Verdict
The Volkswagen Taigo is pretty much everything that you’d expect of a VW, which for most people is a good thing. It’s generally well-made and easy to live with, plus it cuts a dash and comes with some impressive engines. Practical and well equipped, it may not be an especially high-profile model within VW’s range, but there’s a lot to like about the Taigo, even if it won’t set your pulse racing. Be thorough with your pre-purchase checks though, ensuring that everything works as it should and that the interior isn’t damaged, because as our Driver Power surveys show, some owners have found their VWs to be less bullet-proof than they were expecting.
It’s easy to be bewildered by Volkswagen’s extensive SUV line-up, which stretches from the T-Cross to the Touareg, with the T-Roc, Tiguan and Tayron along the way. There’s a lot to take in – no fewer than 10 models by the time you’ve included the electric options – but one of the lesser-known offerings is the Taigo, which VW added to its range four years ago.
Essentially a coupé version of the T-Cross, the Taigo is one of VW’s smallest SUVs – it’s the size of a Polo supermini – and thanks to the brand’s pragmatism it’s a very appealing small car. Stretched by 150mm over the T-Cross it’s derived from, the Taigo offers a roomy cabin and a spacious boot despite having a more rakish back end, plus in terms of affordability and availability it’s as accessible as you’d expect a small VW to be. So, is there a catch?
History
Volkswagen unveiled the Taigo in July 2021, then four months later it went on sale. There was a choice of Life, Style and R-Line trims, while buyers could pick between 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI petrol units; the former came with either 94bhp or 109bhp, while the latter had 148bhp. The 94bhp engine was offered only with a five-speed manual gearbox, the 109bhp unit was available with six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG) transmissions, and the 1.5 TSI came in DSG form only; all were front-wheel drive with no four-wheel-drive option.
