A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.9
Comfort & Interior
4.3
Running Costs
4
Practicality
3.7
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
The Volkswagen Taigo brings a fresh take to the small SUV segment, combining coupe styling with practical everyday usability. This compact crossover offers a higher driving position than traditional hatchbacks while maintaining excellent fuel economy and manageable running costs. The Taigo stands out with its distinctive sloping roofline that sets it apart from more conventional rivals like the Nissan Juke and Ford Puma. Built on Volkswagen’s proven MQB platform, it delivers the brand’s characteristic build quality and refinement in a package that appeals to younger buyers seeking style without sacrificing practicality.
What makes the Taigo particularly appealing is how it bridges the gap between a traditional hatchback and a full sized SUV. The elevated seating position gives you better visibility in traffic while the compact dimensions make city driving and parking straightforward. Inside, you’ll find Volkswagen’s latest infotainment technology and a well built cabin that feels more premium than many competitors in this price range. The boot space is generous for the class, making it genuinely practical for families or those with active lifestyles.
Whether you’re a first time buyer looking to step up from a smaller car or someone wanting SUV style without the associated running costs, the Taigo offers compelling value. With flexible car finance options available, it makes premium German engineering accessible to a wider range of buyers while delivering the reliability and resale values that Volkswagen is known for.
What's the Volkswagen Taigo Like to Drive?
The Volkswagen Taigo focuses on smooth, efficient performance rather than outright speed. The engine lineup consists of turbocharged petrol units, with the 1.0 litre TSI producing around 95 to 110 horsepower being the most popular choice. This three cylinder unit feels surprisingly refined and provides adequate performance for most driving situations. The more powerful 1.5 litre TSI variant delivers 150 horsepower, offering stronger acceleration that makes motorway driving and overtaking feel effortless and confident.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.0L 3-cylinder TSI / 1.5L 4-cylinder TSI
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Power Output
95 - 150 bhp
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0-60 mph
11.9 - 8.4 seconds
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MPG Combined
47 - 53 mpg
- Boot Space
- 438 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Volkswagen Taigo: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Taigo and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels distinctly more upmarket than many rivals in this price range. The dashboard design is clean and modern, featuring VW’s latest infotainment system with a crisp touchscreen display. Material quality is impressive throughout, with soft touch surfaces on key contact points and solid feeling switchgear that operates with typical Volkswagen precision. The digital instrument cluster is clear and customisable, providing all the information you need at a glance.
The Volkswagen Taigo offers a distinctive blend of coupe-like styling and practicality, with a refined, spacious interior that elevates its class. While its performance is smooth and efficient, lacking outright punch, it excels in fuel economy and low running costs. The higher driving position enhances visibility, though practicality lags slightly due to cramped rear space. A strong contender for those prioritizing comfort and design over raw capability.
Is the Volkswagen Taigo Expensive to Run?
The Taigo delivers impressive running costs that make it an attractive proposition for budget conscious buyers. The efficient TSI petrol engines are the star here, with real world fuel economy typically falling between 45 and 50 MPG depending on your driving style and conditions. This translates to reasonable fuel bills, even with current petrol prices. Insurance groups are also moderate, typically ranging from group 12 to 18, which helps keep annual premiums manageable for most drivers.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Volkswagen Taigo
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Nissan Juke
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Skoda Kamiq
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £22,500 | £21,000 | £20,500 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.0L TSI 110hp | 1.0L DIG-T 114hp | 1.0L TSI 110hp |
| Power | 110 bhp | 114 bhp | 110 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 10.8 seconds | 10.4 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 50 mpg | 47 mpg | 51 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 438 litres | 422 litres | 400 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Premium interior, Coupe styling, VW build quality | Bold design, Sporty handling, Strong brand | Spacious cabin, Great value, Practical design |
Volkswagen Taigo Practicality & Boot Space
The Taigo impresses with its practical credentials, offering more space than its compact footprint might suggest. The 438 litre boot is generous for this class, easily accommodating a weekly shop or holiday luggage for two people. The rear seats fold flat to create an even more useful loading space when you need to carry larger items. Interior storage is well thought out, with plenty of cubbyholes, cup holders, and door pockets to keep your everyday items organised and within easy reach.
I absolutely love my Taigo. The build quality is fantastic and it feels much more expensive than what I paid. The driving position is perfect and it’s surprisingly spacious inside. My only minor complaint is that the rear window can make reversing a bit tricky, but the parking sensors help.
The Volkswagen Taigo successfully bridges the gap between traditional hatchbacks and larger SUVs, offering crossover style with city car practicality. Its distinctive coupe like design, premium interior quality, and refined driving experience set it apart in a crowded marketplace. The efficient engines deliver excellent fuel economy, while the practical boot space and elevated driving position add genuine everyday appeal.