Volkswagen Taigo review

Volkswagen’s latest niche-busting coupe-crossover thing. The Taigo joins a huge range of VW SUVs on sale in the UK, all of which we will now attempt to list (at the time of writing, no doubt there’ll be a new one by the time you read this). So, deep breath. It currently sells the T-Cross, T-Roc, T-Roc Cabriolet, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace, Touareg, ID.4 and now the ID.5. Good grief.

It’s based on the MQB A0 platform that also underpins both the Polo and the T-Cross. It’s not technically an all-new car either, because it shares a great deal with the Volkswagen Nivus sold in South America. To become a Taigo it gets a couple of styling tweaks inside and out as well as different trim levels. 

So where does it sit in the range?

When it was unveiled, the general consensus was that the Taigo would become the new entry-level VW SUV on our shores. However, Volkswagen knows that the ‘coupe’ body style means it can charge extra for a little bit more ‘style’. Prices start from just under £26k, roughly £2k more than the smaller T-Cross and around £2.5k less than the larger T-Roc. Head over to the Buying tab for more.

How big is it?

It is precisely 213mm longer, 33mm taller and 6mm wider than the Polo on which it’s based. Remarkably similar, in other words. The Taigo does get a bigger boot, measuring a handy 440 litres, almost what you get in the T-Cross and basically the same as the T-Roc. It’s also largely on par with rivals including the Ford Puma, Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur.

Its selling point, however, is really its coupe-style image, and you’ll likely have already made your own mind up on the looks. It’s hardly the most eye-catching thing in the sector and the brash, full width rear lightbar splits opinion. Upper trim levels get chunky black plastic cladding all along the sills and silver roof rails for a bit more of a ‘lifestyle’ look, if that’s what you’re into.

What powertrains can I have?

The Taigo is petrol-only, with your options being a 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder with 94bhp or 113bhp, plus a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder with 148bhp. You can have manual or auto gearboxes, but front-wheel drive is standard and VW has already ruled out a GTI or R performance variant.

The 1.0-litres aren’t particularly refined. Progress is especially pedestrian with the lesser-powered version, which is comfortable enough around town but out of its comfort zone at higher speeds. We’ve tried the 1.5 in other VWs and it’s far quieter and more sprightly. The one to have, for sure.

Still, the ride is pretty smooth, particularly on the entry-level 16in alloys, absorbing bumps and potholes easily. It handles reasonably well, too, staying level and composed. As long as you’re gentle, mind.

How do I actually say the name?

Crumbs, great question. Especially as the Touareg has been around for more than two decades and we’re still not sure about it. Let the confusion endeth here: Taigo is pronounced tie-go.

People seem coupe-crossover obsessed these days, so it will come as a surprise to absolutely no one that Volkswagen has attempted to jump on the bandwagon with the Taigo. But the badge engineering feels a little obvious so the Taigo comes across as a very half-hearted effort. Quite frankly, we’d expect more.

The Taigo sells on its looks but there are more eye-catching options out there, and the interior feels a little cheap and uninspired, to us. Hmm. And while the driving experience will be familiar to anyone coming from a T-Cross or a Polo, the Ford Puma shows you can and should demand more. We know where we’d rather spend our money.