VW

Taigo

The five-door VW Taigo is a dynamically-designed compact SUV that is very big on style, character and appeal. Buyers can choose from a range of trims, engines and transmissions and all models are competitively priced.

The good

Styling, running costs and performance

The bad

A little cramped in the back

Tech Specs

Price from

£23,155

Combined Fuel up to

52mpg

0-62 from

8.2 seconds

max speed up to

131mph

co2 from

124g/km

Test Drive

VW Taigo R-Line 1.0 110PS

If there is anyone out there that is still strong in their convictions that compact SUVs lack true character and appeal then they need to check out the new VW Taigo with its dynamic coupe-like styling – they will soon change their opinion.

It sits snugly in VW’s crossover SUV line-up between the T-Cross and T-Roc and is available in trim levels called Life, Style and R-Line. Buyers can also choose from a number of engine and gearbox configurations.

We opted for the Taigo R-Line powered by a punchy three-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine. With 110PS of power and 200Nm of torque it could reach 62mph from a standing start in 10.4 seconds and maxed out at 119mph, while delivering a combined 51.4mpg with 125g/km of carbon emissions.

Our Taigo cost £27,565 (£32,135 with options) and certainly gained plenty of admiring glances with its dynamic, athletic design. It has a sloping roofline, full width rear light bar, panoramic sunroof, black roof and mirror caps, tinted rear windows, wheel arch coverings, LED Matrix headlights and 18-inch Misano alloys.

Step inside and the interior is upmarket and minimalist in its design and layout. The sports seats can be heated to fend off the winter chill and creature comforts are plentiful, with the likes of an 8.0-inch infotainment system offering access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a sat nav system, DAB radio and full climate control.

Once again there is lots of R-Line badging along with a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a neat 10.25-inch driver information screen displaying all the vital driving data. Four USB-C charging ports will help keep occupants fully connected on the move.

When it comes to performance, the front-wheel drive Taigo offers sharp acceleration through the six-speed manual gearbox making it easy to overtake slower moving vehicles.

On twisting B roads, it is well balanced with good grip and efficient suspension to smooth out any unexpected dips. The quite light steering is perfect for lots of tight twists and turns in city centres, but not quite so rewarding on testing lanes where a little more weight would be appreciated.

Drive modes called Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual alter the characteristics and reactions of the car, but generally Comfort is ideal for day-to-day driving.

The Taigo can quickly reach and cruise at 70mph on motorways with very little road surface or engine noise filtering into the cabin. And it’s nice and agile in busy city centres with decent enough driver visibility.

Space within the Taigo impresses especially up front where a couple of six footers can stretch out. There is enough room in the back for another two adults if the front seats are not pushed right back, or alternatively, a trio of youngsters. Isofix fixtures on the outer rear seats makes fitting a child seat an easy task.

The boot floor is adjustable for convenience and it can swallow 440 litres of luggage measured to the parcel shelf. Drop the 60:40 split-folding rear seats flat and that capacity increases to a very generous 1,222 litres with convenient hooks to help prevent any shopping bags rolling around.

Additional storage options throughout the cabin include a glovebox, door bins with room for a bottle, trays, a compact central cubby, a sunglasses compartment, seat back pockets, quite small front cup holders, plus a hidden compartment beneath the front seats.

The Taigo was awarded a maximum five stars when tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating and boasts the likes of front assist and city emergency braking system, lane keep assist, traffic jam assist, hill hold, automatic post collision braking, park assist and lots more besides.

All in all, the VW Taigo is the ultimate proof that a family SUV need not be the size of a dumper truck to be practical. Instead, it highlights that a neatly styled and compact unit can be just as rewarding.