The fifth of the Volkswagen SUVs arrives with all the ballots to become one of the best sellers. The Volkswagen Taigo enters the Germans in a new category; coupe-style B-SUVs. We have already tried it.
The Navarra plant is considered one of the most important factories of the Volkswagen Group. For the first time in its history, it will manufacture three different models at the same time: the Polo, the T-Cross and the new volkswagen taigo, which will be manufactured exclusively for the whole world. And we have even gone to beautiful Navarra to meet the new creature. The Taigo introduces Volkswagen to an increasingly popular segment, that of coupe-like utility SUVs. It’s time to meet him
There are not one or two but three models with which Volkswagen competes in the strategically essential B-SUV market. The Volkswagen T-ROC was the first and the largest. He was joined by the Volkswagen T-Cross, which has managed to unseat the Volkswagen Polo. And finally, the Taigo, which adds a more aesthetic point of view with its fallen line, but without losing sight of the measurements of the category. 4.27 meters long, 1.76 meters wide and 1.51 meters high for a wheelbase of 2.55 meters.
Admittedly, Volkswagen has been very apparent Taigo. Despite targeting the same market as the T-Cross, it features a much more attractive and sharp look. The details are what make the difference, such as the rib that runs along the entire side, slightly inclined to give that sensation of movement. But above all the roof line, descending from the B pillar, but much more pronounced from the C pillar so as not to limit the rear seats. As for the rear, we find the resource of the LED strip in headlights that are quite reminiscent of the Audi Q8.
Volkswagen offers us several designs for the exterior: Taigo Life and Taigo R-Line. The latter, in addition to equipment, adds a more striking appearance thanks to wheels up to 18 inches, more aggressive aesthetic bumpers and different particular elements, such as false exhaust outlets, which are fully covered in the access variant. There are not many rivals that the Taigo has before it, in addition to its brothers: KIA Stonic, Ford Puma, Opel Mokka, Audi Q2 and some other best sellers.
Although on the outside the Taigo wants to differentiate himself from his brothers, on the inside he does not hide his origin. If we took a Polo and a Taigo it would be very difficult to compare them with the naked eye. Volkswagen has removed the interior of one to put it on the other. The presentation is very good, especially in the most equipped models. In terms of quality, the feeling is also good, better than that of a T-Cross. Soft materials and hard plastics are mixed to create the right feel.
Despite its urban focus, the Taigo has a very extensive equipment. As standard, it offers many elements such as digital instrumentation, 16-inch wheels or LED daytime running lights. In its maximum splendor we can add more elements such as LED matrix headlights, keyless entry and start, ambient lighting, parking camera, 9.2-inch touch screen, voice control, climate control, navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a complete safety equipment and driving assistants.
By measurements, the Taigo fits perfectly between the T-Cross and the T-ROC, in fact all three share the MQB platform. That means that its habitability in the rear seats is somewhere in between. Access is good. The door opens at a good angle, leaving a correct step, and once seated there is plenty of room for the legs and the head, although passengers over 1.85 meters may be somewhat more uncomfortable. The only thing missing is a ventilation outlet for the rear seats.
Although in Taigo it makes five seats official, it is best not to exceed four because the central square is very uncomfortable due to its narrowness and the high transmission tunnel. Regarding the cargo capacity of the trunk, the Taigo announces an excellent minimum volume of 438 liters. Seven less than the T-ROC, but 53 more than a T-Cross and 87 more than a Polo. At maximum capacity, 1,222 liters are offered. At this level it turns out to be one of the best in its category.
When it comes to mobilizing its new creature, Volkswagen has opted for the smallest range of engines in the house. Mainly the offer revolves around the three-cylinder 1.0 TSI with powers of 95 or 110 horses with five- or six-speed manual transmissions or seven-speed DSG automatic transmissions. Above all those units is the 150 horsepower 1.5 TSI block with automatic gearbox. The absence of any electrification stands out, since not even the most comfortable Mild-Hybrid systems are offered.
At the wheel of the Volkswagen Taigo
Volkswagen thinks the buyer looking for an SUV coupe is looking for a slightly different driving experience, with a slightly sportier feel. But nevertheless, Mounted on the Taigo, there is not a very big difference compared to a T-Cross or a Polo, getting closer to its older brother the T-ROC.. The driving position is good, everything is close at hand and you have very good visibility at all angles, including the rear window, except when passengers are on it.
The low power range is also nothing to worry about. The most logical purchase is the 1.0 TSI of 110 horses. Performance more than enough with a very tight consumption. What I don’t like so much is the price of the automatic gearbox, which raises the bill by around 1,300 euros, although it must be recognized that it is a highly recommended purchase due to the good feel and comfort it provides. A very mature car in that format.
And it must be recognized that the Taigo, despite being a B-SUV, is very comfortable. Noise is low, and road handling is good, even at high speeds. I can’t talk about dynamic driving because the truth is that, despite its sportier aesthetic approach, it doesn’t translate into sensations at the wheel. In any case, it is not something negative, because when talking about a current B-SUV, it is normal and what everyone is looking for.
Nor can we think of the Taigo as an adventurous model. The field catches him in passing, and his low free height will not allow us many escapades beyond simple paths. Like his brothers, he dispenses with all-wheel drive systems, sending all the force of the mechanics to the front axle. Instead, we do find driving modes. Electronic programs that seek to alter the character of the car, although they hardly really affect driving except for minor details.
The coming and going of day to day, errands and escapades are the most ideal terrain for the Taigo. Despite its urban approach, it can leave the city with all the self-confidence in the world, and It does so with relatively low consumption, between 5.4 and 6.1 liters on average per 100 kilometers (approved data). At that point, some low-consumption resource is missing, mainly hybridization that, although it would not lower the figures much, would manage to homologate a more advantageous environmental label. Something that would be very practical seeing its urban approach.
And with all that said, it’s time to talk about the ugly business of money. In its most economical format, The Volkswagen Taigo has a starting price of 24,675 euros for the 95 hp 1.0 TSI unit with Life finish. The most recommended option is the 1.0 TSI with 110 horses, as it is offered for just 765 euros more. The R Line finish is more expensive, being offered from a minimum of 28,455 euros, without offers or promotions.
No doubt the Volkswagen Taigo, like the rest of the SUV in the house, is going to be a tremendous sales success. It has everything (or almost) to succeed: a very striking appearance, a well-presented cabin, generous space and a very neutral behavior. The weakest point is the price, being significantly more expensive than other rivals, and also the fact of not being able to enjoy the advantageous ECO label of the DGT. Despite that, many will be seen on the street.