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LLaunched in 2008 by BMW on its X6, the silhouette of the coupé-SUV makes it possible, with the first, to make the second more acceptable. The huge X6 had a lot to be forgiven for in the narrow streets of old Europe, but it was schooled at Mercedes in 2015 with the GLE and even at Renault with the Arkana in 2021. The success of the latter gives credit to the descent in range of this silhouette which settles at Volkswagen, after the electric ID4, on this Taigo.
Chrono Verdict
We can hardly dissociate the newcomer from those who closely inspired it. But its younger and sportier appearance with its coupe SUV profile can seduce and possibly justify that it has neither diesel nor 4 x 4 to offer. With the rental as a strategic option, the Taigo can carve its third path alongside the T-Roc and T-Cross.
What changes
It is obvious when you see it, its sloping profile of the tailgate has nothing to do with those more vertical of a T-Cross or a T-Roc. Enough to reinforce the proposals, on the same technical platform, of the German brand which intends to furbish new weapons to take advantage of the growth of the B segment. This represents one in five sales in France. To play the accordion on the range of proposals, in addition to the style, the T-Cross is much shorter (- 15.8 cm), higher and therefore more urban than the Taigo. The T-ROC is barely shorter (- 3.2 cm), but it displays a higher standard, justified by engines that can go up to 300 hp and possibly the integral 4 Motion.
On the Taigo, we are aiming for the happy medium of the category where we find the Peugeot 2008, the Renault Captur, the Citroën C3 Aircross and the ambitious Ford Puma. Among other things, because the category is teeming with talent. If we leave aside the Business finish, three finishes to choose from bring together the most requested equipment at each stadium. What to avoid options in shambles and align competitive prices. Note the wave of lights and LED headlights, even, at the top of the range, Matrix LED with automatic headlight codes. And also the incompatibility of the roof bars with the glass sunroof. Between RS Line and Style, these roof bars go, when they exist, from black to chrome, the sills from black to body color and the shields are specific to each finish.
life on board
With two or three nuances, we find ourselves on familiar ground with a copied and pasted Polo dashboard, pleasantly foamed and equipped with the 10.25-inch digital cockpit (R-Line and Style versions) behind the multifunction steering wheel with paddles for the DSG box. This, to detect the drop in vigilance, analyzes the pressure of the hands and no longer the movements of the steering column.
This means that the Taigo has gone completely digital and offers a whole range of connected services. In the center, an 8 or 9.2 inch touch screen on request is rather intuitive. The touch controls of the dual-zone air conditioning remain, to our taste, less precise than simple buttons. On the other hand, the connection is neat with two USB-C sockets in the console, two others at the back, and a smartphone induction charger below. Android Auto and Apple Car Play are present on the call.
Reversing radars and camera circumvent the direct vision somewhat restricted by the style. The third passenger, straddling the central tunnel still present despite the traction, may also interfere with vision but the roof guard is correct. As an option at 600 euros, it will be possible to entrust the difficult missions of parking to Park-Assist associated with blind spot detection as an option. We regret not benefiting from the sliding bench seat of the T-Roc, compensated by one of the best trunk capacities in the category. Finally, an interesting feature, it will be possible to “up-grade” certain equipment that we would not have checked during the purchase. This is especially the case with electronic functions that can then be unlocked, for example voice control for 275 euros.
The opinion of Point Auto
The Taigo offers a rather generous space up front and a well-calculated driving position. Equipped with the same MQB AO chassis as its congeners, it offers hardly any surprises and knows how to stay in its place. It is limited to 95 or 110 hp with the 3-cylinder and 150 hp in 4-cylinder petrol. Because of diesel, which sounds like a swear word when pronounced at Volkswagen, period.
It is therefore an intermediate power that we have tried, the one that should win the majority of votes in France with the 7-speed DSG gearbox. Homologation and CO hunting2 oblige, the setting is deliberately economical, which can sometimes stall during low-speed revivals of a 3-cylinder. Sport or manual modes can compensate with a biting front axle, but at the cost of higher consumption. Our 7.3 l reflect the pace adopted but we could expect better.
Nevertheless, the softness and the progressiveness of this mechanical unit marry very well with a suspension making the share of the things, with the manner of the French cars. It is neither hard nor soft, an in-between where the damping could be more incisive given the sporty profile displayed. This is not the case, no doubt to better meet the expectations of SUV customers who will, in this case, have to beware of wheels that are too large, as the Germans are fond of. On the highway, on the other hand, the lane keeping system is rather relevant but, safety requires, reconnects at each start even if it has previously been deactivated.
MOST
– First coupe SUV in the class
– Digital platform provided
– Habitability and trunk
– Flexible rental formulas
THE LESSERS
– Torque at low revs
– Maintaining the systematic path
– Large wheels to avoid
– Competition for T-Cross and T-Roc
Under the hood of the Volkswagen Taigo TSI 110 DSG
Heat engine: 3-cylinder turbo petrol
Displacement: 998cc3
Power: 110 hp at 5,500 rpm
Torque: 200 Nm at 2000 rpm
Transmission: to the front wheels
Box: automated 7-speed
Dimensions LxWxH: 4,270 x 1,750 x 1,520 mm
Trunk: 438 l
0-100km/h: 10.9s
Speed: 191 km/h
Consumption: 5.9 liters
CO2 : 134 g/km (malus 190 € €)
Weight: 1,260 kg (11.4 kg/hp)
Price: from €26,420, model tested: €30,740 (Style)
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