The wait is over… Volkswagen’s all-new Taigo compact crossover has arrived in South Africa!See specification and pricing details below.

The new 2022 Taigo compact crossover has launched in South Africa and the newcomer will bolster the Wolfsburg firm’s local crossover/SUV lineup.

Volkswagen’s crossover/SUV range consists of the T-Cross, T-Roc, Tiguan and flagship Touareg. A sportierTiguan R is also expected to arrive in Q3 2022. As far as positioning is concerned and depending on South African derivative specification, the Taigo will slide in between the T-Cross and T-Roc.

How big is the VW Taigo?

The coupe-styled Taigo will serve as a ‘design choice’ alongside the boxier T-Cross.

The new 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.

Also see:Should VW build Taigo in SA?

The VW 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.

It’s also worth noting that the 2022 Volkswagen Taigo is equipped with Volkswagen’s IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights, a feature typically found on more expensive models.

As far as practicality is concerned the Taigo will offer 440 litres (T-Cross at 455-litres) of luggage space with 60:40 split rear seats for added flexibility and the extended wheelbase affords rear passengers with good legroom too.

The Taigo’s load capacity is only 15 litres shy of what’s offered in the T-Cross at 440 litres.

What does the interior of the Taigo offer?

There are 3 Taigo derivatives on offer in South Africa including the entry Taigo Life, Taigo Style and the top-spec Taigo R-Line.

The Taigo’s interior is familiar and is equipped with VW’s latest-generation infotainment and digital cockpit.

The new Taigo is available in 8 exterior colours – two solid paint finishes, five metallic paint finishes and one pearl effect finish. All body colours except Deep Black Pearl can be combined with a contrasting black roof. Customers can choose wheel sizes from 16 to 18-inch alloy wheels.

Life

LED headlightsLED tail lightsComposition Colour system with 6.5- inch monitor, App-Connect, We Connect GoFront centre armrest with a USB-C interfaceMulti-function leather steering wheelElectric foldable exterior mirrors with heating function16-inch Belmopan alloy wheels

Optional features in the Taigo Life are the tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, removable trailer hitch, IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights, Keyless Entry, 17-inch Bangalore alloy wheels, Comfort Package (Rear View Camera, Keyless Entry and Park Assist), Driver Assistance Package (Park Assist, Lane Assist and Side Assist), Seat heater for front seats, Composition Media with inductive mobile charging and Discover Media (Wireless App-Connect, inductive mobile charging, Active Info Display, Voice Control and Navigation).

Style

Visual exterior changesIQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights17-inch Aberdeen alloy wheelsAmbient lightingFront and rear park distance controlDynamic light assist10.25-inch digital cockpit proActive info display8-inch Composition media system

Optional features in the Taigo Style include the tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, removable trailer hitch, Keyless Entry, 17-inch Tokio alloy wheels, 18-inch Funchal alloy wheels, beats sound system, Comfort Package (Rear View Camera, Keyless Entry and Park Assist), IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist Package (Lane Assist, Forward Collision Warning including Autonomous Emergency Braking system and Adaptive Cruise Control), Driver Assistance Package (Park Assist, Lane Assist and Side Assist), Seat heater for front seats, Inductive mobile charging which includes Composition Media Plus and Discover Media (Wireless App-Connect, inductive mobile charging, Voice Control and Navigation).

R-Line with bumpers in R design

R-Line body kitLED fog lights17-inch Valencia wheelsR-Line seatsActive Info Display

Optional features in the Taigo R-Line include the tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, removable trailer hitch, Black Styling Package with black 18-inch Misano alloy wheels, Keyless Entry, 18-inch Misano alloy wheels, beats sound system, IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist Package (Lane Assist, Forward Collision Warning including Autonomous Emergency Braking system and Adaptive Cruise Control), Comfort Package (Rear View Camera, Keyless Entry and Park Assist), Driver Assistance Package (Park Assist, Lane Assist and Side Assist), Seat heater for front seats, Inductive mobile charging which includes Composition Media Plus and Discover Media (Wireless App-Connect, inductive mobile charging, Voice Control and Navigation).

What enginepowersthe new Volkswagen Taigo?

The Taigo is powered by a 85kW 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine.

The Taigo is offered with a 85 kW / 200 Nm 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, the same found in the T-Cross, and will be mated witha 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.4 L/100 km and it takes just 11.3 seconds to go from 0 to 100 kph.

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.

What rivals will the Volkswagen Taigo have to beat?

The Taigo is poised to steal a few sales from its rivals when it arrives in SA in early June 2022.

The compact crossover/SUV segment has boomed recently with a throng of new products coming to market that cater for both budget-conscious buyers (Renault Kiger, Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Nissan Magnite, Kia Sonet etc.) and those seeking something a little more premium.

The Taigo’s expected pricing means that it will compete in the upper end of the segmentwhere it will do battle with products such as the Haval Jolion, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Suzuki Vitara and the locally-produced Toyota Corolla Cross.

The Taigo is the only coupe-styled offering in this segment which means that it will be the go-to car for buyers looking for something with a bit more kerb appeal without necessarily sacrificing practicality which is a key USP for vehicles in this segment.

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