As the first product under Volkswagen’s India 2.0 strategy, all eyes were trained on the Taigun when it came out. And it impressed, bringing in that distinct German SUV flavour to the midsize SUV segment. The engine options and dynamics had it find favour with buyers, even though it wasn’t up there with the Koreans on the features front. Safe to say the Taigun was quick to carve its own niche in what continues to be the most important SUV segment in the country! And for 2026, it gets some much-needed updates.
Interestingly, we got to drive both versions together, for over 200km each, as we dashed from the Rann of Kutch to Udaipur in Rajasthan, a distance of nearly 500km. I started my day with the Taigun GT, powered by the massively impressive 1.5 TSI engine that puts out 150PS and 250Nm, and comes mated to the 7-speed DSG, aiming to have it stretch its legs on the highway. The 1.5 TSI has been a favourite for us at TURBOCHARGED, not just because we like our engines turbocharged, also because it feels very refined. The power delivery is excellent too, be it the strong bottom-end grunt with minimal turbo lag, or the excellent midrange punch. This, while the 7-speed DSG makes long drives engaging and effortless with its alacrity and slick gear changes.
So the Taigun GT will continue to appeal to enthusiasts, there’s some good news if you’re eyeing the less powerful version of the Taigun. Volkswagen has paired the 1.0-litre TSI to a new 8-speed torque converter automatic now, which replaces the older 6-speed torque converter, and it feels smoother, more intuitive and helps in improving efficiency. The 115PS and 178Nm 1.0-litre TSI engine has always impressed with its sprightliness and performance, and feels as impressive as ever. The 8-speed gearbox helps in extracting more of the three-pot motor’s potential, besides feeling intuitive. I didn’t find the 1.0-litre TSI powered Taigun boring or less powerful either, despite having driven the GT for a few hours!
On another note, the midlife update is helping the Taigun look a lot more appealing. The headlamps are sleeker, the grille is slimmer, there’s a light bar connecting the headlamps and the Volkswagen logo is illuminated, besides which the front bumper design has been revised. The Taigun runs on 17-inch wheels like before but with a new design. The rear end has been updated too: you get redesigned tail lamps with an LED strip connecting them, and the Volkswagen logo is illuminated, in red.
The cabin has been updated too, and the GT’s cabin looks sportier with its black theme and red stitching, while the 1.0-litre TSI powered version uses lighter colours. Volkswagen has also upgraded the air-conditioning system to improve cooling, and it works really well! Seat ventilation works well too, and is a boon. The Taigun also gets more features including a more premium, 10.25-inch driver display which offers more information in a very neat manner. The 10.1-inch infotainment screen hasn’t changed but has been updated, which makes it friendlier to use. The resolution of the reverse camera is a letdown though, and while you get front parking sensors, the Taigun still does not get 360-degree view. There’s a panoramic sunroof on offer now, but unlike the Skoda Kushaq, the Taigun does not get massaging rear seats.
Moving on, the Taigun carries that distinctive German SUV DNA and has always impressed with its balance between ride and handling. The suspension feels firm but does not compromise ride quality, which was helping me on my long drive. Having said that, I’m glad Volkswagen has not made any changes to the chassis or suspension setup, and the also steering offers the same weighted feel and excellent feel and feedback as before.
Overall, it’s good that Volkswagen has focused on the right bits while updating the Taigun. There are a few misses on the features front, but the overall packaging is thoughtful, like the improved air-conditioning and the 8-speed gearbox the 1.0-litre engine is paired with. The biggest highlight though is the Taigun’s performance and dynamics, and just like before, this is very much a driver’s SUV that looks even better now. And with prices beginning from ₹ 11 lakh ex-showroom the updated Taigun makes a strong case for itself, if you are looking for a midsize SUV that you will enjoy driving and your family will enjoy being driven in!
Words: Abhay Verma
Photography: Saidatta Naik, Volkswagen
