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The SUV range is growing and growing. VW has also identified a gap in the range and is now filling it with a small crossover coupe. Above all, he relies on one thing.
In the sprawling SUV portfolio of VW he takes taigo the position of the pretty entry-level model. However, the price is only cheap on paper. In reality, the small crossover scores more with proven Polo technology and a brisk coupé rear.
Uses the other models from VW
If you believe the VW configurator, the Taigo with a starting price of 19.865 euros is the cheapest choice in the brand's SUV range, which now includes nine models. However, this only applies to the entry-level version. The higher you choose the equipment line, the more the Taigo surpasses the technically related, slightly shorter T-Cross. In the end, even the T-Roc, which is one class higher, is within reach. This is not surprising, since the Taigo, as a coupé crossover, belongs to a body class that is traditionally somewhat higher in terms of price and image. In addition, with a length of 4,27 meters it towers over both the T-Cross (4,11 meters) and the T-Roc (4,23 meters), but remains well below the Tiguan (4,49 meters).
The size advantage does not translate completely into space, but the Taigo is quite spacious for a crossover coupe. In the first row, of course, but especially in the rear, where taller people can also stand it. On the one hand, there is enough space above the apex, on the other hand, the windows do not taper into narrow embrasures like in many competitors, but remain comfortably large despite the sloping roof line. The trunk also suffers only a little from the flowing shape: If you don't load beyond the edge of the window, you will find much more space than in a normal small car.
One may be disturbed by the high loading sill - but that is due to the concept of crossovers. Apart from that, the goods compartment is well designed and offers a few practical extras with bag hooks and nets for small items.
touch surfaces remain
In principle, the clearly arranged interior, which comes in its basic features from the freshly lifted Polo, is also convincing. As there, VW sometimes exaggerates with the modernization. The buttons on the air conditioning system are designed as touch-sensitive control panels, which work significantly less well than classic buttons, especially when used blindly. The same applies to operating the optional large infotainment system. The smaller versions, on the other hand, have even more function keys and rotary controls. Customers also have to make compromises when it comes to the quality of the materials in the interior. The many hard plastic surfaces convince neither visually nor haptically in view of the high price level.
On the road, the VW is balanced, with a slightly tightened chassis. The tall crossover takes corners without any major body inclinations, but the clear pitching of the body is annoying when braking and starting, at least in conjunction with the most powerful 1,5-liter petrol engine (110 kW/150 hp). Then the Taigo tilts backwards so far even with a moderate step on the gas at the start that the front wheels rub over the asphalt. Even on dry roads, you're always just a few millimeters of pedal travel away from an unintentional cavalier start.
This effect is probably less pronounced with the weaker 1,0-litre petrol engines (70 kW/95 hp and 81 kW/110 hp). In general, the four-cylinder top engine in the small crossover is confident and lively - but if you are mainly on the road in the city, you should also be sufficiently served with the three-cylinders. They should also use a few tenths of a liter less fuel. Where the 1,5-liter engine with an average of 6,5 liters is anything but a drunkard. If you drive carefully, you will also get a 5 before the decimal point.
Little car for little money
If you save on the engine, you can spend the money sensibly elsewhere. Because as indicated, the Taigo is not a savings model. The entry-level variant is only available in conjunction with the smallest engine and is particularly reserved in terms of design, rolls on small steel wheels and largely dispenses with bodywork and cockpit decoration. If you want to unleash the coupé's eye-catching potential at least a little, you have to grab at least the "Life" model for 23.050 euros. However, the crossover only becomes really chic in the “Style” equipment, which costs 27.385 euros, or the “R-Line” equipment, which costs 28.260 euros. In all cases, the more powerful of the two three-cylinder engines forms the basis. Those who want the 1,5-liter engines installed in the test car pay at least 31.210 euros ("Style").
In the end, the gap in the VW model range into which the Taigo fits is not that big. But if you like the coupé-like look and don't mind the slightly larger dimensions, you will find it an interesting alternative not only to the T-Cross sister model. If the coupé rear is not required, it is worth taking a look at the T-Roc or even a classic Golf or Polo.
Technical data
Five-door, five-seater crossover coupe, length: 4,27 meters, width: 1,76 meters, height: 1,52 meters, wheelbase: 2,56 meters, trunk volume: 455 - 1.281 liters
1,5 liter four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, 110 kW/150 hp, maximum torque: 250 Nm from 1.500 - 3.500 rpm, 0-100 km/h: 8,3 s, Vmax: 212 km/h, average consumption ( WLTP cycle): 6,1 liters/100 km, CO2 emissions: 138 g/km, efficiency class: B, test consumption: 6,5 liters/100 kilometers, Price: from 31.210 euros.
In brief
Why: sleek rear meets good space
Why not: simple interior, traction problems with the big petrol engine
What else: Ford Puma, Nissan Juke, Renault Captur