Volkswagen Taigo review

The Volkswagen Taigo is the firm’s latest SUV-style model, and is a coupe version of the popular T-Roc. It’s like deciding to go for a shorter haircut but going for the same basic design. 

You get the same face as the Polo hatchback alongside some additional trim pieces to make it more aggressive and like a crossover, while there’s now a lightbar connecting the headlights like most newer VW models. 

It’s got a sleek side profile, ending with a small spoiler on the roofline. You also get some SUV-style cladding around the wheel arches and additional detailing around the back. ‘Taigo’ is also written out under the number plate and rear lightbar. Meanwhile, roof bars add to its SUV feel. You can also choose from multiple two-tone paint options on the mid- and top-spec models. 

It doesn’t have the most exciting cabin, but you’re able to get a 10-inch touchscreen alongside a digital instrument display – the latter of which comes as standard. You also get climate controls with proper easy-to-use dials right out of the box, but higher-spec models get the annoying sliding touchbar setup introduced in the latest Golf. This doesn’t work very well.

Still, there’s decent space up front and visibility is okay – even if the rear window is a bit small. That said, adults passengers will find the second row a bit tight for space. The roof slopes slightly so taller people will struggle to get completely comfortable, while legroom is also a bit limited. 

You get 438 litres of storage capacity in the boot and the load lip is quite small.  You can fold the seats down to be mostly flat and open up even more storage space, too. The Taigo’s boot is larger than the Kia XCeed’s, but with its additional sink under the floor, the Ford Puma has 456 litres to offer.

VW has changed its trim line-up across its models, so with the Taigo there’s only three you need to choose from – Life, Style and R-Line. You get decent equipment levels across all three trims, with R-Line giving you the sportiest finish both inside and out.

With a decent level of kit throughout the line-up, the sweet spot is the Style trim with the 110hp petrol engine and six-speed manual.

You get a choice of two engines, both of which are petrol. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder comes with two power options – 95hp or 110hp – while the four-cylinder 1.5-litre is only offered with 150hp. You can have manual or automatic transmissions across the line-up, while the top-end power option can only come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

Choosing the 110hp will give you more than enough power to work with, while the six-speed manual transmission is smooth and easy to use. The automatic is okay, but just be wary of it being jerky on getaway. 

When you get out on the road, the Taigo feels stable and secure – but if you’re after an exciting and invigorating experience, you may want to look elsewhere. The suspension soaks up the majority of bumps on the road well, with only the largest ones making an impact on the cabin, especially on the 17-inch wheels. 

Around town, the Taigo has light steering to make going in and out of traffic very easy. It’s compact enough for most spaces too, even the smallest ones in car parks. Then out on the motorway, it’s very easy to live with, as there’s only a slight wind whistle from the roof rails and wing mirrors. Tyre noise can be intrusive on larger wheels though.

Even though it isn’t the most exciting, the Volkswagen Taigo is a capable compact crossover that is on the more affordable end of the market. Some of the finishes might not be the best, but the overall quality is more than good enough for most. 

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