First Drive: VW Taigo offers style above all else

First Drive: VW Taigo offers style above all else

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It’s a truly interesting space in which VW is hoping to punt the newest small SUV in its portfolio – the eagerly-awaited Taigo. According to the carmaker, a Taigo buyer is someone who values style above all else with an enthusiastic attitude towards go-getting and seemingly likes an exotic-adjacent name…

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Marketing-speak sure, but VW, I think, is onto something here: See, marketing teams have done exhaustive research and hosted several seminars and focus groups on how buyers perceive cars. But more importantly, the image we hope to project by buying into a certain class of car. Like the clichéd 90s accountant in a white sedan – the space-at-the-price ratio is spot-on. Also, a quick Google search will attest to the fact that someone lacking confidence will fit any and all aftermarket parts to their car to create an illusion of size. I’ve long suspected that last one… 

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Is it stylish, though?

If you are a well-groomed-beard and patterned button-up-wearing type and are now ready to buy into a trendy small SUV that seamlessly integrates into your lifestyle, you may be wondering if it's got the style… In short, yes, it does. Where the T-Cross offers a more conventional approach to an entry-level SUV, the Taigo, which is surprisingly only 31 mm longer, 25 mm narrower and 69 mm shorter, offers a more up-to-the-minute styling method with its coupe-like silhouette.

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At the front, the range-topping Taigo R-Line models we tested on launch come with VW’s IQ.Light LED headlights with a full-width LED light strip that also happens to be standard fare on the Style derivative. The entry-level Life makes do without these, instead using standard LEDs. All models come with LED taillights that also include a light bar stretching across the boot. While space doesn't allow me to name every individual component, I’d settle on calling the overall look of the Taigo very chic. 

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The look is further enhanced with a range of wheel choices across the Taigo lineup, with 16" Belmopan silver alloys available for the Life, while the Style is fitted as standard with 17" two-tone Aberdeen wheels. The R-Line, on the other hand, also has a set of 17" wheels as standard in Valencia style and buyers can opt for the 18 '' Misano wheel, which if we're honest, is well worth the additional spend. The Life and Style models also have additional wheel options available in a bigger size. 

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Style meets function

The interior and all its features will, I’m sure, also appeal to the go-getter demographic. While the overall theme is still in line with VW’s typical approach to rationality, even the base Life model has a suite of modernity features that make a good case for the small SUV. 

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As far as the Digital Cockpit goes, drivers can see appropriate driving information digitally with the 8" system fitted to the Life, and a 10.25" system fitted to both the Style and R-Line. Connected to this is the infotainment system that also comes in sizes relative to the trim level. In the case of the Life, it's a 6.5" screen while the mid-range Style and range-topping R-Line come with an intuitive 8" system that supports the usual third-party systems like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

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Space in the cabin is plentiful and while VW has been clever in incorporating maximised rear space with the Taigo’s low-slung roof, it’d be unreasonable to expect full-blown SUV headroom. Still, someone of average height will be comfortably seated on the rear bench. Boot space is also decent at 440 litres which is more than its Toyota C-HR and Peugeot 2008 competitors have on offer. 

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Road manners

All Taigo models are powered by VW’s 1.0 TSI power unit coupled to a 7-speed DSG automatic shifter. Power is rated at 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque. In the Taigo, this engine feels reasonably responsive given its 1,184 kg bulk. Compared to its aforementioned rivals, its power output is on par with the C-HR while the 2008 trumps it in this department with 96 kW at the ready. 

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Whereas we always favour choice, especially as far as powertrains are concerned, the logic behind VW’s resolve to only offer a single configuration is a sensible one given the ever-rising cost of petrol. So, with a claimed fuel consumption of 5.4l/100 km, trips to your filling station may just be a little less painful. 

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Final sentiments

This ideal customer, this stylish go-getter that uses words like ‘BTW’ and ‘woke’ because time is of the essence will surely find favour with VW's latest model. It's stylish, all derivatives are well-equipped and on a like-for-like basis, it compares favourably to its biggest competitors, some of which are now also somewhat outdated on the features and connectivity fronts. 

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Look, it's not perfect. The generous use of cheap-feel plastic touchpoints, some intrusive road noise with the bigger wheels, and a price tag that will probably deter the value-over-style customer, are some shortcomings of the Taigo. However, for those who favour chic and perception above all else, the VW Taigo makes for one heck of a compelling purchase. 

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Pricing

VW Taigo Life 1.0 TSI - R429,900

VW Taigo Style 1.0 TSI - R464,100

VW Taigo R-Line 1.0 TSI - R486 000

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