The launch of the VW Taigo wants to give way to a new and attractive body to that segment that has the world so crazy, the coupé-looking urban SUVs. With it, the Wolfsburg house enters a new category that seems to be a bestseller in the coming years, both for design and for price and market positioning.
We have had the opportunity to test the Volkswagen Taigo in its R-Line configuration with the 110 hp 1.0 TSI engine and DSG automatic transmission. And we have done it in his native land, in the vicinity of Pamplona. Because this is the third model that the Navarra factory receives, one of the most efficient of the Volkswagen Group in the entire globe. As such, the plant also hosts the construction of the Polo and the T-Cross, marking the first time that it has produced three models simultaneously since Volkswagen acquired it in 1983.
The Taigo is a car created from the latest evolution of the German company’s compact modular platform (MQB-A0) . An SUV of scant dimensions with a differentiated line with respect to its blood brothers. It’s acceptably spacious, well-equipped with multiple options to make it even better.
Of course, it is only available with gasoline engines , without any type of hybridization, and in the form of front-wheel drive. Read on if you want to meet the new member of the Volkswagen urban family.
VW Taigo R-Line 1.0 TSI 110 CV DSG Exterior
At 4,266 millimeters long, 1,494 millimeters high and 1,757 millimeters wide , the Volkswagen Taigo looks compact and dynamic. Front overhang measures 844mm and rear 856mm for eye-pleasing proportions.
For its part, the front track width is 1,531 mm, and the rear 1,516 mm. Because it is clear that the design of the Taigo draws attention to its proportions. The most striking feature is its coupé-like silhouette, with the C-pillar substantially steeper than a typical SUV.
At the front we can see the features of the urban Volkswagen family with forms similar to those of the Polo, T-Roc and T-Cross. However, in the Taigo they have made an effort to make it a little more dynamic , especially if it comes equipped with the somewhat sportier R-Line tuning package.
Starting from the Style equipment line, the Taigo incorporates as standard the new Matrix LED IQ.Light headlights and an illuminated crossbar in the grille, a new feature that is slowly coming to the entire Volkswagen range.
The side view is also characterized by very precise and sharp lines, which together with the wheels up to 18 inches and the black plastic mesh in the wheel arch accentuate the crossover character . The spoiler above the tailgate has been purposely enlarged to “increase the functionality of the vehicle”, says Volkswagen. The beltline with black-tinted trim visually lowers the Taigo’s center of gravity, while creases that cross below it flow from the A-pillar to the headlamps.
At the rear, what catches the eye at first glance is the transverse light bar . This consists of a main element on the right and left of the bodywork and a second segment that extends over the tailgate.
The headlamp unit, with the dark rim, makes the rear end design more striking and the Taigo as a whole has a more dynamic and quality look. But, how could it be otherwise, the lower part suffers from a piano black finish (R-Line) and false exhaust outlets .
VW Taigo Interior
On board, the Taigo has convincing technological equipment as standard , starting with a multifunction steering wheel and the digital instrument panel. The infotainment system is based on the latest generation of local software , which may include the eSIM online control unit and App-Connect Wireless (depending on equipment).
The climate control also lacks physical buttons, as the control unit has raised touch surfaces and touch-sensitive sliders that improve the screen feel somewhat.
The 2,566mm wheelbase gives all passengers a comfortable, slightly elevated position . Compared to the Polo and T-Cross, the wheelbase has been increased by two and three millimeters respectively. Knee and legroom between the pair of front seats and the rear bench seat is comfortable, even for tall passengers, but not enough to fit three of them comfortably. Headroom is also ample across all seats, with 1,019mm between the base and roof at the front and 964mm at the rear.
With regard to the driving position, the Taigo offers as standard the house’s digital instrument panel in eight-inch format (expandable to 10.25″ as an option). On the right, at the top of the dashboard, the up to 9.2” multimedia system allows access to the radio, smartphone functions via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and many applications. It also comes standard with electrically adjustable heated mirrors, power windows on all windows and a rubbery dashboard.
The overall feel exudes quality and good fit, especially considering that the Taigo belongs to the B-segment. Of course, we will find hard plastics (in the lower area of the dashboard and front door panels, and in the rear) and some than another detail of questionable taste (such as the lack of a trim in the hole for the warning triangles in the inner section of the trunk lid), but, grosso modo , it is better finished than some rivals in the segment such as the Opel Mokka.
VW Taigo Trunk
The trunk capacity is an outstanding 438 liters . This means that, despite having a coupé-like silhouette, the new Taigo offers almost as much storage space as the T-Cross with the sliding rear bench (from 385 to 455 liters) with all seats.
Under the carpet we find the famous anti-puncture kit , the reflective vest and the warning triangles (instead of in the dedicated space in the inner lining of the tailgate) in a hole of a standard spare wheel.
To improve the ergonomics of having to remove the compendium of a puncture, Volkswagen has provided the Taigo with a pair of hooks for the lower tray. There are also a couple of hooks for hanging bags.
This is normal in almost all the trunks of the globe, but few SUVs comparable in size exist that have more trunk. Only the Ford Puma, with 456 liters, the MINI Cooper Countryman, with 450 liters and the MG ZS with 448 liters. The gate is manually opened with no option to be electric.
VW Taigo Equipment
The Volkswagen VW Taigo is marketed in four trim levels: Taigo, Life, Style, and R-Line . Buyer-favorites like LED headlights and a digital instrument cluster come standard on the Taigo, as they do on the new Polo. The possible conflicts of choice between the individual components are in charge of the chosen equipment line or the extensive list of options that the German company offers us.
