest update here is the new alloy wheel design that helps freshen up the profile.

At the rear, Volkswagen has introduced a revised LED lighting signature along with an illuminated VW logo. It is a subtle touch but one that adds a premium European feel, especially at night. Minor bumper revisions complete the visual updates.

Volkswagen Taigun Facelift First Drive Review: Interior – Familiar But Smarter

Inside, the changes are evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The infotainment screen remains largely unchanged in terms of size and functionality. Existing Taigun owners will feel immediately familiar with the interface, however, Volkswagen has reworked the colours to freshen up its appeal.

The bigger update is the digital instrument cluster. Volkswagen has introduced a redesigned interface that feels far more modern and sophisticated. Navigation maps can now be displayed directly within the cluster, while various layouts allow drivers to prioritise information such as speed, fuel efficiency and trip data.

The presentation is clean, crisp and easy to read. More importantly, it gives the cabin a premium feel that was previously missing. For many buyers, this updated instrument cluster alone will feel like one of the most meaningful upgrades in the cabin.

Volkswagen Taigun Facelift First Drive Review: Rear Seat Comfort – Better Ambience, One Missed Opportunity

Rear seat comfort remains one of the Taigun's strengths. There is generous legroom, good thigh support and enough space to comfortably slide your feet under the front seats. Three individual headrests and a supportive seatback make longer journeys comfortable.

The biggest addition is the panoramic sunroof. Unlike the previous electric sunroof that mainly benefited front occupants, the new panoramic unit extends further back and noticeably improves cabin ambience. It makes the interior feel airier and more premium.

However, there is one notable omission. Volkswagen has not provided a dedicated sunshade. Given Indian weather conditions, that feels like a surprising oversight and could become an issue during particularly hot summer months.

Volkswagen Taigun Facelift First Drive Review: Verdict

Volkswagen hasn’t attempted to change the character of the Taigun. Instead, it has improved areas that needed attention. The refreshed styling looks more premium, the digital instrument cluster significantly improves the cabin experience, and the new 8-speed automatic transmission makes the 1.0-litre variant noticeably smoother and easier to live with.

The absence of a sunshade for the panoramic sunroof is disappointing, and buyers hoping for a dramatic transformation may find the changes conservative. But the reality is that the Taigun didn't need a complete overhaul. Volkswagen has taken an already competent SUV and made it feel relevant again. And in a segment where the features list has become more important than the driving experience, the Taigun continues to stand out for getting the fundamentals right.