Volkswagen unveiled a new subcompact SUV dubbed the Taigo, and if it seems familiar, that's because it was first debuted in South America as the Nivus last year. It shares the same MQB A0 platform as the T-Cross.
The Taigo features a lower, coupé-style roofline, as well as being about 160mm longer at 4,270mm and 1757mm wider than the predecessor. It has a 2,566mm wheelbase, which is somewhat longer than that of the related Polo and T-Cross.
The Taigo's rakish roofline comes at the price of boot room, with a capacity of 438 liters compared to 455 liters for the T-Cross.
The Taigo will be a gasoline-only vehicle, as VW transitions away from its once-lauded TDI engines. At launch, European consumers will have a choice between two gasoline engines: a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder TSI rated at 94 horsepower or 109hp, and a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 148hp. The 94hp engine will be mated with a basic 5-speed manual transmission, while the 109hp engine will be available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.
The inside of the Taigo is nearly identical to that of the Polo; the two versions are essentially indistinguishable. As a result, the newest iteration of VW's MIB3 infotainment system is included, along with either a 6.5-inch or optional 9.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an all-digital gauge cluster. Touch-sensitive temperature controls are available, as is the IQ.Drive package, which includes a variety of driver aid technologies.
VW intends to sell the five-seat Taigo compact crossover in 28 European Union nations, as well as Turkey and Africa. Pricing has yet to be announced, and Volkswagen will begin accepting orders in the fourth quarter of the year.