VW Nivus (Polo-based coupe crossover)

New Volkswagen Taigo – What To Expect

Volkswagen is due to launch an all-new Taigo compact crossover in South Africa in Q2 2022! Here’s what you can expect from the newcomer!

The new Taigo compact crossover is just a few short months away from being launched in South Africa and the newcomer will bolster the Wolfsburg firm’s local crossover/SUV lineup.

Currently, Volkswagen’s crossover/SUV range consists of the T-Cross, T-Roc, Tiguan and flagship Touareg. As far as positioning is concerned and depending on South African derivative specification, you can expect pricing to be similar to that of the T-Cross range (between R360k to R490k).

 
Volkswagen Taigo to go on sale in SA before Q3 2022

VW’s T SUV range, consisting of the T-Cross, T-Roc, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace and Touareg, welcomes a new member to the family with addition of the Volkswagen Taigo compact SUV coupé in 2022.

The first units of the Volkswagen Taigo will be retailed in the first half of this year, joining the T-Cross and T-Roc as Volkswagen’s trio of compact SUVs in the A0 SUV segment. The Taigo derives its name from a combination of ‘tiger’ and ‘Taiga’, which is a forest in the Northern Hemisphere.

Symbolising strength, outdoors and adventure, Taigo’s name starts with the letter ‘T’ and follows Volkswagen’s naming convention for its SUVs in South Africa.

 
New Volkswagen Taigo – What To Expect

Volkswagen is due to launch an all-new Taigo compact crossover in South Africa in Q2 2022! Here’s what you can expect from the newcomer!

The new Taigo compact crossover is just a few short months away from being launched in South Africa and the newcomer will bolster the Wolfsburg firm’s local crossover/SUV lineup.

Currently, Volkswagen’s crossover/SUV range consists of the T-Cross, T-Roc, Tiguan and flagship Touareg. As far as positioning is concerned and depending on South African derivative specification, you can expect pricing to be similar to that of the T-Cross range (between R360k to R490k).

How big is the Taigo?

The Taigo is built alongside the T-Cross in Pamplona, Spain and is based on the Brazilian-built Volkswagen Nivus, both of which are underpinned by VW’s A0 MQB platform.

The Taigo stands 4 600 mm long, 1 700 mm wide and 1 490 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2 566 mm. That makes the Taigo 365 mm longer than the T-Cross, but the T-Cross is wider at 1 782 mm and taller at 1 584 mm but with a slightly shorter wheelbase at 2 551 mm. The Taigo is, therefore, similarly-sized but unlike the boxy shape of the T-Cross, the Taigo features a stylishly raked roofline that gives it a distinct coupe-like silhouette, essentially making it a compact coupe crossover.

 
Volkswagen confirms Taigo's SA introduction to bolster local SUV offering

• Volkswagen will expand its SUV portfolio to seven models with the new Taigo.

• Volkswagen's 1.0-litre petrol engine will be the only one powering the range.

• Volkswagen's optional sunroof will form part of the optional extras available on the SUV.

Before the second half of 2022 comes around, Volkswagen South Africa will expand its T SUV range to seven models by introducing the Taigo compact SUV. Doing duty in the A0 SUV segment, the model is built on the VW Group's MQB A0 platform that also underpins the Polo.

According to Volkswagen, the Taigo's name is a combination of 'tiger' and 'Taiga', the latter being a forest in the Northern Hemisphere. The Taigo will be positioned as a crossover with which owners can tackle the outdoors and new adventures.

 
Volkswagen Taigo review

WHAT'S THE VERDICT?

“VW’s coupe-crossover competitor will win some fans for its sportier looks, but otherwise it’s easily forgettable”


People seem coupe-crossover obsessed these days, so it will come as a surprise to absolutely no one that Volkswagen has attempted to jump on the bandwagon with the Taigo. But the badge engineering feels a little obvious and results in the Taigo coming across as a very half-hearted effort. Quite frankly, we’d expect more.

VW expects it to sell based on its looks but there are more eye-catching options out there, while the interior feels a little cheap and uninspired, too. And while the driving experience will be familiar to anyone that’s coming from a T-Cross or a Polo, it’s not on the same level as something like the Ford Puma. We know where we’d rather spend our money.

 
New Volkswagen Taigo – What To Expect

Volkswagen is due to launch an all-new Taigo compact crossover in South Africa in May 2022! Here’s what you can expect from the newcomer!

The new Taigo compact crossover is just a few short weeks away from being launched in South Africa and the newcomer will bolster the Wolfsburg firm’s local crossover/SUV lineup.

Currently, Volkswagen’s crossover/SUV range consists of the T-Cross, T-Roc, Tiguan and flagship Touareg. A sportier Tiguan R is also expected to arrive in Q3 2022. As far as positioning is concerned and depending on South African derivative specification, you can expect pricing to be similar to that of the T-Cross range (between R360k to R490k).

 
New Volkswagen Taigo Specs Announced

Volkswagen is due to launch an all-new Taigo compact crossover in South Africa in June 2022! Here’s what you can expect from the newcomer!

The new Taigo compact crossover is just a few short weeks away from being launched in South Africa and the newcomer will bolster the Wolfsburg firm’s local crossover/SUV lineup.

