The Taigo is Volkswagen’s new urban SUV. Halfway between the T-Cross and the T-Roc, from a size point of view, it stands out with its coupé body. A unique proposition in this category! So should we fall for this city SUV-coupe? Argus makes the introductions.
After the SUV madness, that of cut SUVs? More and more manufacturers are declining this bodywork in their ranges … with a certain ignition delay! It took Mercedes 7 years to decide to imitate BMW, which initiated the movement in 2008 with its X6. Today, the calendar of new products is accelerating: Renault has gone on the offensive with its Arkana and Volkswagen is preparing to launch two in 2022: the ID5, a 100% electric coupe SUV, and the Taigo. After the T-Cross and the T-Roc, it’s the 3e Urban SUV from the German manufacturer. Unlike the two aforementioned models, its silhouette makes it a unique model in this category. Discover this newcomer in photos and video.
The Taigo less tall and longer
Taigo is the cousin of Nivus, a model marketed since 2020 in Brazil. It is moreover to the local style center that German owes its lines. This coupe SUV, recognizable by its plunging roofline and steeply sloped rear window, is based on the MQB-A0 platform, the same as the T-Cross and the Polo. This has just been lengthened since the newcomer, with its 4.27 m, is 16 cm longer than its “little cousin” and is even 3.2 cm taller than a T-Roc. On the other hand, from a height point of view, the Taigo is clearly the lowest of the bunch with 1.52 m when its compatriots are 5 or 6 cm more. Finally, wheelbase question, the Taigo is inserted between the two brothers with its 2.57 m long.
From a style point of view, Volkswagen relies on a ribbed shield, massive front shields incorporating a gaping grille and, depending on the finishes, false air intakes (R-Line finish) at the level of the vertical fog lights. These are not available on the entry-level finish, just like the Matrix LED headlights which add a light strip between the optics.
This signature is also found at the rear without distinction of finish or equipment. The lights are in two parts, a sign of a more upscale positioning than the T-Cross. On the sporty R-Line trim, the bumper is fully painted in the body color and fake tailpipes are visible. The Taigo is fitted with 16 to 18 ” rims.
A neat and flattering cockpit
The interior of the Taigo seduced us with the quality of the assemblies and materials. A good point taken again with the restyled Polo on which it traces its implantation. The presentation is clean and modern. Few on-board customization options. Volkswagen only offers a lime-green color as an option to dress the dashboard and the stitching of the seats.
As standard, the SUV Coupe receives 8 ” digital meters associated with a central 6.5 ” multimedia screen. The Style and R-Line versions will benefit from a 10.25 ” panel behind the steering wheel capable of displaying the GPS map. The touchscreen in the center will measure up to 9.2 ”. The interface is nicely presented. It is possible to replicate the screen of your smartphone using the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions.
The equipment also includes an induction charger located under the touch pad of the air conditioning controls. The Taigo takes advantage of several small storage spaces, including one placed under the driver’s seat, to slide tourist guides, or in the central armrest. If we appreciate the presence of this equipment, it is a little short to support the elbows of drivers under 1.70m.
As standard, the Taigo benefits from a wide range of safety equipment, including adaptive cruise control and a semi-autonomous driving assistant. He even receives, and it’s still rare enough to be highlighted, a central airbag to prevent the heads of the front occupants from colliding in the event of an accident. Against € 890, a sunroof bathes the interior in light. However, this option does away with the roof bars. The backpacker’s outfit suffers …
A welcoming interior for a “coupe”
Good point at the rear: the plunging roof cutout does not involve too many contortions to settle. The increased ground clearance requires it to raise the knees. Once placed on the bench, which is not sliding unlike the T-Cross, the passengers are comfortably seated, even if we would have appreciated a little more legroom (especially for the older ones). The seats offer good thigh support and the footwells are very roomy. Headroom is good, despite a lower height than its cousins. As for the central seat, it is an extra place to be reserved for the smallest sizes as it is so narrow and its accessibility obstructed by an imposing easement tunnel. Volkswagen has not reserved special attention to passengers. They just take advantage of two USB-C sockets.
On the trunk side, the Taigo benefits from an appreciable volume of 438L, which can be increased to 1222L once the backrest of the 2/3 – 1/3 bench seats are folded down. Note that the floor is adjustable in 2 heights. In the high position, with the benches lowered, the loading sill is flat.
100% petrol engines
No diesel or electrified version under the hood of the Taigo, nor even a 4×4 or vitamin R version as on the T-Roc. Volkswagen has streamlined the range. The Taigo only receives turbocharged petrol engines. The range includes two 1.0L 3-cylinder 95 and 110 hp as well as a 1.5L 4-cylinder 150 hp. The latter automatically benefits from a 7-speed DSG gearbox. Transmission that can also receive the TSI 110 ch. These are also the only two versions to receive a penalty of 170 and 260 € respectively, with regard to the tax scale in 2022. The basic TSI unit will have to be satisfied with a manual 5-speed gearbox. . But it escapes all taxes!
Pricing positioning in line with the competition
Volkswagen has already opened the Taigo order book, although the model will not reach dealerships until next January and the first deliveries are not scheduled until May 2022! We will have to be patient … The entry ticket for the coupe SUV, assembled in Pamplona, Spain, is set at € 23,380 or halfway between the T-Cross and T-Roc, and peaks at just over € 31,700. Four finishes are available, including a launch called First Edition, recognizable by its black decorative elements. This version, only offered with the TSI 150 and limited to 300 copies, will be the most expensive in the catalog with a price exceeding € 32,000.
Who to compete with the Taigo?
Volkswagen plays on words with its coupe SUV. If the Taigo has a differentiating style, its performances are close to those of its cousins the T-Cross and T-Roc, respectively 6e and 8e best seller in the French city SUV market. It is also within the “family” that the competition will begin to rage. And on the side of foreign rivals? If Volkswagen claims to be the first manufacturer to present a Coupe SUV, in fact other brands are already marketing vehicles with a similar silhouette: this is the case of the Nissan Juke or the Ford Puma. The small German SUV is clearly one of the targets, along with the Peugeot 2008, the market leader in France. Moreover, on closer inspection, the price positioning of the Taigo, like the motorization offer, is clearly modeled on these two competitors. All that remains is for customers to form their own opinion …
TO READ. Urban SUV buying guide: the best small SUVs of 2021
