Volkswagen Taigo 1.5 L TSI 150 R-Line

 

 

Appeared in 2020 under the name "Nivus" in South America, the coupe version of the urban SUV T-Cross is appearing on the old continent under the sweet name of Taigo. Hoping to ride the trend of coupe SUVs launched nearly 14 years ago by BMW with the X6, the Taigo is the first of its kind in the urban SUV segment and also the second coupe version of an SUV from a manufacturer. generalist (after the Renault Arkana, belonging to the upper segment). Dissection of a success in the making.

 

 

 

The product positioning puzzle

Unveiled at the end of 2021, the Taigo could well be Volkswagen's next goose. Technically, it is based on the MQB A0 platform shared until now by the Polo and the T-Cross, as well as the famous Nivus unveiled in Brazil almost two years ago. Technically, no major novelty to report since all the technologies present on the Taigo are tested at least by the models mentioned above. The Wolsburg firm thus limits development costs while offering a new vehicle in its range with a completely new body shape.

 

 

However, the thorny question remains that of the product positioning of the Taigo in the Volkswagen SUV range, now 5 in number: T-Cross, Taigo, T-Roc, Tiguan (available in two lengths) and Touareg. On the marketing side, we insist on the young and dynamic side of an SUV Coupé to distinguish it from the T-Cross, urban and family and the T-Roc, more focused on a Premium clientele. If we take a closer look at the dimensions, the Taigo is the longest of the trio mentioned with 15.8 cm longer than a T-Cross and 3.2 compared to a T-Roc. As regards the habitability chapter, the Taigo is therefore intended to be more roomy in the rear than a T-Cross and has a larger trunk of 83 liters when the sliding rear seat of the T-Cross is adjusted further . In short, substantially identical dimensions and habitability for the trio of SUV stars of the brand, but the positioning gap is ultimately felt in terms of engines. While the T-Cross stops at 1. 0 L TSI 110, the Taigo has the right to the 4-cylinder 1.5 L TSI 150, with much higher approval and for CO2 emissions reaching only 138 g (i.e. 260 € penalty). The difference in cost between the two engines associated with a DSG7 automatic gearbox amounts to “only” €1,620, or approximately 5% of the new price on the high Style and R-Line finishes. It is therefore the 1.5 L TSI which obtains my favors for this test. The T-Roc seems to be playing in a higher category since its range of engines includes Diesel blocks and of course the sulphurous 2.0 L TSI pushed to 300 hp in the R version. The difference in cost between the two engines associated with a DSG7 automatic gearbox amounts to “only” €1,620, or approximately 5% of the new price on the high Style and R-Line finishes. It is therefore the 1.5 L TSI which obtains my favors for this test. The T-Roc seems to be playing in a higher category since its range of engines includes Diesel blocks and of course the sulphurous 2.0 L TSI pushed to 300 hp in the R version. The difference in cost between the two engines associated with a DSG7 automatic gearbox amounts to “only” €1,620, or approximately 5% of the new price on the high Style and R-Line finishes. It is therefore the 1.5 L TSI which obtains my favors for this test. The T-Roc seems to be playing in a higher category since its range of engines includes Diesel blocks and of course the sulphurous 2.0 L TSI pushed to 300 hp in the R version. 

 

 

Simplicity at the rendezvous

Before tackling the chapter of exterior & interior design, a brief overview of the configuration possibilities which gives back its letters of nobility to the sacrosanct God of simplicity, usually cherished by Japanese manufacturers. Volkswagen wanted to make reading the range as accessible as possible to simplify customer choices. The Taigo is therefore displayed at €23,850 at the entry level in its “Life” finish associated with the 3-cylinder 1.0 L TSI of 95 hp in BVM5. Several options are then available to you to increase the final score:

• finishes: Life Business ( + €1,600 ), Style ( + €4,320 ) or R-Line ( + €4,060 )
• engines: 1.0 L TSI 110 BVM6 ( + €840 ) / DSG7 ( + €2,570 ) or 1.5 L TSI 150 DSG7 ( + €1,620 vs TSI 110 DSG7 , only on Life Business, Style and R-Line)

Finally, the list of options is reduced to a minimum since the first level of finish comes as standard with the Digital Cockpit, level 2 semi-autonomous driving (thanks to Travel Assist) as well as LED headlamps. In the opposite direction, the Style & R-Line finishes also give pride of place to the standard equipment by embedding matrix LED headlights, the semi-autonomous driving assistant, the Digital Cockpit Pro, keyless access , dual-zone automatic air conditioning and mobile induction charger. In other words, the Taigo is positioned as a real benchmark in the segment in terms of equipment. 

 

 

Trendy lines

One thing is certain, Volkswagen has not finished surfing the wave of SUVs, this category with infinite bodywork variations of which the Taigo offers a tasty mix: the elegance of a coupe, the robustness of an SUV. On the other hand, make no mistake about it, despite its sufficient body height and its fenders widened by black plastic shoes, the Taigo remains and will remain a simple traction, like the Taigo from which it takes up the platform. 

