Earlier this year, Volkswagen South Africa confirmed that the Volkswagen Taigo would be entering our local market as a coupé-style version of the popular T-Cross. The announcement was accompanied by a number of teaser images but now we finally have an official look at the product.
The Volkswagen Taigo is based on the Nivus, a product that has been experiencing great success in the South American market, and will also target 27 other countries across Europe, Turkey and Africa. Like the Nivus, it measures 4 270 mm long, 1 757 mm wide and 1 493 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2 566 mm. For the sake of comparison, the T-Cross measures 4 108 mm long, 1 760 mm wide and 1 589 tall with a wheelbase of 2 551 mm. With its coupe-line C-pillar, Volkswagen claims a cargo figure of 438 dm3.
The Volkswagen Taigo will be sold as a front-wheel drive only model boasting two powertrains; a turbocharged 1,0-litre three-cylinder engine with a 70 kW and 84 kW state of tune and a turbocharged 1,5-litre four-cylinder mill pushing 110 kW. These engines are available with a five- or six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Depicted here is the R-Line trim which provides the Volkswagen Taigo with front LED matrix headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels and other visual trims. Interior specifications are in-line with what is seen in the Nivus apart from the brand’s updated climate control functions. Key features within consist of a 9,2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster and ambient lighting.
The Volkswagen Taigo has been penciled in for a 2022 introduction in South Africa with pricing and local specification yet to be confirmed. Like the T-Cross, this new crossover will be assembled at its Navarra plant in Pamplona, Spain.