The Volkswagen T-Cross is closely related to the Taigun sold in the Indian market
Volkswagen has unveiled the near-production model of the new T-Cross compact SUV, which shares many similarities with the Volkswagen Taigun available in India. The two models have almost identical rear and side designs, as well as similar cabins. With these shared elements, it is likely that the facelifted Taigun will receive design and feature updates inspired by the newly revealed T-Cross. Here are the key enhancements expected in the global SUV:
1. Exterior Design
The most noticeable design change in the new T-Cross is the redesigned front fascia, which features sportier vertical LEDs in the bumper. Volkswagen may incorporate the same changes in the Indian version of the Taigun, albeit with a market-specific bumper design. The overall profile of the Taigun facelift might remain similar, except for the alloy wheels, which could be different. The T-Cross also introduces a new light signature for the connected LED tail lamps, which could be carried over to the Taigun facelift as well.
2. Interior Styling
The cabin of the new T-Cross does not differ significantly from the current Taigun, but there are some minor changes. The dashboard features a reworked and layered design, with a free-standing 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display replacing the integrated 10-inch unit in the Taigun.
Volkswagen has also incorporated more soft-touch materials in the cabin of the new T-Cross, which might also make their way into the facelifted SUV.
3. More Standard Features
While Volkswagen has not added any new features to the T-Cross, they have made several features available from the base-spec model. Standard features in the new T-Cross include LED headlights, LED tail lamps, a 360-degree camera, road sign display, digital driver’s display, and a touchscreen infotainment system. It is expected that some of these features will also be included as standard in the facelifted Taigun, bringing it in line with competitors like the MG Astor, Kia Seltos facelift, and Honda Elevate.
4. Better Safety
The current Taigun already boasts a 5-star safety rating in both Global NCAP and Latin NCAP, making it the safest compact SUV in India. However, the India-spec model does not currently offer any driver assistance systems. The new T-Cross, on the other hand, is equipped with advanced driver assistance features such as lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto emergency braking. It is expected that these safety features will be included in the facelifted Taigun as well, bringing it up to par with rivals that already offer ADAS technology.
5. Same Powertrains
The new T-Cross does not introduce any changes to the powertrain options. Volkswagen is likely to continue using the same pair of TSI engines and transmissions that are already available in the current Taigun.
The release of the new T-Cross is scheduled for early 2024 in the international market, and it is anticipated that the facelifted Taigun will be introduced in India by the end of 2024. The facelifted Taigun is expected to come with a higher price tag than the current model, which ranges between Rs 11.62 lakh and Rs 19.46 lakh (ex-showroom).
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