The Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun are two equally sized SUVs built on the same platform, sharing the same engines and safety features, but each with a different style and brand appeal. Customers often comment on the premium finish and value of the Kushaq in the used-car market. Meanwhile, the Taigun stands out due to its modern design, updated features, and the comfort of a new car warranty.
For some, a used Skoda Kushaq presents the opportunity to drive a higher model at a significantly lower cost, offering high performance and European build quality without breaking the bank. Others might prefer the new Volkswagen Taigun because of its cutting-edge technology, showroom condition, and guarantee of zero previous owners.
This guide aims to help buyers make informed financial decisions between these two appealing options. By comparing price, features, maintenance costs, and long-term value, you can decide whether a used Kushaq or a brand-new Taigun is the better investment for your needs and lifestyle.
New Volkswagen Taigun Quick Overview
The Volkswagen Taigun, introduced in India in September 2021, is a stylish mid-size SUV built on the MQB A0 IN platform. Known for its durable structure, high-quality interiors, and sporty TSI engines, it caters to customers seeking a mix of performance, comfort, and German engineering in a city-friendly design.
The new facelift, scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026, will give the Taigun a modern look with updated exterior design, new LED lighting accents, and enhanced interior features. While retaining the reliable 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI engines, Volkswagen can incorporate additional technology and safety features to meet evolving consumer demands.
With its strong safety record, premium fit and finish, and new-generation features, the facelifted Taigun is set to attract not only first-time SUV buyers but also those upgrading from compact hatchbacks or sedans. The facelift will enable it to compete confidently in the highly competitive premium mid-SUV segment.
Key Updates of the New Volkswagen Taigun
The new Volkswagen Taigun facelift boasts a refreshed design, featuring a sportier front grille, upgraded LED headlights, and new bumpers that enhance its bold road presence. New alloy wheel designs and updated LED taillights give it a modern, upscale appearance, ensuring it stands out in the competitive mid-size SUV market.
Inside, the Taigun now features a larger infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an upgraded digital cockpit, and improved interior materials for a more upscale feel. Other safety improvements, such as six airbags on specific models, advanced driver assist features, and enhanced connectivity options, make it a more appealing and future-ready choice for customers.
Here are the significant changes in the latest Volkswagen Taigun facelift:
- Global NCAP 5-star safety rating
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Child seat anchor points
- Emergency brake light flashing
- Hill Hold Control
- Rear middle headrest with three-point seatbelt
- Anti-theft engine immobiliser
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Rear wiper and washer for better visibility
- Speed-sensing auto door lock
- 6-way electrically adjustable driver seat with manual headrest adjustment
- 4-way electrically adjustable front passenger seat with manual headrest adjustment
- Ventilated and cooled front seats for enhanced comfort
- Dual-tone interior theme with leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 60:40 split-folding rear seats with flat-fold capability
- Rear armrest with integrated cup holder
- Bench-type rear passenger seat with adjustable headrests
| New Volkswagen Taigun Ex-Showroom Price | ||
| Car Variant | Transmission | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
| Taigun Comfortline 1.0 TSI MT | Manual | ₹11.80 lakh |
| Taigun Highline 1.0 TSI MT | Manual | ₹13 lakh |
| Taigun Highline 1.0 TSI AT | Automatic (TC) | ₹14 lakh |
| Taigun Highline Plus 1.0 TSI MT | Manual | ₹14.40 lakh |
| Taigun Sport GT Line 1.0 MT | Manual | ₹14.80 lakh |
| Taigun Highline Plus 1.0 TSI AT | Automatic (TC) | ₹15.50 lakh |
| Taigun Sport GT Line 1.0 AT | Automatic (TC) | ₹15.90 lakh |
| Taigun Topline 1.0 TSI MT (Electric Seats) | Manual | ₹16.60 lakh |
| Taigun GT 1.5 TSI MT | Manual | ₹16.77 lakh |
| Taigun GT 1.5 DSG | Automatic (DCT) | ₹17.36 lakh |
| Taigun Topline 1.0 TSI AT (Electric Seats) | Automatic (TC) | ₹18 lakh |
| Taigun GT Plus Chrome 1.5 TSI MT | Manual | ₹18.38 lakh |
| Taigun Sport GT Plus 1.5 MT | Manual | ₹18.63 lakh |
| Taigun GT Plus Chrome 1.5 TSI DSG | Automatic (DCT) | ₹19.58 lakh |
| Taigun Sport GT Plus 1.5 DSG | Automatic (DCT) | ₹19.83 lakh |
| Taigun Sport (GT DSG) (Upcoming) | Automatic (DCT) | ₹21.10 lakh (Expected) |
Used Skoda Kushaq Quick Overview
The Skoda Kushaq, introduced in June 2021, marked a strong push by Skoda into India’s compact SUV market. Built on the MQB A0 IN platform, it offers European styling, a solid build quality, and lively turbo-petrol engines. The 2023–2024 model hasn’t received a complete facelift, but incremental feature updates and special editions have kept it competitive against rivals.
In just four years, the Kushaq has crossed the 89,000 sales mark in India, earning praise for its high safety rating, premium interiors, and reliable performance. Opting for a used 2023–2024 Kushaq means getting near-new features, advanced safety tech, and refined driving dynamics at a reduced price, making it a financially savvy choice for value-conscious SUV buyers.
