Volkswagen and confusing nameplates have a long history, Taigun-Tiguan, Tiago-Taigo! You get what I mean, right? Anyways the German automaker had confirmed the Taigo for the European markets in March 2021. And seeing the photos of the new undisguised test mule running on the streets of Germany, it seems the re-badged Nivus coupe-SUV is all set for its Euro debut. VW’s smallest coupe-SUV is expected to reach the continent’s shores later this year and will be sold alongside the brand’s smallest SUV in Europe, the Volkswagen T-Cross.
In terms of design, the Volkswagen Taigo looks mostly identical to the Nivus that’s currently on sale in South America and Mexico. However, the leaked images reveal a different front bumper on the Euro-spec model. The ‘sporty and vibrant’ looking coupe-SUV is based on the same MQB-A0 platform that underpins the India-spec Volkswagen Taigun.
The rest of the design elements resemble its American twin. This includes the LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, and the LED strip around the front logo in the chrome strip grille. Beneath it, the front bumper houses the auxiliary grille and LED fog lamps placed at the extreme ends of the bumper. On the back, it has a set of split LED tail lamps unified by a thin LED strip across the boot line, as seen on the Taigun. Right below the black boot line sits the number plate. The bumper on the rear also flaunts a horizontal chrome insert with a matching silver faux plate at the bottom.
The leaked images do not show the Taigo’s interiors but the German automaker previously confirmed it will come with a fully digital cockpit and a host of driver assistance systems. We expect the rest of the features on the Brazilian Nivus model to be carried forward in its European avatar including the 10-inch HD Volks-Play infotainment system. Or instead, the Taigo could also get the MIB3 system from its European siblings, the Polo and the Golf.
For safety one can safely expect these features in a German car – adaptive cruise control, automatic braking system, stability controls, traction control, ramp start assist, 6 airbags, etc.
Volkswagen has not disclosed the engine specs till now, though the automaker has confirmed the Taigo will come with “economical TSI engines”, implying there will be no diesel options. So, expect the 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine powering the Brazilian-spec model. It is mated with a standard six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. This powertrain is capable of producing 128bhp of power and 200Nm of torque.
As for an India launch, the chances of the Taigo coming to our shores are slim, however, Mahindra developing India’s first coupe-SUV in the form of XUV900 could change the scenario. For now, Volkswagen will be launching the Taigun in the coming months followed by the facelift models of the Tiguan and the Tiguan Allspace.
