VW Nivus (Polo-based coupe crossover)

Coupé-style T-Cross? New VW Taigo coming to South Africa in 2022

Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed the upcoming new Taigo is scheduled to hit the local market in 2022.

The Wolfsburg-based firm released teaser images of the new model, which we suspect will be positioned as a coupé-style version of the popular T-Cross. Indeed, the new Taigo is set to be built alongside the T-Cross in Spain.

Interestingly, VW says the newcomer is actually “based on the successful Nivus model from Brazil” (running on the MQB A0 platform, then). It will likely feature the same dramatically sloping coupé-style roofline.

What else do we know? Well, Volkswagen says we can expect the new model to come with a “multitude of assistance systems and state-of-the-art connectivity”.


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Volkswagen Taigo Confirmed for SA in 2022

Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed the 6th member of its T-named SUV will be landing in SA in 2022. Let's meet the newcomer, called the Volkswagen Taigo.

Based on the Volkswagen Nivus which is assembled in Brazil, the new Taigo is a CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle). Volkswagen claims the newcomer will feature an elevated seating position combined with a sporty coupe silhouette.

Not many specification details are known at this point, but we do know it will be assembled at the Volkswagen Group plant in Pamplona, Spain and will hit European markets at the end of 2021. What you see here is the near-production version and there'll be a formal reveal and debut later in 2021.

Volkswagen will be launching its Taigo with economical TSI engines, LED headlights as standard, a number of assistance systems, and a fully digital cockpit. VW SA says the new Taigo will be positioned in the A0 SUV segment with pricing and specs to be announced closer to the launch date. The vehicle is built on the A0 MQB platform.

 
This looks better than the T-Cross at least.
 
New Volkswagen Taigo hits European roads as 2021 launch nears

New compact model, based on the T-Cross SUV, has already been launched in Brazil as the Nivus

The Volkswagen Nivus, a compact crossover originally launched in South America and Mexico, will make its debut in European markets - including the UK - before the end of 2021 as the Taigo.

Described as having a “sporty and vibrant” look along with a “peculiar character”, the Taigo is similar in positioning to the T-Cross already on sale in western Europe. However, it’s differentiated by a lower, coupé-style roofline and is longer and wider. It's based on the same MQB A0 platform as the Indian-market VW Taigun revealed earlier this year.

It's now been spotted testing completely undisguised on German public roads, revealing that Volkswagen will make barely any styling changes for the European market.

The Nivus's European launch was confirmed shortly before Volkswagen revealed it would be called the Taigo here, and is set for the fourth quarter of the year. It will be closely followed by a facelifted version of the larger T-Roc SUV.

While the Nivus was developed specifically for the South American market, VW committed at its launch in 2020 to eventually offering it in certain European markets.


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Should VW build Taigo in SA?

The compact hatchback has been the dominant force in the SA passenger-vehicle market for a while, but now that the models in that segment (including the Volkswagen Polo) are becoming increasingly sophisticated and, therefore, less affordable, many buyers are shopping for keenly-priced cars at the lower end of the compact family-car market: budget crossovers. Toyota's now got something in that segment, but Volkswagen doesn't...

It seems that in the space of just a year, the small/budget crossover market has exploded in Mzansi, most notably at the entry-level point (B-SUVs), where the Honda WR-V, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Kia Sonet, Nissan Magnite and upcoming Renault Kiger fight for the slice of the pie that Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster once had to themselves. From Volkswagen's side, the award-winning T-Cross arrived in the Republic relatively late and gained instant success – however, it's a compact family car whose key rivals are the Haval Jolion, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Suzuki Vitara, not necessarily the models I mentioned in the first list; just to prove my point: the T-Cross range begins at R347k, whereas the aforementioned Toyota Urban Cruiser starts at R248k (May 2021).

Okay, but so what if Volkswagen doesn't bring a small budget-oriented crossover to market? After all, the Polo still sells well. Since the Wolfsburg-based brand's compact hatchback arrived in Mzansi in the late Nineties, the Polo has become the default choice of car that young professionals buy "out of the box"; such was its success that it paved the way for the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai i20, Kia Rio, Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris and so forth. Whereas buyers once defaulted to a Toyota Corolla or a Volkswagen Golf, the Polo (and its like) afforded first-time new-car buyers big-car features in an affordable package.