Here is the price range for the used Skoda Kushaq, along with its production year and transmission:
Used Skoda Kushaq vs New Volkswagen Taigun: Financing Comparison
When comparing financing for a new 2024 Volkswagen Taigun and a used Skoda Kushaq, the Taigun requires a larger loan amount, even with a slightly higher down payment. Based on EMI estimates at a 10% interest rate, monthly installments come to around ₹41,539 over a 5-year tenure, with the total repayment crossing ₹27.98 lakh, making it the costlier option in the long run.
On the other hand, the used Skoda Kushaq requires a smaller loan, thanks to its lower overall price. Using the EMI calculator for a typical loan (around ₹12.6 lakh at 10% interest for five years), the estimated EMI is around ₹28,750 per month. While the initial down payment is slightly lower, the total repayment of ₹17.25 lakh makes the Kushaq significantly more affordable compared to the Taigun.
Here’s a comparison of the new Taigun Sport GT Plus 1.5 DSG, priced at ₹22.61 lakh (on-road Bangalore), and a 2023 Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo 1.5 TSI DSG, priced at ₹15.47 lakh in Bangalore, at a 10% rate of interest and 5-year tenure:
| New Volkswagen Taigun | Used Skoda Kushaq | |
| Down Payment | ₹3,06,121 | ₹2,83,402 |
| Loan Tenure | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| Loan Amount | ₹19,55,091 | ₹12,63,598 |
| Interest Rate | 10% | 10% |
| Interest Amount | ₹5,37,303 | ₹4,61,402 |
| Total Paid | ₹27,98,515 | ₹17,25,000 |
| Difference | ₹10,73,000 ( Approx) |
Used Skoda Kushaq vs New Volkswagen Taigun: Insurance Comparison
For a used Skoda Kushaq that is at least a year old, the Insured Declared Value (IDV) is notably lower than that of a new model. This reduced IDV brings down the annual insurance premium to around ₹10,000–₹25,000. Over 5 years, the total premium payout would be approximately ₹50,000–₹1,25,000, depending on variant, location, and coverage options.
A new Volkswagen Taigun for the current model year has a much higher IDV, reflecting its increased market value and comprehensive replacement coverage. As a result, the annual premium typically ranges from ₹13,000 to ₹30,000. Over five years, this totals ₹65,000 to ₹1,50,000 in premiums, with costs depending on the variant, add-ons, and insurer terms.
While comparing the two, the used Skoda Kushaq has lower premiums due to its lower IDV, which can save the owner up to ₹25,000 over a five-year period. However, the Taigun’s higher premium also means a higher insured value, providing better financial coverage in the event of extensive repairs or a total loss.
Used Skoda Kushaq vs New Volkswagen Taigun: Which to Choose?
If cost-effectiveness is your top priority, a used Skoda Kushaq makes excellent sense. Its lower purchase price helps you avoid the steepest depreciation while still offering premium features, a sturdy build, and firm performance. With proper maintenance, it can deliver an SUV experience comparable to newer models without the higher financial commitment.
The new Volkswagen Taigun, however, provides complete peace of mind with a manufacturer’s warranty, the latest safety features, and advanced technology. It’s perfect for those who prioritise reliability, a fresh interior, and fewer maintenance surprises in the first few years, even though it has a higher purchase price.
Ultimately, it comes down to your priorities. If keeping costs low is crucial, but you still want a well-equipped SUV, the used Kushaq offers excellent value. However, if you prefer peace of mind, the latest features, and a showroom-fresh condition, the Taigun remains a solid choice.
FAQ About Used Skoda Kushaq vs New Volkswagen Taigun
Q. Which is more cost-effective, the used Skoda Kushaq or the new Volkswagen Taigun?
The old Skoda Kushaq is more affordable due to its lower initial cost and slower depreciation. Meanwhile, the new Volkswagen Taigun, although priced similarly, offsets its higher price with an all-inclusive warranty, modern updates, and minimal early maintenance needs, making it ideal for those who prioritise peace of mind over cost.
Q. How do maintenance costs compare for the used Skoda Kushaq and the new Volkswagen Taigun?
The used Skoda Kushaq is likely to have higher maintenance costs, especially if it is out of warranty or older. Meanwhile, the new Volkswagen Taigun has lower initial service expenses, with many repairs covered under warranty, making it more cost-effective in the first few years.
Q. Which offers better features, the used Skoda Kushaq or the new Volkswagen Taigun?
A well-equipped used Skoda Kushaq still offers upscale interiors, solid build quality, and sophisticated features. The new Volkswagen Taigun, on the other hand, features the most advanced infotainment, improved safety technology, and a newer styling, making it more appealing to buyers who prioritise the latest updates.
Q. How does resale value differ between the used Skoda Kushaq and the new Volkswagen Taigun?
The used Skoda Kushaq has already gone through its steepest depreciation phase, resulting in minor resale losses. Meanwhile, the new Volkswagen Taigun will depreciate more in the first few years, but it can still command a higher resale value later due to its newer model and updated features.
Q. Is the used Skoda Kushaq or the new Volkswagen Taigun a better choice for long-term ownership?
The Volkswagen Taigun is an ideal choice for long-term use due to its comprehensive warranty, minimal early repairs, and proven reliability. The older Skoda Kushaq can also last for years if properly maintained. Still, it may require more frequent repairs, making it suitable for buyers who are willing to perform occasional maintenance.
