VW Hatched Another Crossover, The 2021 Taigo ‘Baby’ Coupe-SUV

Leaving no crossover segment unturned, no matter how small or niche it may be, Volkswagen is mighty sure that Europeans could do with yet another sub-compact SUV. It’s called the Taigo and if it looks familiar, that’s because we’ve already seen it in South America were it was introduced last year as the Nivus.

VW claims that it’s the “first SUV coupe to be launched in the small car segment,” even if it looks more like a Polo on stilts than a true SUV. Based on the same MQB A0 platform as the T-Cross, the Taigo has a lower, coupé-style roofline while also being around 160mm (6.3 in.) longer at 4,270mm (168.1 in.) and wider than the former at 1757mm (69.1 in.). It rides on a 2,566mm (101 in.) wheelbase that’s just a hair longer than that of the related Polo and T-Cross.

That rakish roofline though comes at the expense of boot space as the Taigo has a capacity of 438 liters, compared to 455 liters for the T-Cross.

It’s A Polo Inside

If you’re familiar with the recently updated Polo’s interior, you’ll feel right at home inside the Taigo as beyond the color choices, the two models are virtually indistinguishable. As such you get the latest generation of VW’s MIB3 infotainment system paired to either an 6.5-inch or an optional 9.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an all-digital gauge cluster. Options include touch-sensitive climate controls and the IQ.Drive package that bundles a collection of driver assistance systems.

Choose whatever engine you want as long it runs on gasoline

Available exclusively with front-wheel drive, European buyers will be able to choose from two gasoline (petrol) engines at launch, a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder TSI delivering 94 hp or 109hp, and a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 148hp. The 94hp unit will be paired to a standard 5-speed manual, with the 109hp engine offering a choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG dual clutch transmission.

Sales Start This Year, Deliveries In 2022

While pricing has yet to be communicated, expect the Taigo to carry a small premium over the T-Cross when Volkswagen begins to accept orders in the final quarter of the year with first customer deliveries arriving early next year.