These days, however, it depends on which Polo you're talking about; the Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) legacy model – the Polo Vivo – is bringing in the major volumes; by contrast, the list prices for the Polo 6 now starts at R330k (which is not far behind the aforementioned T-Cross) and the market's king of the compact hatchbacks is no longer selling up a storm in the way it used to… That can partly be attributed to the crossover craze, but also because the car’s becoming increasingly sophisticated for the purposes of catering for the European markets that it gets exported to – and, therefore, pricey.

 
Spy Shots: 2022 Volkswagen Taigo

The 2022 Volkswagen Taigo is one step closer to a formal reveal as our spy photographers in Europe spotted it virtually production ready.

The Volkswagen Taigo is essentially a sportier SUV coupe version of the Volkswagen T-Cross – the latter being an exceptionally popular model in South Africa. Interestingly, the Volkswagen Taigo is based on the Volkswagen Nivus, a South American market product.

The powertrain for the Nivus is a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine developing 95 kW and 200 Nm, and we expect the Volkswagen Taigo to adopt the same engine and gearbox combination.

When is the 2022 Volkswagen Taigo coming to SA?

The Volkswagen Taigo has been confirmed for South Africa and will be arriving in early 2022. VW SA says the new Taigo will be positioned in the A0 SUV segment with pricing and specs to be announced closer to the launch date.


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New 2021 Volkswagen Taigo is style-focused T-Cross sibling

Rakish new crossover, which shares a platform with the Polo and T-Cross, will go on sale in UK this year

Volkswagen's first European-market SUV-coupé is the Taigo, a rakish-roofed crossover that's closely related to the Polo and the T-Cross.

The Taigo has been on sale for a year already as the Nivus in South America, and it arrives on our shores largely unchanged, save for a series of tweaks aimed at bringing it into line with the brand's line-up here.

European-market models will be built at Pamplona in Spain, alongside its MQB-A0 platform-sharing siblings.

At 4266mm long, 1494mm tall and 1757mm wide, the Taigo is comparable in size to the big-selling Nissan Juke, while its 2566mm wheelbase almost exactly matches that of the Polo and T-Cross.

With a seats-up boot capacity of 438 litres, luggage space is barely diminished compared with the straighter-backed T-Cross.

The Taigo is positioned as a "trendy crossover" with a "powerful, sporty appearance". Key differentiators over the T-Cross include a roofline that slopes down towards a subtle spoiler at the rear, a new look front end with standard-fit LED headlights, contrasting wheel-arch trim and an extended rear overhang.

The Taigo is exclusively front-driven and petrol-powered. Two engines are available from launch: a turbocharged three-pot producing either 94bhp or 109bhp and a four-cylinder that makes 148bhp.

Depending on the engine specified, the Taigo comes with a five-speed or six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG).


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The new Volkswagen Taigo is another coupe-SUV/crossover thing

The Taigo will actually be VW’s entry level crossover when it goes on sale in the UK later this year

Welcome world, to the new Volkswagen Taigo. Although if you happen to live in South America, you’re probably a little bit confused right now.

Yes, this does look like your market’s VW Nivus, but that’s because essentially it is the Nivus – it’s just been given a new name, some styling tweaks and a new trim level for Europe. Because we absolutely didn’t have enough VW SUVs over here already.

The Taigo will actually be VW’s entry-level crossover in the UK (and its first – but probably not last – with a coupe body style) when it lands later this year. It’s based on the same MQB A0 platform as both the Polo and the T-Cross, but will apparently sit in between the two in terms of price.

In case you’re wondering, it’s pronounced tie-go and it’s actually wider, longer and lower than the aforementioned T-Cross. That’s mainly because the rear overhang has been extended to retain some boot space (438 litres) and include the swoopy (and a little bit silly) rear end. Same ground clearance though, apparently, although don’t let the black plastic arches fool you into thinking it’ll go off-road.

It’s FWD only and there’ll be just two engine options – a 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol and a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol. The former is available in two tunes with either 94bhp or 109bhp, whilst the latter gets 148bhp. There’ll be manual and auto gearbox options, and VW has all but ruled out a GTI or R performance variant. Probably for the best.