 

 

On the exterior design side, the Taigo sports a light strip interspersed with the VW logo in the center. It is the brand's third model after the Golf and the facelift Polo to opt for this style element. We find a front bumper specific to our R-Line finish with a few black appliques, a fine touch of chrome at the bonnet seal and of course, the small stylized “R” logo.

 

 

In profile, the general line of the Taigo is very slender with some characteristic elements of a coupé SUV, namely a fairly high straight beltline plunging forwards and a particularly inclined rear window to support the "coupé" line of the Taigo. The matte plastic wheel arches allow the Taigo to display a little adventurous side, although in reality it is not. Note that the roof bars are optional and not compatible with the sunroof.

 

 

At the rear, the Taigo uses a design of optics quite similar to the T-Cross but keeps for itself the exclusivity of a light strip for lovers of symmetry and/or perfectionists. The night effect is guaranteed in addition to reinforcing the premium effect. The bottom of the rear bumper, specific once again to the R-Line finish, however, pleases me less, in particular because of the dummy exhaust outlets and the red reflective line housing the reversing radar sensors. However, it is less visible on our test model thanks to the King Red exterior color, which has the most beautiful effect and reveals all its depth in the sun.

 

 

very techno taigo

If the Taigo takes exactly the interior of the Polo Facelift, it differs from the rest of the range by a few new features. Note first of all that the Digital Cockpit comes as standard, no more needle counter available on this model. The unique character of the Taigo lies in its model of updates, carried out remotely (OTA = over the air) but above all in the possibility (via the We Upgrade program) for a buyer to add options to his vehicle directly online. . It is thus possible, for a certain sum, to subsequently add navigation or even voice control to your vehicle. Note that this possibility is not only reserved for the first-time buyer of the vehicle but also for future owners on the second-hand market. 

 

 

In terms of interior colors and materials, the Taigo is far from being free from criticism. Hard plastics reign supreme although the adjustments suffer from no criticism. We also find this damn touch control of air conditioning not very ergonomic and I am surprised at the absence of even synthetic leather among the options offered. Once a real identity marker for a premium vehicle, it seems that fashion is in fabric in all its forms, even for a vehicle costing over €35,000.

On the road: some shortcomings

I would have liked to rush this chapter by summarizing the driving impressions with “don't worry, it's a Volkswagen” but a few small notes made throughout this test prevent me from doing so. We started and ended this test with several tens of kilometers on the A8, a rather demanding motorway route combining changes of pace, numerous tolls, heavy traffic and a permanent variety of reliefs regularly requiring us to restart or release the right pedal. . At the toll, foot in as is customary to undermine the soundproofing of the Taigo in the acceleration phase. The result is less than stellar given the very unflattering noise of the 1.5 L in the revs, the gearbox which seems to hesitate for far too long to upshift once the speed has stabilized and the engine fishing which seems to absent subscribers despite a very honorable time on the exercise from 0 to 100 km/h of 8 seconds, the no doubt due to a torque of just 250 Nm. Let's move on, the result at a stabilized pace is quite satisfactory, the soundproofing, whether in terms of mechanical, aerodynamic or rolling noise, is perfectly controlled. Your passengers will travel in complete peace of mind on this plan. Small ergonomic problem to note: to deactivate the lane keeping assistant, you must press the button at the end of the left stalk, press OK on the right of the steering wheel to uncheck the “Lane Assist” box which is displayed on the dashboard,

 

 

On the secondary network, it is somewhat spoilt. The seat comfort remains in place, the steering feeling is good and the controls rather consistent, we feel on board a serious car. However, on several occasions when there were bumps in the road when cornering (a hole, a manhole cover), the front axle pretended to slip away, no problem with traction or slipping far from it, a feeling jerking, as if the front axle were shifting slightly. Undoubtedly the result of an unconvincing mix between rims with a large diameter and a chassis typed comfort (not to say chewing gum). It is all the more annoying that this situation is likely to return regularly given that the French road network is disintegrating visibly. On the consumption side,

 

 

The right product?

We can say it without too much hesitation, Volkswagen has rarely been wrong when launching a new product in Europe, so if it is an urban SUV, it will be a full house every time. . The Taigo has many advantages, starting with a flattering style, a complete range of engines, very satisfactory interior space and equipment usually reserved for the upper segments present from the production version. Despite some shortcomings for my taste on the road, the Taigo drives the point home with an interesting price positioning and a new totally flexible LOA offer: you can indeed now adjust the annual mileage (only upwards) or quite simply opt for another brand vehicle also for hire without having to reach the end of the contract.

 

Some numbers 

Dimensions: 4266x1757x1518
Empty weight: 1304 kg
Trunk volume: 438 L
Tank volume: 40 L 
Combined consumption announced (WLTP): 6.1 – 6.8 L/100 km
Average CO2 emissions announced (WLTP): 138 gCO2 / km (range from 124 gCO2 / km )
Displacement: 1498 cc
Max power: 150 hp
Max torque: 250 Nm at 1500 rpm
Max speed: 212 km/h
0 to 100 km/h: 8.3 sec