SUV Coupe for the Masses.
Like sliding into your DM’s VW has slid this little coupe-styled SUV in between its current T-Roc and T-Cross SUVs. It is only slightly bigger than the T-Cross but offers quite a bit of practicality with a large boot and decent leg and headroom. The coupe shape adds to the sporty presence as well as the LED headlight and taillight features. Dependent on pricing which as of writing hadn’t been released yet this should outsell the T-Cross. Just on looks alone, I would definitely have it over the other two. Let us dive into what’s under the skin.
Drivetrain.
The new Taigo will make use of the common 1.0 TSI 3 cylinder mated to the 7 speed DSG gearbox. The engine is tuned for 85kw and 200N.m of torque. These figures give the Tiago average performance for the class with a 0-100km/h sprint time of 11.3 seconds(VW Claimed). Fuel consumption is a very low claimed 5.4l per 100km. The Taigo comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty,
3 year/ 45 000km EasyDrive Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000km.
Equipment and Tech.
VW has thrown everything at this new little SUV. Dependent on what trim level you choose (Life, Style and R-Line) there are a few niceties. The IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights which are standard on the Style and R-line trims add to the striking appearance. Couple that with the 8 exterior colours with an optional black roof add’s to the distinctive looks. Wheel sizes range from 16″ to 18″. The interior also makes quite a statement with all models receiving a digital cockpit but the upper trims get the pro version. The life comes standard with the 6.5″ Composition colour infotainment whilst the Style and R-line get the bigger 8″ Composition media system. The 2 -zone Climatronic system is standard on the Style and R-Line trims.
Volkswagen has bundled its systems for assisted driving under the umbrella brand IQ.DRIVE. A fundamental element here is the Travel Assist system, 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. The Taigo includes features like the Driver Alert System, Park Assist and Predictive Active cruise control. The list of features and options on the new Taigo is insanely extensive.
Verdict.
So if you are in the market for a coupe-style SUV and the likes of the BMW X4 are out of your price range then I think this should fit the bill perfectly. I suspect to see quite a lot of these roaming the streets of SA soon. My only quibble would be the lack of powertrain options, I would have liked to have seen a diesel option perhaps the 77kw 1.5tdi.
