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

Picture credit:S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer’s request, have watermarked them.

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.

Inside, the Volkswagen Taigo will feature a similar cabin layout to the T-Cross, with the option of the digital display seen in other Volkswagen products. We hope the clever 2nd row of seats with sliding functionality makes its way into the Taigo as the T-Cross setup offered a clever blend of rear legroom and boot space, depending on where you placed the rear bench.

With its A0 designation and MQB platform which is not too radical a departure from the Volkswagen Polo (the facelifted version touches down in early 2022), we do wonder if it’s possible to get Volkswagen Taigo production to South Africa. The VW facility in Pamplona currently makes the T-Cross and is earmarked for Taigo production, but should demand ramp up, the SA Volkswagen plant in Uitenhage could be first in line to help meet production targets.

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.

Further Reading

Should Volkswagen build the Taigo in South Africa?

Volkswagen Taigo confirmed for SA in 2022

Volkswagen Nivus Revealed

Volkswagen T-Cross vs Volkswagen Polo