The Volkswagen Taigo is positioned as the first coupé SUV in the category of urban models. Its dynamic style works for it, as does its approval in the R-Line 1.5 TSI 150 hp version.
Car tested: Volkswagen Taigo 1.5 TSI 150 hp R-Line DSG7
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From€32,100
260 € penalty
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After the T-Cross, urban and pragmatic, and the T-Roc which plays a more chic score, Volkswagen is adding a third proposal in the small SUV segment with the new Taigo. This model, already known in Brazil under the name Nivus, arrives in Europe after some adaptations. It allows the German manufacturer to offer a coupe SUV body, a silhouette that is still unique among small SUVs and very popular in the upper categories.
Unlike the T-Roc, which shares its MQB platform with the Golf, this new player uses the MQB A0 architecture of the T-Cross. And there remains a simple pull. Under its dynamic dress, the Taigo is spread over 4.27 m long, offers three gasoline engines (95, 110 and 150 hp) and ignores any form of hybridization, even light. For this first contact, it offers the best of its range with its most powerful engine and its eye-catching R-Line finish.
Volkswagen Taigo Price
Vehicle prices range between €23,850 and €32,360 (see table on next page). The attack model with the three-cylinder TSI 95 engine is only available in Life trim. This entry-level favors driving aids and security over comfort. The TSI 110 version opens up the choice between manual gearbox and DSG7 gearbox, while the TSI 150 caps the range with its four-cylinder. It is only available in the high Style and R-Line finishes, like our test model. The bill for the small Volkswagen SUV is starting to be high in this configuration with a price pointing to €32,360, but the presentation and equipment of the Taigo R-Line (see next page) play in its favour.
Driving
The raised driving position compared to that of a classic versatile city car recalls the SUV spirit of Volkswagen’s latest, even if it is possible to adjust its seat quite low. Ergonomics that adapts to all sizes and this impression of slightly dominating the roadway is reassuring in town. Under these conditions, the contained width of the vehicle (1.76 m) is easily apprehended. On the other hand, its 4.27 m long prevent it from parking in a mouse hole. But the reversing camera and parking radars fitted as standard on the R-Line finish make maneuvering easier.
The four-cylinder turbo petrol TSI 150 is particularly discreet in town. The DSG box fitted as standard shifts its seven gears without the slightest jerk, and the mechanics are hardly heard. The lightness of the steering and all the controls is also a precious ally. Only the Stop & Start system, sometimes brutal during restarts at very low speed, and the firm damping, far from the softness of a Citroën C3 Aircross, disturb the peace of mind of the occupants of the vehicle. The optional 18-inch rims of our test version obviously do not help matters when it comes to filtering out small imperfections in the road!
The 150 hp TSI is more appreciated during long journeys. Its flexibility and its availability from 1,500 rpm guarantee energetic revivals as well as tonic performances in all circumstances. But this block is thwarted in its effort by the unresponsive DSG7 robotic dual-clutch gearbox, which causes some slippage during gear changes and suffers from sometimes hesitant management. However, she participates in limit consumption (6 to 7 l/100 km) with a reasonable enough right foot. On the highway, the mechanical silence is covered by aerodynamic noise, and the 150 hp play with the terrain with insolent ease. Travel Assist semi-autonomous driving saves the driver’s effort if necessary, but the sometimes unreliable lane keeping forces him not to abuse it and to constantly keep his hands on the wheel.
For 340 € more, the R-Line finish offers an XDS electronic differential lock and customizable driving programs with four modes (Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual) influencing the steering, the engine-box assembly, the regulator or air conditioning. The Sport mode is the most appropriate to take advantage of a rather well-kept and rigorous safe chassis, but not particularly agile to go for the references of the genre like the Ford Puma.
On board
Once the door is open, it’s hard not to believe you’re on board the latest restyled Volkswagen Polo, with a slightly higher driving position. The modern presentation and the Digital Cockpit, which includes a customizable 10.25-inch panel, are flattering even if the dark colors invade the cabin. Only the Style version offers a “Visual Green Design” pack which brightens things up with its green inserts. The finish and the assemblies are neat, but some materials still stand out, such as the too low-end plastics of the door panels.
The lower roof line does not prevent the Taigo from retaining its rear seating capacity. The height under the flag remains largely sufficient so that the large templates do not touch the headlining. Only the lower glass surface makes the atmosphere less bright. The occupants benefit from a seat that is rather soft and enveloping enough to feel perfectly at ease. As always, the central space is on the other hand less welcoming and composes here with a service tunnel. Storage and door sills abound both at the front (console and central armrest) and at the rear (pockets).
With a capacity of 438 l, the trunk volume is substantially comparable to those of the soon to be restyled T-Roc (445 l) and the T-Cross (from 388 to 455 l). Rather high and long, it exploits its square shapes to be roomy. Once the rear seatbacks have been folded down, its modular double floor makes it possible to obtain a flat surface in the high position and to increase the total volume to 1,222 l in the low position. On the other hand, unlike the T-Cross, the Taigo does not offer a sliding bench seat.
Competetion
There are more and more coupe SUVs, but none of them are so small. The Renault Arkana would be the closest competitor to the Taigo, but its dimensions (4.57 m long) and its prices (from 30,100 to 36,500 €) place it on the upper floor. Although no other urban model dares to call it a somewhat hackneyed coupé, the silhouettes of the Ford Puma and Nissan Juke come a little closer to it. The first highlights its sparkling chassis and a good capacity of reception when the second bets more on its quirky style.
Among the more classic models, the Peugeot 2008, the leader of small SUVs in France, advances with a very different line but a size, prices and gasoline engines close to those of the Taigo. Between the coupe-like Volkswagen and the Peugeot with a raised break profile, the question will arise.
Find the results of the test, the technical sheet and the equipment on the following page.
