VOLKSWAGEN TAIGUN

We spend 500 km driving the facelifted Taigun to see if it still is an enthusiasts’ favourite The Volkswagen Taigun has been your go-to SUV if driving feel and engagement were a top consideration in your buying decision.

- WORDS TUHIN GUHA

But this segment is quite crowded now, with competition that is starting to encroach on the Taigun’s turf. So this new, facelifted version comes just in time. Unlike other such reviews, we spent a good deal of time behind the wheel, doing a 480 km road trip from Dholavira in the Rann of Kutch to Udaipur.

Styling, boot

To start with, the new styling is a step up. We had a few Tayron R-Line support vehicles, and the Taigun does a good job of recreating the new Volkswagen look in its smaller footprint. The squinted lighting looks sharp. There are no separate fog lamps anymore, but VW says these LEDs make up for them. The distinct LED signature with the backlit logos and brighter LEDs will be a good differentiator.

The split grille works with this, as does the big lower air dam. The rear lighting has taken on a deeper 3D effect that works better now. It’s also good that the new changes fit quite seamlessly into the Taigun’s existing panels.

The boot space is still 385 litres, which is not the largest in the segment on paper. But the Taigun easily swallowed everything we threw at it. The deep floor means there is a high lip, but the space doesn’t have too many intrusions, so all four of us could easily fit three strolleys, a couple of backpacks and a cool box. So you and your family will be sorted.

Interiors