Volkswagen boosts its T-SUV range with the new Taigo

Volkswagen’s T-SUV family, comprising the T-Cross, T-Roc, Tiguan, and flagship Touareg, grows in South Africa with the addition of the Taigo that should become available this month. Volkswagen positioned this compact crossover SUV between the T-Cross and Tiguan models and underpinned it on Brazilian-bound Nivus’s MQB platform. Considering its expected pricing, Taigo will compete with the Haval Jolion, Kia Seltos, Suzuki Vitara, Hyundai Creta, and Toyota Corolla Cross.

Accessible in three variants - Life, Style, and R-Line – all models carry a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine (also performing propulsion duties in the T-Cross). The engine churns out 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque and pairs with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

VW says the SUV can hit 100 km/h in 11.3 seconds while making sure it sips only 5.4 litres of petrol to cover 100 kilometres.

The Taigo is 4,266 mm long, 1,757 mm wide, and 1,515 mm tall. With a wheelbase of 2,566 mm, this VW SUV is 31mm lengthier than the T-Cross. However, the T-Cross is 25mm wider and 69mm taller than the Taigo, with a 15mm shorter wheelbase. The raked roofline gives the Taigo it a unique coupe-like profile.

Thanks to a slightly extended wheelbase, the Taigo has 440 litres boot space, making it bigger than T-Cross’s 455-litres.

The coupe-inspired SUV offers buyers eight exterior shade choices with almost all available with a contrasting black roof. While 16-inch alloy wheels are standard, you can also opt for the 18-inchers.

The interior features VW digital cockpit, the brand’s latest third-generation digital Infotainment system with a 6.5-inch display on the Life variant and an 8-inch display on the Style and R-Line, as well as the Beats sound system, wireless App-Connect, and wireless charging.

Volkswagen has armed the 2022 Taigo with advanced technologies like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that maintains a safe distance between the Taigo and the vehicles ahead. The Blind Spot Detection and Rear Traffic Assist allow the SUV to change lanes safely, while the Park Assist lets you park the vehicle by just pressing a button on the centre console or with VW’s smartphone app.

Moreover, the Forward Collision Warning Front Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking aids in minimising the severity of a mishap or, preferably, evading the disaster when a threat arises. The vehicle can identify pedestrians and vehicles on the road and alert the driver, and if they fail to react, the system will apply brakes automatically.

Other high-tech technologies include an active info display, a multifunction steering wheel to operate the radio, music, etc., and a multi-collision brake system, among many others.

At the time of publication, final pricing was not accounted, but we believe it will be priced anywhere between R400,000 and R500,000. The German automaker offers this compact SUV with a 3-year/120,000 km warranty, a 3-year/ 45,000 km EasyDrive Service Plan, and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.

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