TopGear has just got off the new Volkswagen Taigo. You can read our full test report in our January issue (December 16 in stores); now the highlights.
Test object: Volkswagen Taigo
Performance: 1.5 TSI 150 hp Style
Location: central Netherlands
Weather conditions: cold and wet, then sunny, then wet
Another crossover?
Not just any crossover. An SUV coupe, you can see that.
Okay: another SUV coupe?
Sure, but this time pocket-sized. After the trend in the larger segments took shape, it is increasingly flowing downwards. Via the Mercedes GLC, Audi Q3 Sportback and Renault Arkana to the Ford Puma. And now this Volkswagen Taigo.
Does VW not have enough tall little ones yet?
Apparently they are bought by, say, people with extensive life experience. Polo buyers are a lot younger again, but sometimes they also want something higher and hipper. Ergo: there was a niche to fill. And in South America, VW already had the Nivus driving around, which fit right in. It was modified in details and now appears here as Volkswagen Taigo. So this car has nothing to do with the T-Cross, except that it is on the same MQB platform.
How does the Volkswagen Taigo compare to other VWs?
It has slightly less luggage space than the T-Cross, but is slightly longer than the T-Roc. While it still operates a segment higher. Inside it is nicer than those two: no shiny wheelie bin dashboard. You can see his non-European roots in the fact that he has no pats on the steering wheel and that there is still a regular handbrake between the seats. For us anti-overdigitalists, that’s a plus.
And in terms of equipment and gadgets?
Two screens – a nice counter case and a central touch display that you can optionally enlarge to 8 inches. Charging tray and USB-C. All the driving assistance you want, including the pretty capable Travel Assist. Cool colors and visual packages. So completely 2022-proof.
How does he drive?
As you would expect from a small Volkswagen: fine for what it is. Friendly, numb steering, a chassis that offers enough comfort without getting weak. It is available with the well-known 1.0 TSI or 1.5 TSI petrol engines – we drive the latter, which has 150 hp and always comes with a DSG transmission. A smooth and pleasant, but pricey powertrain (39 grand!). A three-cylinder with manual gearbox and some options would probably be our choice.
When can I buy the Volkswagen Taigo? And for how much?
It will be at the dealer in January, but can already be ordered. Dutch prices currently start at 28,590 euros; they will drop to about 26 grand with the arrival of a bare-bones entry-level version. In Belgium, prices start at 24,865 euros.
Read our full driving test of the Volkswagen Taigo in TopGear Magazine 199 – in stores from 16 December!
#Volkswagen #Taigo #Polosized #SUV #coupe #drives