Volkswagen says that the new taigo is his first “SUV-Coupé” for the European market, assuming, from the outset, a more dynamic and fluid style than the T-Cross with which it shares its base and mechanics.
Despite being new to Europe, not 100% new, as we already knew it since last year as Nivus, produced in Brazil and sold in South America.
However, in its transition from Nivus to Taigo, the production location also changed, with the units destined for the European market being produced in Pamplona, Spain.
Longer and shorter than T-Cross
Technically derived from the T-Cross and Polo, the Volkswagen Taigo also uses the MQB A0, featuring a 2566 mm wheelbase, with just a few millimeters separating it from that of its “brothers”.
However it is noticeably longer with its 4266mm being 150mm longer than the 4110mm of the T-Cross. It is 1494mm tall and 1757mm wide, about 60mm shorter and a couple of centimeters narrower than the T-Cross.
The additional centimeters give the Taigo a generous 438 l luggage compartment, in line with the more “square” T-Cross, which ranges from 385 l to 455 l due to the sliding rear seats, a feature not inherited by the new “SUV-Coupé ”.
live up to the name
And living up to the name “SUV-Coupé” that the brand gave it, the silhouette is easily distinguished from that of its “brothers”, where the pronounced inclination of the rear window stands out, contributing to the desired more dynamic/sporty style.
The front and rear reveal more familiar themes, although the headlamps/grill (LED as standard, optional IQ.Light LED Matrix) at the front and the luminous “bar” at the rear reinforce the sporty tone by taking on sharper contours.
Inside, the design of the Taigo dashboard is also quite familiar, close to that of the T-Cross, but it is distinguished by the presence — fortunately separate from the infotainment system — of climate controls made up of tactile surfaces and few physical buttons.
It's the screens that dominate the interior design, with the Digital Cockpit (8″) being standard on every Volkswagen Taigo. Infotainment (MIB3.1) varies the size of the touchscreen according to the level of equipment, ranging from 6.5″ to 9.2″.
Still in the technological field, the latest arsenal in driving assistants is to be expected. Volkswagen Taigo can even allow semi-autonomous driving when equipped with the IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist, which combines the action of several driving assistants, assisting with braking, steering and acceleration.
only gasoline
To motivate the new Taigo we only have gasoline engines, between 95 hp and 150 hp, already known by other Volkswagens. As with other models derived from MQB A0, no hybrid or electrical variants are foreseen:
- 1.0 TSI, three cylinders, 95 hp;
- 1.0 TSI, three cylinders, 110 hp;
- 1.5 TSI, four cylinders, 150 hp.
Depending on the engine, the transmission to the front wheels is carried out either through a five- or six-speed manual gearbox, or even a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG).
Volkswagen Taigo Style
When arrives?
The new Volkswagen Taigo will start hitting the European market in late summer and the range will be structured into four equipment levels: Taigo, Life, Style and the sportier R-Line.
Optionally, there will also be packages that will allow further customization of the Taigo: Black Style Package, Design Package, Roof Pack and even an LED strip joining the headlights, only interrupted by the Volkswagen logo.
Volkswagen Taigo with Black Style Package