The Taigo is the first compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) from Volkswagen to feature coupé-like styling. It still has four-doors however but with the sloping roof usually expected of a coupé. Rear headroom though is perfectly fine and the new Taigo is bang up to date with that diverse range of qualities buyers have come to expect from the German brand. This new compact SUV offers a typically VW blend of the latest technology, style, practicality and quality with added focus on connectivity and scope for personalisation that is so popular these days.
On The Outside
The Taigo is a little longer than VW’s T-Cross, but slightly lower too, emphasising a sporty character. UK prices start at around £22,000 for the car in basic ‘Life’ specification; the model featuring a 1.0 litre, three-cylinder 93 bhp (95 PS / 71kW) petrol TSI engine driving through a 5-speed manual gearbox. There’s also a more powerful and perhaps preferable version of this engine plus a 1.5 litre four-pot with 148bhp, both with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox.
The Taigo is equipped as standard with LED headlights while the brand’s innovative ‘IQ Light’ LED matrix headlights are fitted as standard on the ‘Style’ model upwards. There’s a suite of driver assistance systems, also standard, providing safety and assurance. These include Lane Change Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Park Assist with front and rear parking sensors, and more besides.
Out at the corners the Volkswagen Taigo Life’s 16-inch black alloy wheels, front fog lights, LED headlights and black-finished roof rails complement its sharp styling. Comfort and convenience features include logo projection lighting from the car’s door mirrors; a multifunction camera and electrically-folding door mirrors. Step up to the desirable R-Line trim builds upon that of the Life, offering a sportily-styled alternative with 17-inch alloy wheels and R-Line exterior styling with bespoke bumpers (fenders). As ever there is a vast array of options to truly personalise the car.
On The Inside
Whichever trim level is selected, the Taigo is equipped as standard with an 8.0” Digital Cockpit, a multifunction steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging; a fatigue detection system and curtain airbags in the front, with a central airbag adding to the numerous safety features of this rather charismatic new compact SUV, across every trim level.
Comfort and good vision are assured thanks to the higher seating position and ground clearance of the SUV. Personalisation is provided via a wide and vibrant range of paint colours, while further customisation is available optionally across various aspects of the interior. Apparently we car buyers are clamouring for high levels of technology and connectivity and these are met, with wireless App-Connect and wireless smartphone charging, as well as streaming and internet services, all included from Life trim upwards.
On the R-Line variant extra styling cues are present, with a black roof-lining, R-Line badging on the floor mats and an R-Line specific multifunction steering wheel, plus added luxuries like ambient lighting; 2-zone ‘Climatronic’ (don’t we just love the car industry’s made-up words) climate control; an upgraded, 10.25” Digital Cockpit Pro dashboard display; and an 8.0-inch Discover Navigation infotainment system. The driver can also select between profiles to change the characteristics of the car’s drive, to suit sportier or more relaxed driving styles. Rear privacy glass adds to the dynamic look and is also standard on the Taigo Style.
On The Road
Even with the larger wheels on the higher specification trims, the Taigo is a very comfortable car with a ride that is well-sorted right on the sweet spot between smooth comfort and brisk sportiness. Sticking with the tennis analogy, it has to be said this small family car, with well controlled body lean in corners and well balanced steering that weights up as the speed rises, tends to knock some similar vehicles from other car makers out of the court. Bang on trend, this car is available to import from the UK through the comprehensive MHH International service. Get in touch for more details.
