Volkswagen Taigo
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a stylish SUV that stands out from the crowd? The Volkswagen Taigo might be exactly what you need. This coupe-crossover brings a sportier, more distinctive look to VW’s growing SUV lineup, combining the practicality of a small SUV with the sleek profile of a coupe. It’s designed for drivers who want something a bit different without sacrificing everyday usability.

Built on the same platform as the VW Polo, the Taigo offers a more adventurous alternative to traditional small SUVs. Its swept-back roofline and full-width rear light bar give it a premium appearance that helps it stand apart from rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Skoda Kamiq. Inside, you’ll find the familiar VW build quality and straightforward design that makes everything feel solid and well thought out.

The Taigo strikes a clever balance between style and substance. While the coupe-like styling does compromise some practicality compared to boxier SUVs, it delivers a more engaging driving experience and head-turning looks. It’s perfect for small families or couples who want the higher driving position and confidence of an SUV, but with a bit more personality than the usual suspects. The pricing feels competitive for what you get, making it an interesting choice in the increasingly crowded small SUV market.

What's the Volkswagen Taigo Like to Drive?

The Volkswagen Taigo offers a choice of two efficient petrol engines, both designed for smooth, refined driving rather than outright performance. The entry-level 95hp 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI provides adequate power for city driving and lighter loads, though it can feel a bit strained on motorway hills or when fully loaded. The more appealing option is the 150hp 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI, which delivers much stronger acceleration and feels more comfortable at higher speeds.

What impresses most about the Taigo is how composed it feels on the road. The steering is light and precise for parking, but gains weight nicely as speeds increase. The ride quality sits in a sweet spot between firm control and comfort, handling bumps and potholes better than some sportier rivals. This compact SUV feels stable and planted, giving you confidence whether you’re navigating tight city streets or cruising on the motorway. It’s engineered to make every journey feel relaxed and stress-free.

How Comfortable Is the Volkswagen Taigo?

Step inside the Taigo and you’ll immediately notice the familiar VW interior quality that feels a step above many competitors. The dashboard is clean and well laid out, with a central touchscreen that’s responsive and intuitive to use. Material quality is good throughout, with soft-touch surfaces where you’d expect them and solid, well-damped controls. The seats are supportive and comfortable, offering good adjustment range to help you find your ideal driving position.

The cabin feels airy and spacious up front, with good visibility in all directions despite the coupe-like roofline. Road noise is well controlled, making the Taigo a pleasant place to spend time whether you’re stuck in traffic or on a long journey. Standard equipment includes smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus useful features like automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers. Higher trim levels add luxuries like heated seats and ambient lighting that enhance the premium feel.

The Volkswagen Taigo succeeds in bringing something different to the small SUV market without sacrificing too much practicality. Its distinctive coupe styling helps it stand out in a crowded segment, while the typical VW build quality and refined driving experience make it a pleasant car to live with daily. The interior feels well made and thoughtfully designed, creating an upmarket atmosphere that justifies the premium positioning.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Volkswagen Taigo Expensive to Run?

The Taigo’s running costs are competitive for the small SUV class, helped by efficient engines and reasonable insurance groups. The 1.0-litre TSI returns impressive fuel economy figures of up to 52 mpg in real-world driving, while even the more powerful 1.5-litre engine manages around 47 mpg. Insurance groups range from 12 to 16, which is reasonable for a modern SUV. Servicing costs follow VW’s standard schedule and shouldn’t spring any nasty surprises.

The main consideration is the initial purchase price, which reflects VW’s premium positioning in the market. However, strong residual values mean the Taigo should hold its value well, helping offset the higher entry cost. VW’s reputation for reliability is generally good, and the Taigo benefits from a comprehensive warranty. With flexible financing options available, including car finance packages that can spread the cost, the Taigo represents solid value for money in the premium small SUV segment.

Volkswagen Taigo Practicality & Boot Space

For a coupe-style SUV, the Taigo manages to retain decent practicality for everyday life. The 438-litre boot is a reasonable size for the class, easily accommodating a weekly shop or holiday luggage for two. The rear seats fold flat to create a larger loading area when needed, and the wide tailgate opening makes loading bulky items straightforward. Inside the cabin, there are plenty of storage cubbies and cup holders to keep your belongings organised.

The coupe roofline does impact rear headroom compared to more upright SUVs, so taller passengers might find the back seats a bit snug on longer journeys. However, for typical family use with children or shorter trips with adults, space is adequate. The higher seating position gives you a commanding view of the road, while the compact dimensions make it easy to park and navigate through tight city streets. It’s a sensible choice for couples or small families who want used Volkswagen cars with a bit more style than the norm.

The Volkswagen Taigo carves out its own niche in the small SUV market by offering coupe-style looks without completely sacrificing practicality. It delivers the build quality, refinement, and driving experience you’d expect from Volkswagen, wrapped in a distinctive package that stands out from more conservative rivals. The efficient engines and comfortable ride make it an easy car to live with every day.

You choose the Taigo when you want something that looks different and feels special, but still works as a practical everyday car. Its blend of style and substance makes it particularly appealing to buyers who’ve outgrown a hatchback but don’t want a conventional boxy SUV. If you’re looking for a small SUV with personality and the reassurance of VW quality, especially with cars under £5,000 offering great entry points into the brand, the Taigo deserves serious consideration.