Currently, Volkswagen’s crossover/SUV range consists of the T-Cross, T-Roc, Tiguan and flagship Touareg. A sportier Tiguan R is also expected to arrive in Q3 2022. As far as positioning is concerned and depending on South African derivative specification, you can expect pricing to be similar to that of the T-Cross range (between R360k to R490k). Size-wise, the Taigo is between the T-Cross and T-Roc.

 
5 Things you need to know about the Ford EcoSport fighter, the Volkswagen Taigo

  • 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.
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.

 
SEE | Volkswagen wants SA customers to experience its hot new Taigo lifestyle SUV ahead of launch

- Ahead of its arrival at dealerships, VW is inviting customers to the 'Taigo Junction' in Johannesburg on 4 and 5 June 2022.
- At the free event, fans will explore the new SUV and stand a chance to win 'Taigo' adventures.
- The new Taigo, which launches in SA next week, joins the T-Cross and T- Roc as Volkswagen's trio of compact SUVs.

Gamechanger in the segment?

Taigo derives its name from a combination of 'tiger' and 'Taiga', a forest in the Northern Hemisphere.

The new model is expected to impress with its trendy crossover body style, raised seating position and pioneering connectivity. Numerous assistance systems are said to guarantee comfort and a high level of safety for all passengers.

With full LED headlights, a digital cockpit and the latest infotainment systems, the Taigo sets high technology standards in its class. The Taigo will also be available with Volkswagen's popular tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof.

The Taigo Junction event promises to be filled with adventure and spontaneity and a must-see for VW fans. If you are interested in attending, you can register here for the Taigo Junction event. Entry is free.

 
New Volkswagen Taigo Launching in SA

The wait is almost over as Volkswagen is preparing to launch its all-new Taigo compact crossover in South Africa in early June 2022! Here’s what you can expect from the newcomer!

The new Taigo compact crossover is just a few days away from being launched in South Africa and the newcomer will bolster the Wolfsburg firm’s local crossover/SUV lineup.

Currently, Volkswagen’s crossover/SUV range consists of the T-Cross, T-Roc, Tiguan and flagship Touareg. A sportier Tiguan R is also expected to arrive in Q3 2022. As far as positioning is concerned and depending on South African derivative specification, you can expect pricing to be similar to that of the T-Cross range (between R360k to R490k). Size-wise, the Taigo is between the T-Cross and T-Roc.

 
New Volkswagen Taigo in SA (2022) Specs & Price

How much does the Volkswagen Taigo Cost in South Africa?

Taigo Life 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG® – R429 900

Taigo Style 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG® – R464 100

Taigo R-Line 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG® – R486 000

The Taigo is sold with a 3 year/120 000 km warranty, 3 year/ 45 000 km EasyDrive Service Plan and a 12-year anti- corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000 km. Customers have the option to extend EasyDrive Maintenance and EasyDrive Service Plans up to 10 years/ 300 000km.

 
Volkswagen Taigo has landed: South African pricing announced

There’s a new Volkswagen SUV in town and it goes by the name of Taigo.

This new coupe-inspired high-rider is based on the Polo, although it’s imported from Spain rather than locally produced, and it slots between the T-Cross and T-Roc.

Pricing starts at R429 900 for the Life model, while the midrange Style is yours for R464 100 and the range-topping R-Line will set you back by R486 000.

All three are powered by the 85kW, 200Nm version of the familiar 1.0-litre TSI turbopetrol engine, which is paired exclusively with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automated gearbox. Volkswagen claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.4 litres per 100km and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 11.3 seconds.

 
Volkswagen Taigo (2022) Launch Review

How much does the new Volkswagen Taigo cost in South Africa?

The Taigo is sold with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty, 3-year/45 000 km EasyDrive service plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service intervals are every 15 000 km.

Volkswagen Taigo Life R429 900
Volkswagen Taigo Style R464 100
Volkswagen Taigo R-Line R486 000

Summary

Given the trend in the new-vehicle market (as in the rest of the world, where SUVs are increasingly preferred to hatchbacks), we can fully understand that manufacturers would want to offer as many crossovers in the compact-car market as they can make viable business cases for.

Although VWSA suggests the typical Taigo customer will value design and comfort above practicality, that notion might be more applicable to the luxury end of the market. However, the Kariega-based company well and truly hits the proverbial nail on the head when it asserts that the newcomer “will be more attainable than a T-Roc and appeal to a more individualistic audience than a T-Cross.”

From my perspective, there’s nothing inherently wrong with the Taigo and, yes, it’s more affordable than the T-Roc, but in terms of its core strengths it does not set itself apart from its #CarsAwards category-winning T-Cross sibling.

Who should you buy a Taigo, then? VWSA says the model’s core market is brand loyalists among the “aspiring middle class” who dream of owning a cool Volkswagen – fair enough, the Taigo is more stylish – “cooler” – than the T-Cross.

So, if you think the T-Cross is a little too mainstream and want something a bit colourful and are prepared to settle for a fractionally smaller load bay and pay a bit more, then the Taigo may just be worth looking into. It looks brilliant in Kings Red Metallic or Visual Green Metallic, by the way.

 
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