The Taigo is set to be a compact coupe crossover based on the Brazilian-market VW Nivus.
While Volkswagen in Malaysia only has the Tiguan (and the Tiguan Allspace derivative) as its sole SUV offering, this is not the case over in Europe as there are as many as 7 VW-badged SUV derivatives offered over there.
Ranging from the small T-Roc and T-Cross, to the larger Tiguan, Touareg and ID.4, one might reasonably think that VW covered all the crossover bases with this expansive SUV lineup. The German auto giant begs to differ though, as it has recently announced yet another SUV to join its ranks in the form of the upcoming Taigo.
Slotting into the compact crossover segment alongside VW’s existing T-Cross, the all-new Taigo is to be differentiated from the T-Cross by being slightly longer and wider overall, as well as featuring a slightly sleeker coupe-like roofline. Under the skin however, this upcoming CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) is sitting on the same MQB A0 platform as the aforementioned T-Cross and Polo, as well as the similarly-named Indian-market Volkswagen Taigun and the Brazilian-market Nivus.
Speaking of the Nivus, the Taigo is in essence the same South American-centric VW that has just been jazzed up from the European market. Though details are still rather thin on the ground thus far, judging from the images at least, this upcoming Euro-spec crossover will feature a sharper exterior aesthetic than its Brazilian counterpart courtesy of standard full-width LED light signatures up front and out back.
Now moving onto the interior, no images has yet been revealed about the cabin of the Taigo, but the general architecture really shouldn’t be far off from that found on the Nivus. On the tech front meanwhile, this European-market VW compact crossover has been touted to feature ‘a fully digital cockpit and a multitude of [driver] assist systems’ that will most likely include the usual adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and a drowsiness detector.
As for powertrain options, the Taigo is set to launch with a range of ‘economical TSI engines’. The most likely candidates of which will be the 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder and the 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that is the current mainstay in various VW models. There is however no word thus far though on whether this upcoming CUV will receive any electrification assistance.
More details regarding the Taigo will be revealed closer to its official European debut this summer. What is perhaps certain however is that as this upcoming Taigo will be manufactured in VW’s Spanish plant in Pamplona alongside the Polo and the T-Cross, the chances will hence be slim to none for this particular crossover to make it over here in the forseeable future.
PRESS RELEASE: The new Taigo is raring to go! Ahead of the model’s official European première, Volkswagen has revealed the name of its upcoming crossover model. The Taigo is a new addition to Volkswagen’s range of SUVs in the small vehicle segment. It impresses with a dynamic and emotional design. The new model also comes with a multitude of assistance systems and state-of-the-art connectivity.
The wait is over for those who have been looking for a CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) that combines an elevated seating position with a sporty coupé silhouette. The new Taigo will be launched on the market with economical TSI engines, LED headlights as standard, a modern operating concept, a fully digital cockpit and a multitude of assist systems.
The Taigo is based on the successful Nivus model from Brazil, and will be manufactured for the European market in Pamplona, Spain. The new CUV will make its début this summer and will be launched on the market at the end of 2021.
