Volkswagen Taigun: Old Vs New

- Sharper exterior styling taken from elder siblings
- Cabin gets newer touchscreen and driver’s display better materials
- 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI turbo-petrol engines carried over with new 8-speed AT
When Volkswagen launched the Taigun back in 2021, it quickly built a reputation for being one of the sharpest driver’s SUVs in the segment. Along with strong build quality, clean German design, and sorted road manners, it gained a loyal following as well in the highly competitive C-SUV space. Now for 2026, the Taigun gets a mid-life update. This is not a full generational change, but a meaningful facelift aimed at keeping it relevant in a segment crowded with fresher rivals. Here’s everything that’s improved over the outgoing model:
Volkswagen Taigun Old vs New: Exterior
Also Read: 2026 Volkswagen Taigun Facelift Launched At Rs 11 Lakh: Check Variant-Wise Prices
The old Taigun wore a clean, understated design. It looked premium with a design that did age well compared to its flashy rivals. With the 2026 update, it appears to have gotten sharper with inspiration taken from its elder siblings. The revised LED headlamps are now redesigned and match the Tayron; the front grille gets connected lights with an illuminated logo, and the tweaked bumpers are more flamboyant than before.
At the rear, the black panel running across the tailgate now houses updated and redesigned tail-lamp detailing. The VW logo at the rear is illuminated too. There’s a newer alloy wheel design along with newer paint options – Avocado Pearl and Steel Grey.
Volkswagen Taigun Old vs New: Interior
Also Read: 2026 Volkswagen Taigun GT Plus Sport vs Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo: Top Variants Compared
On the inside, the outgoing Taigun impressed with solid fit-finish and an ergonomic dashboard layout. But the cabin design began to feel familiar and simpler as newer rivals started offering flashier screens and richer materials. On the new one, the cabin design and layout largely remain unchanged, but there are some necessary updates.
Based on the variant, there are six interior trims ranging from only fabric to faux leather with accents. You also get an updated 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a voice assistant and a new digital cluster that offers turn-by-turn navigation. In the range-topping version, there’s the addition of a panoramic sunroof, while you still get the 6-way power-adjustable front seats with ventilation.
In terms of safety, there are 40+ standard offerings, including 6 airbags, multi-collision brakes, Electronic Stability Control, front & rear parking sensors, brake disc wiping, and hill-hold assist. The higher variants bring features like a rear parking camera, but despite a major update, Volkswagen has excluded the 360-view cameras or ADAS with the new Taigun, which should have been offered with this facelift.
Volkswagen Taigun Old vs New: Powertrain
Under the hood, there are no significant changes except one. The new Taigun continues with its existing set of turbo-petrol engines – 1.0-litre TSI and 1.5-litre TSI. While the one change comes in the form of a new eight-speed automatic torque converter unit, which replaces the older six-speed unit. The output for 1.0L remains the same at 114 bhp and 178 Nm, while the 1.5-litre TSI unit makes 148 bhp and 250 Nm, is now only offered with the 7-speed DSG automatic.
Volkswagen Taigun Old vs New: Verdict
While the old Taigun was already one of the most complete compact SUVs for enthusiasts, the 2026 version appears focused on fixing the few areas where rivals had pulled ahead, which includes design updates and in-cabin appeal. If priced smartly, the refreshed Taigun could remind the segment why it has been a German benchmark in the first place.

Raised by car magazines and combustion dreams, Bilal Firfiray comes from an engineering background and has turned his passion into an automotive profession long before most people learned the difference between torque and horsepower. After 10 years of experience under his belt, Bilal is an equal part enthusiast, storyteller, and hands-on grease-monkey, as he brings sharp insight, detailed outlook, and real-world perspective to every review. From restoring motorcycles to testing the newest machines on four wheels, Bilal has built a reputation for making cars relatable, exciting, and easy to understand. Whether behind the camera, behind the wheel or behind a keyboard, he never says no to a good drive or a better story.
Read all latest news and reviews from Bilal Firfiray →Latest News
car&bike Team | Oct 7, 20262026 MG Hector Storm Series Launched At Rs 20 LakhThe MG Hector Blackstorm and Snowstorm editions get cosmetic changes and an all-black interior over their standard counterpart.2 mins read
Janak Sorap | Oct 7, 2026Suzuki V-Strom SX Gets New Black And Grey Colour OptionSuzuki has added a new Glass Sparkle Black and Metallic Matte Fibroin Grey colour option to the V-Strom SX, with prices and mechanicals remaining unchanged.1 min read
Jafar Rizvi | Oct 7, 2026Triumph Bonneville T40 vs RE Classic 350 vs Honda CB350C: Specifications, Features, Prices ComparedThe Bonneville T40 enters the 350cc retro class with significantly more power and tech than the RE Classic 350 and Honda CB350C, but it also carries a much higher price.5 mins read
Sarthak Mahajan | Oct 7, 2026Honda Elevate Facelift: In PicturesPrices for the Elevate starts at Rs 11.80 Lakh.3 mins read
Preetam Bora | Oct 7, 2026Triumph Bonneville T40: 5 Ways It Differs From Other Triumph 400sSignature Triumph Bonneville design, easy-going state of tune of the new engine, new features as well as updated frame set the Bonneville T40 apart.5 mins read
Janak Sorap | Oct 7, 2026Ducati DesertX V2 Teased For India Launch: Gets New 890cc V2 EngineDucati has teased the new-generation DesertX V2 for India, with the adventure motorcycle scheduled to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2026.1 min read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Oct 4, 20262026 Skoda Slavia Facelift Review: Upgrades That Matter And A Better AutomaticThe new Skoda Slavia brings a handful of visual and mechanical changes, most notably a new 8-speed automatic for the volume-selling 1.0-litre TSI variants.5 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Oct 3, 2026Kia Sorento Review: Is Bigger Always Better?The Kia Sorento has arrived to our shores at the right time. But does it have what it takes to take the market by a storm?7 mins read
Abhishek Nigam | Oct 2, 2026MINI Countryman C Review: Has MINI Finally Grown Up Without Losing Its Personality?The new Countryman C is bigger, more practical and packed with technology, but its quirky appeal comes with a few compromises.1 min read
Preetam Bora | Oct 3, 2026ViaTerra Spencer Riding Jacket Review: The Ideal Jacket For Indian Summers?The ViaTerra Spencer mesh riding jacket makes a strong case as a well-built, street-focussed riding jacket, combining good airflow with Level 2 protection and a snug, secure fit. Is it perfect? Read on.6 mins read
Janak Sorap | Oct 1, 2026Yamaha YZF-R2 Track Review: New TerritoryYamaha's all-new YZF-R2 brings 200cc performance, lightweight construction and R-series DNA to a new generation of riders, but its true track potential is held back by one crucial component.7 mins read























































































































