As a conservative automaker, Volkswagen has thrived on making compromises to please its customers, and its latest lineup is no exception.
In terms of dimensions, Taigo falls between the shorter T-Cross and larger Golf-sized T-Roc, and its boot makes good use of all that space.
Using petrol engines from the T-Cross and Polo, VW offers both manual and automatic transmissions in five, six, or seven speeds as well as a dual clutch automatic.
Our test car was the entry-level Life type, but you can choose from the R-Line and top-end Style models with more power, all of which are five-doors, as you move from mid-£20K to about £30K.
The German brand has never been cheap compared to challengers but the Taigo now looks better value for money than some rivals.
It’s powertrain was very willing to perform even if it was not road-burning or particularly flexible, but within its five-speed limits it was easy to drive and very economical over a mixture of main roads and motorways. It could keep up with the flow on main roads, needed careful judgement and anticipation for overtaking and some long motorway inclines would drag down progress and mean a downchange was necessary if loaded.
The little engine fairly buzzed away in an excited manner in a sort of let-me-at-them endearing way and the direct gearchange under a light footed clutch meant urban progress was effortless.
The steering was an excellent balance between effort and execution with good feedback, a compact turning circle and no vibration. Brakes were also smooth and progressive and the handbrake securely held the 1200kg car on our test slope.
Secondary controls grouped on the wheel-spokes, across the fascia and on the central console were well marked and worked with satisfying precision while the digital instruments’ panel was always clear, well marked and left nothing to doubt. The central multi-purpose screen was sufficiently large to not struggle to see anything and we liked the short-cut buttons for ease of use.
Oddments spaces were reasonable but not abundant for a family car, however the boot size, shape and access was excellent and capacity more than doubled if the offset split back seats were folded down. For driver and passengers the doors opened wide and you did not have to duck heads too much to slip into the seats, which offered excellent support to thighs and back and came with a fairly good adjustment range so head and legroom were good throughout despite the coupe roofline flowing down the c-pillar.
In front or back the interior fit and finish of the test car was really good and just enough relief was given to wrap around fascia with its soft dark plastic trim which helps keep down packaging costs.
Riding high generally improved all round vision with a low waistline, slim pillars, good wash/wipe system and very good LED lights. Sensors back up the displays on screen.
Ride comfort was surprisingly good for anyone who remembers the Volkswagens of just a few years ago and our Taigo soaked up potholes and ridges without complaint, very little roll around bends, without pitching or dipping evident.
Noise levels, however, were intrusive from that hard working little engine or the road generated rumbles through the suspension system and it encouraged the driver to carefully pick a patch between the roughest bits and to get into a high gear as soon as possible.
This did help the economy as a result even if the package struggled with four aboard.
In a world where compromise dominates, it is one of Volkswagen’s latest models and undoubtedly one of the better modern SUV coupe crossovers.
AutoBrief Snippets
Price: £22,275
Mechanical: 95ps 3-cyl 999cc TSI petrol engine, 5sp man, front wheel drive
Max Speed: 114mph
0-62mph: 11.1sec
Combined MPG: 50.5
Insurance Group: 13E
CO2 emissions: 124g/km
Tax costs: BiK rating29%, VED First Year £190, £165 Standard Rate
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
Size: L4.27m, W1.76m, H1.52m
Bootspace: 440 – 1222 litres
Kerbweight: 1220kg
For: Willing engine, smooth gearbox, good steering, good ride, economical, roomy, excellent finish
Against: Engine and road noise intrusion, engine lacked a sixth gear, ungenerous warranty. By Robin Roberts Miles Better News Agency