Volkswagen is mighty sure that Europeans could do with yet another sub-compact SUV. It’s called the Taigo and if it looks familiar, that’s because we’ve already seen it in South America were it was introduced last year as the Nivus. VW claims that it’s the “first SUV coupe to be launched in the small car segment,” even if it looks more like a Polo on stilts than a true SUV.
Based on the same MQB A0 platform as the T-Cross, the Taigo has a lower, coupé-style roofline while also being around 160 mm longer at 4,270 mm and wider than the former at 1757 mm. It rides on a 2,566 mm wheelbase that’s just a hair longer than that of the related Polo and T-Cross.
That rakish roofline though comes at the expense of boot space as the Taigo has a capacity of 438 liters, compared to 455 liters for the T-Cross. If you’re familiar with the recently updated Polo’s interior, you’ll feel right at home inside the Taigo as beyond the color choices, the two models are virtually indistinguishable. As such you get the latest generation of VW’s MIB3 infotainment system paired to either an 6.5-inch or an optional 9.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an all-digital gauge cluster. Options include touch-sensitive climate controls and the IQ.Drive package that bundles a collection of driver assistance systems.
Available exclusively with front-wheel drive, European buyers will be able to choose from two gasoline (petrol) engines at launch, a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder TSI delivering 94 hp or 109 hp, and a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 148 hp. The 94 hp unit will be paired to a standard 5-speed manual, with the 109 hp engine offering a choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG dual clutch transmission. While pricing has yet to be communicated, expect the Taigo to carry a small premium over the T-Cross when Volkswagen begins to accept orders in the final quarter of the year with first customer deliveries arriving early next year.
