New VW at the double
WILD carnivals, samba moves and salsa beats are all part of Brazil’s reputation for flair. Now German car-maker Volkswagen aims to channel some of this with its Taigo crossover which was revealed this week. The compact five-seater SUV is based on the existing Brazilian-built Volkswagen Nivus and is made for European markets in Pamplona, Spain. Curiously, the designers of the sibling cars, the Taigo and Nivus, are themselves twins.
Head of design for Volkswagen Brazil is South American-based Jose Carlos ‘JC’ Pavone, while his German-based brother Marco is the head of exterior design for VW.
The new Taigo is positioned to sit between the current T-Cross and T-Roc models.
Expect to pay from £22,000 to £30,000 plus when prices are announced ahead of going on sale in the UK in late autumn.
First deliveries will be in the new year. For the UK, the Taigo comes with a choice of three frugal, but efficient, petrol engines: a turbocharged one-litre three-cylinder TSi with either 95 hp or 110 hp, or a 1.5-litre fourcylinder TSi with 150 hp.
These are linked to a five or sixspeed manual gearbox or a sevenspeed automatic dual-clutch unit. There’s a wrap-around rear light strip, a raised seating position and plenty of space at the back. Options include a panoramic sliding/tilting sunroof.
Measuring 4.26 m, the Taigo will set high technology and comfort standards, says VW.
Riding on 16 in to 18 in wheels, it’s built on the same flexible platform as the Polo hatchback and T-Cross SUV, with a spacious 430-litre boot. The well-equipped R-line trim caters for those seeking a premium look.
It has full LED headlights, an all-digital cockpit and the latest infotainment systems as standard, a multifunction steering wheel, voice control, and access to streaming services, plus a semiautomated driving option with a top speed of 130 mph.