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SA-bound Volkswagen Taigo breaks cover as compact crossover coupe

Earlier this year, Volkswagen South Africa confirmed that the Volkswagen Taigo would be entering our local market as a coupé-style version of the popular T-Cross. The announcement was accompanied by a number of teaser images but now we finally have an official look at the product.

The Volkswagen Taigo is based on the Nivus, a product that has been experiencing great success in the South American market, and will also target 27 other countries across Europe, Turkey and Africa. Like the Nivus, it measures 4 270 mm long, 1 757 mm wide and 1 493 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2 566 mm. For the sake of comparison, the T-Cross measures 4 108 mm long, 1 760 mm wide and 1 589 tall with a wheelbase of 2 551 mm. With its coupe-line C-pillar, Volkswagen claims a cargo figure of 438 dm3.

The Volkswagen Taigo will be sold as a front-wheel drive only model boasting two powertrains; a turbocharged 1,0-litre three-cylinder engine with a 70 kW and 84 kW state of tune and a turbocharged 1,5-litre four-cylinder mill pushing 110 kW. These engines are available with a five- or six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The Volkswagen Taigo has been penciled in for a 2022 introduction in South Africa with pricing and local specification yet to be confirmed. Like the T-Cross, this new crossover will be assembled at its Navarra plant in Pamplona, Spain.

 
New VW Taigo Revealed, Coming to SA in 2022

After seeing all the revealing spy shots, the new VW Taigo is now in production and it’s expected to reach South Africa in 2022.

The cat’s out the bag, meet the new VW Taigo!

We’ve previously seen spy shots showing a near-production Taigo but Volkswagen’s new small crossover is official.

The Spanish-built VW Taigo is based on the Brazil-built VW Nivus and differentiates itself from Volkswagen’s T-Cross with a stylish coupe-like silhouette. It stands 4 600 mm long, 1 700 mm wide and 1 490 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2 566 mm.

The Taigo also gains features typically found on high-grade models such as Volkwagen’s IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, the latest third generation MIB3 9.2-inch infotainment system, wireless App connect, wireless charging and the brand’s familiar digital cockpit. The cabin itself lifted from the Nivus but it’s all familiar Volkswagen fair. The images you see here show the range-topping Taigo R Line which looks very nice indeed.

A host of driver assistance features are also on offer including a surround-view monitor, front assist with emergency braking, lane departure warning and the optional IQ-Drive Travel Assist which enables semi-automated driving up to speeds of 210 kph.

 
source:

Volkswagen Taigo crossover is a rebadged version of Nivus​


Last updated onJul 30, 2021, 12:25 am
Volkswagen Taigo crossover is a rebadged version of Nivus

Volkswagen Taigo car breaks cover in Europe
German automaker Volkswagen has revealed its Taigo crossover for the European markets. It is a rebadged version of the Nivus that is available in Brazil and will be manufactured in Spain.As for the highlights, the Taigo has a stylish design and an upmarket cabin with a host of features. It is available with a choice of two petrol engines.Here are more details.

In this article
Exteriors

The car has a coupe-like roofline and 18-inch wheels​

The car has a coupe-like roofline and 18-inch wheels

Volkswagen Taigo has a coupe-like roofline, a sculpted hood, a narrow grille, a wide air dam, matrix LED headlights, a full-width rear light bar, and faux quad exhaust tips.On the sides, it is flanked by blacked-out B-pillars, indicator-mounted ORVMs, and 18-inch multi-spoke wheels.As for the dimensions, the car has a wheelbase of 2,566mm, a length of 4,260mm, and a height of 1,490mm.

Information

Two engine choices are available​

The Volkswagen Taigo is available with a 150hp, 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder mill offered in two tunes: 95hp and 110hp. Transmission duties are handled by a 5/6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT gearbox.

Interiors

Wireless charging and Level 2 driving facilities are offered​

Wireless charging and Level 2 driving facilities are offered

The Volkswagen Taigo has a spacious 5-seater cabin, featuring auto climate control, wireless charging, and a 3-spoke flat-bottom multifunctional steering wheel.It houses a digital instrument cluster and a 6.5-inch (9.2-inch optional) touchscreen infotainment console with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.Multiple airbags, driver assistance features, and a Level 2 driving facility are also offered.

