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Volkswagen is set to launch the much-awaited Taigun facelift in India on April 9th. It will come with significant design changes, more equipment and likely a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Beyond the Taigun facelift, the carmaker plans to launch at least three other products. Let’s take a closer look.

Previous spy sightings had revealed key styling details of the facelifted SUV. More recently a left-hand-drive version was spotted undisguised on public roads, giving out the design details completely. It was the sportier GT variant.

These images show major design changes at the front. The facelift gets sleeker LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, a full-width LED connecting light bar (like what you see on Volkswagen’s global SUIVs like the Tiguan and Tayron R-Line), redesigned front bumper and more. It will also come with an illuminated Volkswagen logo.

The silhouette remains familiar. Higher variants are expected to come with 17-inch wheels while lower ones could do with 16-inch Silver-coloured wheels. At the rear, the updated SUV will have a refreshed bumper and new internals for the LED tail lamps.

From what we know, the interior design will remain largely unchanged. The facelifted model will, however, see the addition of several new features- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and maybe even rear seat massage function. This facelift aims to close the technology/features gap that the outgoing model has with its competitors.

It will retain the outgoing model’s engine options- 1.0 TSI and 1.5TSI making 113 hp and 178Nm and 148hp and 250Nm respectively. The current automatic gearbox on the former is expected to be replaced by a new 8-speed torque converter unit- a move aimed at improving smoothness and overall driving comfort.

GT variants will likely offer the 1.5 TSI engine with a 7-speed DSG gearbox alone. All wheels are likely to get disc brakes for improved safety.

Volkswagen has planned five new product interventions in 2026. The Tayron R-Line and Taigun facelift are both part of it. At least three more launches are expected from the manufacturer in the upcoming time.

One would be the facelifted Virtus. Like the Taigun, the sedan is also set to get a mid-life update this year. Test mules of it have already been spotted in the public. Here too, design updates and feature additions are expected. The design of the front fascia and rear end are likely to be redesigned heavily. The car will also see the addition of a new set of wheels. Features like a panoramic sunroof are rumoured to be added, although test mule sightings haven’t confirmed the same.

The engine lineup will remain the same as before. We may, however, see the company replace the 6-speed torque converter transmission with the new 8-speed unit. The new Virtus will get disc brakes for all wheels.

Another expected launch is the non-R-Line version of the Tayron. Expected around the festive season, this product will target more value-conscious buyers. The sportier Tayron R-Line sits at Rs 46.99 lakh, ex-showroom. The new model will be positioned below it.

It will retain most of the design and proportions of the R-Line, while still missing out on the sportier ‘R-line-spec’ detailing. The cabin will also see the omission of certain features. It will also be powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (EA888) engine making around 204hp and paired with a 7-speed DSG gearbox.

The carmaker is also expected to launch the second batch of Golf GTI by the end of this year. Back when it was first launched, the performance hatchback saw immense demand despite its Rs 53 lakh price tag. The second batch may see minor feature updates and will continue to be powered by the 265hp version of the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.

By 2027, Volkswagen will likely launch a new sub-compact SUV to rival the Skoda Kylaq here. It will be comparable in size and packaging, and will likely use the same platform and powertrains as well. Underpinned by the MQB A0 IN platform, it will be powered by the familiar 1.0L turbocharged petrol engine making 113hp and 178Nm, and will come mated to manual and torque converter automatic transmissions.

Overall, Volkswagen seems to have a balanced growth strategy for the future. Volume drivers and premium products are both part of it. If executed well, this approach can help VW strengthen its market share and positioning here.