Driven: Volkswagen Taigo R-Line
Due to the great demand for compact SUVs, vehicle manufacturers have expanded their line-up to include compact-coupe SUVs, which provide all the features of larger coupe SUVs but on a smaller scale (i.e. reduced passenger and luggage space) and at a cheaper initial and operating cost. This festive season, we had an opportunity to spend time with one such compact-coupe SUV, the Volkswagen Taigo. The unit on test came in R-Line trim, which was most welcomed.
Quick facts:
- 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine (85kW/200Nm)
- 7-Speed DSG transmission
- Multi-color Digital Cockpit Pro 10,25-inch, 8-inch Infotainment display, Bluetooth,
4 x USB Type C, 6 speakers, App- Connect
- Park distance control (front and rear), IQ. LIGHT - LED Matrix headlamps with LED separate daytime running lights
- Electronic stability control (ESP) incl. ABS with brake assistant
Introduction:
The Volkswagen T-series SUV line-up in South Africa is already formidable with the Touareg, Tiguan, Tiguan AllSpace, T-Roc and T-Cross, however, the latest addition in the form of the stylish Taigo makes the line-up even more impressive. The Taigo has a sporty look and feel, which should bode well with potential customers looking for an exciting alternative to compact SUVs.
Performance:
The Taigo is powered by a 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine with an output of 85kW and 200Nm (Power and Torque respectively) that is mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission, which is not sluggish at all. Both urban traffic and highway drives were comfortable with this powertrain. The solo drives were just as much fun as drives with passengers and/or load, with relatively easy overtakes where necessary (it maintains momentum admirably on hilly sections of road and doesn't require much effort to pick up speed). The claimed fuel consumption (combined cycle) is 5,4 l/100km, with the urban cycle specified as 6,2 l/100km. After doing just under 2000 km of mostly urban drive, we managed about 6,7 l/100km. We think that this is not bad at all and it’s a good selling point for the Taigo in terms of efficiency. Since the Taigo engine is a Euro 6 emission, we used to the recommended fuel specification of 95 unleaded petrol. The stop/start function also helps with fuel efficiency when idling.
Exterior:
The Taigo commanded attention everywhere we went, whether driving past or just parked, with its sporty and stylish exterior design. Night-time driving was also just as exciting with the IQ. Light LED Matrix. The R-Line trim that includes the black roof rails and the 17-inch alloy wheels gives the Taigo a premium and performance feel. The full-width light bar across the tailgate creates a sleek look. The front end gives it a wider appearance without actually being any bigger on the road.
Interior:
You'll feel right at home right away inside the Taigo thanks to the interior's thoughtful layout, which places all the necessary knobs and controls in predictable locations. In place of the more conventional analogue dials, the inside also has a crisp digital display that can show a variety of information in addition to speed, range, fuel efficiency, and other metrics. An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a few touch-sensitive shortcut buttons is also included with the Taigo. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto smartphone mirroring (so you can use your phone apps on the screen) are a few of the features that come standard.
The Taigo has large headroom and back-sliding seats that provide plenty of legroom. There won't be any shoulder rubbing between you and your front-seat companion because of the outstanding width. The inside of the Taigo is of a respectable calibre, featuring a leather steering wheel, delightfully soft materials throughout the console and interior cloth trim seats
Both front and rear parking sensors are standard on the Taigo, while a rear-view camera is an optional addition (included in the unit on test).
Despite the sloping roofline, the Taigo has an impressive boot space with a capacity of 440 litres (volume of the closed luggage compartment behind the second row of seats). It fits six carry-on suitcases in reality, and it can easily fit a stroller or a good bulk purchase from your local grocery store.
Safety:
The safety features include hill-start assist and electronic stability control (ESP) incl. ABS with brake assistant, and a driver alert system that senses drowsiness. The Taigo has driver’s and front passenger airbags, side front airbags as well as curtain airbags for both front and rear. The Taigo also has seatbelt reminders even for rear passengers.
Conclusion:
While those coming from the T-Cross or Polo will be familiar with the driving experience, the Taigo does offer something unique for potential buyers which is the sportier looks. There are just three trim levels available for the Taigo: Life, Style, and R-Line. All the trims feature reasonable levels of equipment, but the R-Line has the sportiest interior and exterior design. The starting price for the Taigo (Life) is R481,100.000 and goes all the way up to R545,200.000 for the R-Line. Volkswagen describes this model as ‘the ultimate cross between style and practicality’ and we think that it fits the description.
