VW Nivus (Polo-based coupe crossover)

Volkswagen Taigo (2023) Review

FAST FACTS

Model: Volkswagen Taigo 1.0TSI R-Line
Price: R537 100 (November 2023, before options)
Engine: 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol
Power/Torque: 85 kW and 200 Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
0-100 kph: 11.3 seconds (claimed)
Fuel consumption: 5.4 L/100 km (claimed)
Luggage/Utility space: 440–1 222 litres

Volkswagen Taigo Price and After-Sales Support

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.

Taigo 1.0 TSI Life R475 000
Taigo 1.0 TSI Style R512 800
Taigo 1.0 TSI R-Line R537 100

Verdict

Like many Volkswagen models, the Taigo is not keenly priced. Upon its launch in South Africa in June 2022, the range’s starting price was R429 900, but that has crept up, seemingly inexorably, to R475 000. The flagship 1.0TSI R-Line’s list price is R537 100 (November 2023), which compares well with that of its Opel Mokka 1.2T GS Line counterpart (R539 900), but – as specced – our test unit cost all of R590 300.

By contrast, the top Renault Captur and Beijing X55 derivatives sneak in under R500k, while the apex version of the Omoda C5 (R509 900) is probably the Taigo’s strongest rival in terms of boutique appeal; its packaging may not be as resolved as the VW’s, but it comes loaded with features at a lower price.

Despite the Tiago’s premium price point, Volkswagen has sold around 150 units of the model in South Africa every month in 2023 (so far). We assume those sales resulted from “heart over head” purchasing decisions, but to be fair, the Taigo was always intended to be a niche product and nonconformist choice.

So, should you buy one? While the T-Cross (with the same powertrain) can portray the same practical role as the Taigo – but at a cheaper price point, there aren’t that many “coupe SUVs” at this end of the market and, remember, many Volkswagen brand loyalists may dismiss new brands’ wares out of hand.

A well-specced Taigo, in one of the more interesting exterior colours (such as Kings Red, as featured on the test unit), or the intriguing Visual Green, makes a bold style statement with minimal compromise.


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REVIEW: Volkswagen Taigo R-Line is a stylish and well executed package

The Volkswagen Taigo wraps up the company’s T SUV range and with its coupe-like lines and sloping roof, is probably the best looking when compared to the T-Cross, T-Roc, Tiguan and the Touareg, and in R-Line trim it looks even better.

Our test unit was fitted with the optional Black Style Package with the mirror caps, radiator grille and tailpipe trim all finished in black with darkened side windows and rear window. Rounding it off are handsome 18-inch black Misano alloys giving it an almost menacing appeal.

Like most VW products, the interior is meticulously put together and nothing feels out of place with the stylish cloth seats covers incorporating Alcantara inserts embossed with the R-Line logo.

Soft-touch surfaces and black brushed aluminium trim in key areas abound and if you’ve spent time in the VW Golf, the switchgear is familiar and easy to use while the aluminium pedals give it an added sporty touch.

Under the hood sits VWs 1.0-litre three pot turbocharged petrol engine providing 85kW and 200Nm, driving the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG transmission that VW say will get the Taigo to 100km/h in 10 seconds and even out at 200km/h.

 
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