Among the clearest customization alternatives, we have the possibility of choosing between eight plain colors (five metallic tones and one with a pearl effect) and the so-called Roof Pack , which dyes the roof black with any of the colors (except Deep Black ).
The size of the alloy wheels also depends on the equipment line selected, and ranges between 16 and 18 inches (the size of the tires ranges from 205/60 R16 to 215/45 R18; and a handicap for the versions 95 hp are the rear drum brakes).
Numerous options include sunroof and panoramic spoiler, Digital Cockpit Pro with 10.25-inch screen, ArtVelours seat upholstery, ambient lighting, voice control, Black Style design package on R-Line trim and the Beats sound system with 300 watts and six speakers. The amplifier is housed in the spare wheel well in the boot to save space. This means that flexible use of the luggage compartment (Varibo function) is still possible without restrictions.
Extensive safety equipment includes a central airbag, which is located on the driver’s side, in the rear seat backrest. In the event of a collision, it opens towards the center and protects the driver and front passenger from colliding with each other and therefore from possible injuries. Another new safety feature is the lap belt pretensioner, which tightens the seat belt in the pelvic area. As an option, a detachable trailer hitch with a maximum vertical load of 55 kg can be chosen.
Regarding ADAS systems , Volkswagen offers two packs : Hello Security and Hello Comfort . The first includes the involuntary lane change assistant and the semi-automatic parking system (965 euros in the Life finish and 560 euros in the R-Line). For its part, the “Hello Comfort” pack varies according to the finish.
In the Life it includes the keyless entry and start system, the rear view camera and the induction charging surface for mobile phones (790 euros). In the R-Line add and inductive charge for mobile phones (1,075 euros).
VW Taigo Motor
The VW Taigo offers a choice of three different engines : either the 1.0 TSI three-cylinder unit with 95 hp and 175 Nm associated with a five-speed manual gearbox, or the same block, but tightened up to 110 hp and 200 Nm ; In this case, we can equip a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (DSG) from the house or opt for a six-speed manual. The ranking in the range is put by the block of four cylinders 1.5 TSI of 150 CV and 250 Nm , with automatic change to the force.
Our test unit featured the intermediate engine and automatic gearbox, the version that is expected to be the best-seller in the Taigo range. With a mass of 1,260 kilos , the German crossover approves an average consumption of 6 l/100 km and CO 2 emissions of 134 g/km , plausible figures to achieve if we are moderate with the right pedal. Otherwise, we can increase the average above 7.5 l/100 km if the biggest problem. With the manual gearbox, the average consumption remains at 5.5 l/100 km.
In terms of performance, the 110 hp Volkswagen Taigo 1.0 TSI with DSG transmission completes the race from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds , marking a top speed of 191 km/h . They are features similar to those of their counterparts T-Roc and T-Cross, and as we will see below, more than enough for the vast majority of users. For those looking for better numbers, the 1.5 TSI engine drops in the sprint to 100 km/h to 8.3 seconds and increases the top to 212 km/h, with average consumption that barely rises (6.1 l/h). 100 km).
VW Taigo Behavior
The technical base of the new Taigo is propitiated in the transversal modular platform (MQB) of the Volkswagen Group , specifically the MQB-A0 perfected for the most urban models. This skeleton provides many advantages, such as high body rigidity, excellent crash protection properties and low body weight. Thanks to it, the Taigo also benefits from the group’s latest generation of assistance and multimedia systems. But here we are going to deal with how it goes.
To begin with, the sound of the three-cylinder engine is barely noticeable on board , not even when we exceed 120 km/h. This is helped by the amount of insulation that separates us from the outside, which is not small, because from the outside if the sound of the block is perceived.
Even so, this is already an old acquaintance within the Volkswagen urban, being moderately refined and offering both decent performance and moderate consumption. In this case, if we really want to make adjusted consumption, it is better to go to the manual version .
Volkswagen’s DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox is one of the best in its class, that’s for sure. But not all are set up the same way.
In the case of the Taigo, so that consumption prevails over performance, the transmission has been calibrated to work as conservatively as possible . This means that, on occasions, we can be driving in sixth gear at 50 km/h, where it is already beginning to be noticed that the engine is “biting the connecting rod” (something that is not healthy for the engine’s health either).
With the gear selector in Sport (S) or Manual (M) mode , it responds substantially better to our demands, both uphill and downhill, and the paddles behind the wheel meet what is expected of them.
To improve the feel of the whole, it is essential to activate the most dynamic driving mode , where the direction becomes a little heavier and more direct, the transitions between gears stretch more and the accelerator becomes more sensitive to our right foot movements. . But don’t be fooled.
The Volkswagen Taigo is not a car designed to go around corners at a light pace. He can with them, but it is not his favorite terrain. Its orientation is urban and suitable for long trips without getting tired .
A vehicle that offers you a higher driving position and a fairly extensive technological endowment in an increasingly exploited segment. The Taigo has what many are really looking for, and it’s just a matter of assessing whether it deserves the premium price compared to the Polo or the T-Roc. Because the Taigo is “a car that is worth everything” .
Review Volkswagen VW Taigo R-Line 1.0 TSI 110 CV DSG By Cubzauto
Positioned between the T-Cross and the T-Roc within Volkswagen’s urban SUV range –although by length it is the largest of the three–, the Taigo will attract a large part of the clientele due to its design and equipment. As is the norm at Volkswagen, it doesn’t look anything extraordinary, but it really doesn’t falter either . It’s comfortable, it’s relatively roomy and safe, and it offers a dynamic performance that is sure to win over the vast majority of drivers (not all of them are looking to cut every gear).
The access version, with the 95 hp 1.0 TSI engine and the Life finish, starts at 24,690 euros , while the unit we have tested, with the selected equipment, is 33,890 euros .
