Volkswagen Taigo test: started in South America, now also in the Netherlands | Car

VW Taigo 1.0 TSI (81 kW/110 hp) DSG-7, from €32,590

Volkswagen already had an SUV based on the Polo: the T-Cross. But the Taigo, also based on the Polo, is an SUV coupe and it looks just a bit more exciting and elegant. Its more stretched shape helps with this: it is 16 centimeters longer than the T-Cross and 8 centimeters lower.

Its coupé roofline leads to less headroom in the rear seat, but it is still good to live with. The legroom there is also just sufficient. The seats are comfortable. The interior looks a bit simple and colorless, but the Taigo does not have to be ashamed of it. In addition, most materials feel pleasant to the touch.

The infotainment offers almost everything you expect in a modern car. Fortunately, there is still a separate control panel for the climate settings. Only the touch buttons that you operate with a swipe movement require some getting used to.

The design of the control lever of the automatic transmission is somewhat dated and the trend of an electric parking brake has also passed the Taigo. The same goes for the whip antenna on the roof, which you have to unscrew at the car wash, instead of a modern shark fin antenna.

The boot of 438 liters is big enough for a car of this price and only 17 liters less than that of the T-Cross. The 1.0 TSI petrol engine delivers excellent performance. It shows sufficient flexibility and power and appears to be reasonably economical (test consumption 1 in 16). The 7-speed automatic transmission works fine: unobtrusive and fast.

The handling of the Taigo is just good. This isn’t the most exciting car to drive in its price range, but that’s not its mission either. The chassis shows a nice mix of firm handling and more than sufficient suspension comfort.

Plus
+ Sufficient seating and luggage space.
+ Fine drivetrain.
+ Excellent handling.
+ Good equipment.

min
– Whip antenna.
– No electric parking brake.
– Affordable is a relative concept at VW.

Conclusion
The VW Taigo convinces as a user-friendly family car that looks just that little bit more exciting. It has a great drivetrain and just drives well. Only in detail does he not quite keep up with the developments of the moment.

The Taigo is 11 centimeters longer than a Polo and even 3 centimeters longer than the more expensive VW T-Roc. But it does have a larger wheelbase, which ultimately results in more interior space.

One of the most serious competitors of this VW is the Hyundai Bayon. That compact SUV coupe also looks very good, our test showed earlierand it’s temptingly priced.

Depending on the engine version, the Taigo can tow a braked trailer of 1100 to 1200 kg.

Four-year warranty: that used to be different at Volkswagen.

The load floor is height-adjustable and the rear seat backrest can be folded in two unequal parts.

The Taigo is for sale from €28,590. Then you get the 1.0 TSI petrol engine with 70 kW/95 hp power and a manual gearbox. This three-cylinder engine has been tested in a more powerful version: the 1.0 TSI 81 kW/110 hp with DSG-7 automatic transmission. It is listed in the price list from €32,590. In this case, it also has the R-Line equipment, bringing its price to €36,290. And then the test car is also equipped with the options Multimedia Package (€670), Comfort Package (€690), Design Package (€1,570) and Theft Alarm (€290). This brings the total price of the tested Taigo to €39,510. There is also an engine version with 1.5 TSI (110 kW/150 hp) and DSG-7 automatic transmission. It is in the price list from €38,840.

In our extensive file Autotest you will find all previously published tests.