USED BUYER'S GUIDE Volkswagen Taigo

FROM £13,000 Based on the T-Roc but with a sportier stance, the Taigo is a stylish small SUV that's ideal for young families

- Richard Dredge

IT’S easy to be bewildered by Volkswagen's extensive SUV lineup, which stretches from the T-Cross to the Touareg, with the T-Roc, Tiguan and Tayron along the way. There's a lot to take in - no fewer than 10 models by the time you've included the electric options - but one of the lesser-known offerings is the Taigo, which VW added to its range four years ago. Essentially a coupé version of the T-Cross, the Taigo is one of VW's smallest SUVs - it’s the size of a Polo supermini - and thanks to the brand's pragmatism it’s a very appealing small car. Stretched by 150mm over the T-Cross it’s derived from, the Taigo offers a roomy cabin and a spacious boot despite having a more rakish back end, plus in terms of affordability and availability it’s as accessible as you'd expect a small VW to be. So, is there a catch?

HISTORY

VOLKSWAGEN unveiled the Taigo in July 2021, then four months later it went on sale. There was a choice of Life, Style and R-Line trims, while buyers could pick between 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI petrol units; the former came with either 94bhp or 109bhp, while the latter had 148bhp. The 94bhp engine was offered only with a five-speed manual gearbox, the 109bhp unit was available with six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG) transmissions, and the 1.5 TSI came in DSG form only; all were front-wheel drive with no four-wheel-drive option.

Since the Taigo’s arrival four years ago, there's been no facelift, although we expect one to be announced imminently; we scooped an updated car being tested back in February 2025, so it can't be far away from showrooms now.

WHICH SHOULD I BUY?