Information

Volkswagen Taigo: Availability​

The Volkswagen Taigo will be sold in 28 countries across European Union, Africa, as well as Turkey, and its deliveries should commence in early-2022. However, the pricing details of the crossover are yet to be disclosed.
 
VW's SA-bound Taigo SUV makes its European debut ahead of its local introduction in 2022

• VWSA confirmed the Taigo SUV will be launced in 2022.

• It will slot between the current T-Cross and T-Roc models in the local line-up.

• The coupe body shape is the first of its kind in the brand's model portfolio.

Volkswagen's 'T' SUV family just got bigger with the introduction of the Taigo coupe SUV.

The unique body shape is the first to be launched in Europe, and regarding local availability, the model is set to be introduced in 2022 - slot between the T-Cross and T-Roc models.

The German brand released initial sketches of the model earlier in 2021. The conveyor belt to production is well in operation for its official European debut at the end of the year.

Like the rest of VW's vehicles, the Taigo will make use of TSI engines - though specification for both European and local models will be confirmed closer to its launch.

 
New 2021 Volkswagen Taigo lands in the UK at £21,960

Rakish new crossover, which shares a platform with the Polo and T-Cross, gets all-petrol engine line-up

Volkswagen's first European-market SUV-coupé is the Taigo, a rakish-roofed crossover that's closely related to the Polo and the T-Cross.

Now on sale in the UK from £21,960, it is offered with a choice of two petrol engines, a 1.0-litre turbocharged triple with either 94bhp or 109bhp, or a 1.5-litre four-pot with 148bhp. Each is available with a five- or six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed DSG, with efficiency figures ranging from 46.3mpg to 52.3mpg on the WLTP cycle.

The Taigo has been on sale for a year already as the Nivus in South America, and it arrives on our shores largely unchanged, save for a series of tweaks aimed at bringing it into line with the brand's line-up here.

European-market models will be built at Pamplona in Spain, alongside its MQB-A0 platform-sharing siblings.

At 4266mm long, 1494mm tall and 1757mm wide, the Taigo is comparable in size to the big-selling Nissan Juke, while its 2566mm wheelbase almost exactly matches that of the Polo and T-Cross.

With a seats-up boot capacity of 438 litres, luggage space is barely diminished compared with the straighter-backed T-Cross.

 
Volkswagen Taigo SUV: SA details emerge ahead of 2022 launch

It’s going to be a busy year for Volkswagen in South Africa, with the company planning to launch eight new models, including the facelifted Polo and T-Roc as well as the Golf and Tiguan R models.

VWSA is also planning to introduce a brand new compact SUV called the Taigo, which will slot between the T-Cross and Tiguan models.

Although it’s based on the locally-produced Polo, the new SUV will be imported from Spain. Interestingly, though, it’s dashboard is produced in SA and exported abroad.

The Volkswagen Taigo is expected to reach South African showrooms during the second quarter of 2022, and although pricing has not been announced as yet, VWSA has released some of the local details.

The Taigo will be offered with just one engine option, this being the higher-powered version of VW’s 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbopetrol, which produces 85kW and 200Nm. It will be paired exclusively with a seven-speed DSG dual clutch automated gearbox.

 
CAR REVIEW

Volkswagen Taigo

WHAT'S THE VERDICT?

“Like the look of the Taigo? Great, it’s a decent crossover. Not a fan of the coupe-crossover genre? Don’t worry, it’s easily forgettable too”


There’s nothing too surprising about the Taigo. It’s not a surprise that Volkswagen has built it – customers can’t stop buying coupe-ified SUVs right now – and the driving experience will be familiar to anyone that’s coming from a T-Cross or a Polo, although it’s not on the same level as something like the Ford Puma.

It’ll be no surprise if it sells well though. It looks good and is well-priced, with drivetrains that wouldn’t put anyone off but won’t independently draw anyone in. There’s also good space inside for four adults despite the chopped roof. A worthy little coupe-crossover, if that’s what floats your boat.


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