Volkswagen India recently revealed the much anticipated Volkswagen Taigun facelift SUV in the Indian market. Pre-booking for the new SUV is now open, customers can reserve it online or at authorized dealerships by paying between Rs 11,000 and Rs 50,000. The facelifted model brings a refreshed design inspired by Volkswagen’s global lineup, along with updates to the cabin that add more features and safety equipment. It also introduces a new 8-speed automatic gearbox for the 1.0-litre TSI engine, aimed at improving performance. Pricing is yet to be announced and is expected next month, while showroom displays and test drives will begin soon.The Volkswagen Taigen facelift continues to compete with the likes of the Skoda Qashqai, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Victories, Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, Tata Sierra and Renault Duster. In this article, let’s compare the base models of the Volkswagen Tiguan facelift with the Skoda Kodiaq facelift. Talking about the engine options first, both the SUVs are offered with two engine options – a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 115hp and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 150hp, the engine line-up remains unchanged. The 1.0 TSI variant in both cars now gets an 8-speed automatic gearbox in place of the previous 6-speed torque converter, with Volkswagen claiming a 5.8 percent improvement in fuel efficiency. The 1.5 TSI engine continues with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.Talking about the variants ahead, the VW Taigun facelift is offered in seven variants – Comfort Line, High Line, High Line Plus, Top Line, GT Line, GT Plus Chrome and GT Plus Sport. The new Kushaq facelift is offered in five variants: Classic Plus, Signature, Sport Line, Prestige, and Monte Carlo. The entry-level variants of both the SUVs are offered with a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a 6-speed MT or 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The face of Skoda Kaushik Classic Plus 10.69 lakhs (MT), 12.69 lakhs (AT)Skoda has generously equipped the entry-level Classic Plus variant, the SUV gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay via USB-A, six speakers, an analog instrument cluster with a monochrome MID, single-pane sunroof, AirPorter with automatic control and AirPorter. Shifters and cruise control (AT only), automatic LED headlights, LED DRLs, front LED fog lamps with cornering function (AT only), power-operated ORVM with LED indicators, LED taillights, 16-inch alloy wheels, 50 kg capacity black roof rails, a roof-mounted Black 2, Black 1 view, black boot with 50 kg capacity. and gray fabric upholstery, front scuff plates with ‘Koshaq’ branding, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever (AT only), tilt and telescopic steering adjustments, four power windows, a sliding front armrest with storage, six airbags, rear parking sensors, Rainer Vigor, Reaper Vigor auto-dimming IRVM, anti-glare ORVM, hill hold assist (AT only), and safety Systems including ESC, ABS, EBD, TCS, brake disc wiping, 3-point seat belts with reminder for all passengers, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.Volkswagen Taigen Facelift Comfort Line (prices to be announced)The Comfortline is the entry-level trim and gets features like auto-leveling LED headlamps with LED DRLs and rear LED taillamps with sequential turn indicators along with chrome detailing on the rear bumper. It rides on 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers and also features functional roof rails. Inside, it gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, paired with a 6-speaker setup. The instrument cluster uses analog dials with a monochrome MID, and the cabin gets a dual-tone theme with fabric upholstery, a sliding front center armrest and a height-adjustable driver’s seat.Comfort features include automatic climate control, rear AC vent, rear wiper, washer and defogger as well as 12V plug and steering mounted controls. On the safety front, it is equipped with six airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, TPMS, reverse parking sensors and ISOFIX mounts. It also gets an idle engine start/stop and remote central locking.
