- VW and FAW have made several styling changes to the SUV.
- Power still comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 268 hp.
- It’s unclear if the 2.5-liter V6 of the outgoing model will continue to be offered.
This is our first look at the refreshed VW Talagon built exclusively for the Chinese market. VW has been selling the Talagon since early 2021, and while it was hardly feeling old, the time for its mid-life facelift apparently came. Photos from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reveal several exterior changes, but unfortunately, no shots of the interior have been published.
The front fascia is quite a bit different than the outgoing model. The DRLs appear slightly thicker, as does the full-width light bar. The upper grille between the lights is also much slimmer. VW’s designers have also crafted a much larger lower grille, complemented with black accents.
Read: Volkswagen Unveils Its Biggest SUV Yet, China’s New Talagon
A slightly sportier version will also be offered, complete with an R badge on the upper grille. It also has a unique black lower grille with newly shaped air intakes. It looks more aggressive than the standard model and should suit buyers who want something that looks a little edgier. The sporty R model also gets new silver and black wheels alongside black pillars and a black roof.
Fittingly, the rear of the Talagon has been refreshed with new taillights with a more intricate LED signature and a new light bar. Two different bumpers have also been designed for the regular and R-branded versions.
Preliminary data from China’s ministry reveals the updated Talagon is between 5,143 mm (202.4 inches) and 5,168 mm (203.4 inches) long, 2,002 mm (78.8 inches) wide, and stands 1,792 mm (70.5 inches) tall with a 2,980 mm (117.3-inch) wheelbase. That lengthy wheelbase is quite impressive when you consider the Talagon is based on the same MQB Platform as the VW Tiguan.
The only powertrain confirmed for this new model is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 268 hp (200 kW). The pre-facelift was also sold with a 2.5-liter V6, although it’s unclear if this engine will be offered for the new model.
