Publications
- Volkswagen's smallest SUV/crossover goes on sale in SA in June.
- You can spec it with autonomous driving aids for partial self-drive.
- It comes with a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a DSG auto gearbox.
- For motoring news, go to Wheels24
The new compact Volkswagen Taigo (pronounced 'tie-go') will join the Volkswagen T SUV model range in South Africa from June 2022. Manufactured in Pamplona, Spain, the vehicle will join the T-Cross and T-Roc as Volkswagen's trio of compact SUVs in the A0 SUV segment.
Volkswagen's T SUV range currently consists of five models: the T-Cross, T-Roc, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace and Touareg.
With the new Taigo, Volkswagen has produced its first SUV coupé in this segment. Highlights of the new Taigo include high-quality equipment features, raised seating position and unrestricted suitability for everyday use. The technical basis of the new Taigo is provided by Volkswagen's Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB). The MQB platform offers a range of advantages: tight proportions are combined with a high level of body rigidity, excellent crash properties and a low body weight.
Here are five cool things you need to know and why it might be a compelling model to consider if you're in the market for a compact crossover or SUV.
1. Head-turning looks, but practical too
Powerful proportions and particularly striking lines characterise the design of the Taigo and its coupé silhouette, with its strongly forward-sloping C-pillar.
The side view is also characterised by crisp lines, which, together with the large wheels and offset wheel arch cladding, emphasise the crossover character of the Taigo.
The overhang at the rear has been extended to drive home the vehicle's functionality. The luggage compartment volume is an impressive 440 litres and offers almost as much storage space with full seating as the T-Cross with its sliding rear seat (385 to 455 litres).
All exterior lighting elements, from the headlights to the rear lights, feature LED technology as standard, making for a charismatic daytime and night-time signature look.
2. A new digitalised driving experience
The entire dash panel of the new Taigo features a horizontal design. The dash panel's modules primarily define this design: the standard Digital Cockpit in the Taigo Life or the Digital Cockpit Pro in the Taigo Style and R-Line and the new generation of infotainment systems.
The new Taigo is available with three different infotainment systems: Composition Colour with a 6.5-inch display (standard in the Life), Composition Media with an 8-inch display (standard in Style and R-Line) and the optional Discover Media with an 8-inch display format.
The two-zone Climatronic air conditioning (standard in the Style and R-Line) has a new, digitalised mode of operation: touch panels and sliders now perform the functions of rotary knobs and buttons.
And if you travel with numerous mobile devices, you'll be pleased to know that located below the air conditioning module are two USB-C ports and, as an option, a compartment for inductive smartphone charging.
READ: REVIEW | As electricity takes over, we think you'd regret not buying the new Polo GTI
3. Turbocharged performance with decent economy
The new Taigo will only be available with the 1.0 TSI engine with 85kW of power and 200Nm of torque. Its three-cylinder power unit is paired with a seven-speed DSG transmission that sends shunt to the front wheels.
Fuel consumption is claimed to be a respectable 5.4 litres per 100km, and it takes just 11.3 seconds to go from 0 to 100km/h. The Taigo also comes standard with a three-year or 120 000km warranty, a three-year or 45 000km EasyDrive Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Its service interval is every 15 000km.
4. It can (almost) drive itself
IQ.Drive Travel Assist technology is available as an option depending on the model. Volkswagen has bundled its systems for assisted driving under the umbrella brand, which permits partly automated driving in the Taigo.
The system can steer, brake and accelerate the Taigo at speeds between 30 and 200 km/h. To do this, the activated system relies on functions such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist. Using a radar system in the front end and a camera behind the windscreen, Travel Assist can maintain the speed, lane and distance from the vehicle in front.
The system is activated using the Travel- Assist button on the multi-function steering wheel. The driver must remain responsible for the control of the Taigo and must keep their hands on the steering wheel even when IQ.Drive Travel Assist is active, however.
5. You can go to town with options
Although they will drive up the asking price, which VW won't tell us yet as the vehicle is yet to be officially launched, several optional features are available across the Taigo range.
These options include a tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, a removable trailer hitch, a Keyless Entry system, 17-inch Tokio alloy wheels or 18-inch Funchal alloy wheels and a beats (formerly by Dre) sound system.
You can also add a rearview camera system, Lane Assist, Forward Collision Warning, including an Autonomous Emergency Braking system and Adaptive Cruise Control, Park Assist, and seat heaters for the front seats.
The Volkswagen Taigo officially launches in South Africa in the first week of June. Wheels24 will attend its media introduction to bring you a first drive impression and the latest pricing.
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