by Kelly Fisher
The Volkswagen Taigo was launched in South Africa a few months ago and we’ve just had it on test. I’m a bit confused. I like it, but I’m still confused. Who asked for this?
What is it?
The Taigo is an SUV coupe. Think Audi’s Sportback versions of the Q3 and Q5 and the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLC- and GLE Coupes. In the Volkswagen line-up, it fits in between the T-Cross and the T-Roc. Not going to lie – I didn’t realise there was a gap to fill there. And I’m sure many others feel the same way. Nevertheless, here we are.
Styling and features
Despite not realizing the need for this vehicle, I really like the styling. It features the familiar Volkswagen family face, a wide smiling grille and similar rear styling to the T-Cross, although with a sloping roofline. On the inside, it’s a typical Volkswagen affair with excellent build quality and plenty of nice-to-have features on our particular test unit.
Standard features on the Life version include LED headlights and LED tail lights, a digital cockpit, 6.5-inch colour infotainment system, Apple Car play and Android Auto, a USB-C interface, a multi-function leather steering wheel, electric foldable exterior mirrors with heating function and 16-inch Belmopan alloy wheels.
The Taigo Style adds ambient lighting, 17-inch Aberdeen alloy wheels, park distance control in the front and rear, dynamic light assist, and an 8-inch infotainment system to name a few. Exterior details on the Style model includes a chrome strip on the rear bumper, a silver diffuser and silver anodised roof rails.
The top-of-the-line R-Line sets itself apart with stainless steel pedals, privacy glass for rear side windows and rear windows as well as 17-inch Valencia alloy wheels. It also receives an R-Line design on the bumpers.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Taigo is powered by a humble three-cylinder 1.0-litre TSI engine with 85kW and 200 N.m. It’s all you really need in this vehicle and it’s mated with Volkswagen slick seven-speed DSG ‘box. I never found myself wanting anything more or less while driving this vehicle. And isn’t that what you want in your everyday commuting vehicle? Something that doesn’t alert you to the fact that you need more power up Durbanville hill and something that doesn’t scare the pants off you if you’re a little too eager with the throttle.
Handling feels a lot like a hatchback – surprising considering that the Taigo is more SUV than hatchback. It felt solid on the road and there is very little road noise coming into the cabin.
Verdict
Overall, it’s a lovely driving experience. It’s not going to leave you itching to do robot races, but this is not what it’s for, after all. If you are in the market for an SUV coupe, then by all means take a look at the Taigo. It’s not cheap, but nothing is these days. With a Volkswagen, you are almost always guaranteed good build quality and reliable service. So, why not if this is what you want?
PRICING
Taigo Life 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG: R429 900
Taigo Style 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG: R464 100
Taigo R-Line 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG: R486 000
The Volkswagen Taigo comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty, a 3 year/ 45 000km EasyDrive Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000km. Customers have the option to extend EasyDrive Maintenance and EasyDrive Service Plans up to 10 years/ 300 000km.