Description
After the SUV coupe evolution, more and more carmakers tried to offer something on that segment, dominated in the beginning by premium brands.
But the customers with not-so-deep pockets could only dream of an affordable SUV Coupe. Yet, it came in the shape of the Renault Arkana for the European and South American market, while the US customers were left aside.
In 2021, Volkswagen reconsidered its strategy and introduced the Taigo as a crossover coupe based on the same MQB A0 platform as the T-Roc. Its higher ground clearance and sporty-aggressive stance were enhanced by the front fascia, which featured a light strip across the grille, stretched from side to side. The LED daytime running lights surrounded the headlights, with an angular shape on the outer corners. On the lower part of the bumper, the carmaker installed an A-shaped grille that helped to cool the engine.
From its side, the roof descended behind the C-pillars in a short fastback style. Its Kamm back design was adorned at the top of the tailgate with a roof spoiler. The back of the car didn’t reveal any big surprises. Volkswagen followed the same horizontal-line design theme that became a common feature for most of its models.
Inside, the carmaker offered the MIB3 infotainment system fitted as standard on the entire range. Depending on the options, a digital instrument cluster for the driver. Like the T-Roc, the Taigo provided limited legroom for adults seated on the rear seats.
Under the hood, Volkswagen dropped a small engine range with three and four cylinders paired to a five or six-speed manual or a seven-speed (dual-clutch) automatic.
Press Release
The stage is set for a new body shape from the Volkswagen brand: With the new compact crossover Taigo, Volkswagen is launching an SUV coupé on the European market for the first time. The front-wheel drive Taigo is a real crowd-pleaser with its trendy crossover body style, raised seating positions, pioneering connectivity and unrestricted suitability for everyday use. The rear of the five-seater car slopes backwards in the style of a coupé, without restricting headroom in the back seat. This sees Volkswagen expand the portfolio of the compact Polo (hatchback) and T-Cross (SUV) models built on the MQB platform with a third chassis variant, which has previously been primarily reserved for high-end models. Numerous latest-generation assistance systems guarantee optimum comfort and a high level of safety for all passengers.
The new Volkswagen Taigo focusses on design, individuality and emotion. With full LED head-lights, an all-digital cockpit and the latest generation of infotainment systems (MIB3) as standard, the SUV coupé measuring in at just under 4.26 metres sets high technology standards in its class. The expressive body shape is the first of its kind in the Volkswagen brand's model portfolio. With a crossover body style and a silhouette like that of a coupé, the new Taigo - just like its Brazilian counterpart the Nivus - is perfectly equipped for winning over new, predominantly young and young-at-heart groups of buyers for Volkswagen. The technical basis of the Taigo is Volkswagen's MQB. Depending on the options selected, the Taigo also comes with the new IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and an illuminated radiator grill crossbar.
The Volkswagen Taigo's design is characterised by strong proportions, with the silhouette like that of a coupé being particularly striking with the C pillar slanting well forward. Inspired by SUV coupés in higher vehicle classes, this makes the Taigo unique in its sector.
On the inside, the Volkswagen Taigo scores with an elaborately designed multifunctional steering wheel and modern control elements as standard. The infotainment systems are based on the third generation of MIB3, including an online control unit (eSIM) and "App Connect Wireless" (depending on the configuration). Features such as access to streaming services, natural voice control and cloud-based personalisation using "Volkswagen ID" allow the use of the latest MIB3.1 services, depending on the configuration.
And when it comes to driver assistance for more comfort and safety, the new SUV coupé is very similar to Volkswagen models from higher sectors. Every Taigo comes with assistance systems such as the surroundings monitoring system "Front Assist", including city emergency brake function, and the lane departure warning system "Lane Assist" as standard. "IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist" is available as an optional extra, enabling semi-automated driving up to a system-determined top speed of 210 km/h.
