Volkswagen TaigoTiming chain or Belt?

The Volkswagen Taigo is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment in Europe) produced by the German automaker Volkswagen. This vehicle has a slightly more ‘coupe-like’ body. The VAG Group aim places it somewhere in between the Volkswagen T-Cross and the Volkswagen T-Roc.

This vehicle was originally developed in Brazil under the name Volkswagen Nivus, and could be considered a crossover version of the Volkswagen Polo. It is built on the MQB A0 platform, also shared with the Volkswagen T-Cross. The SUV started selling in Brazil in 2020, and reached the global market from 2022. The European model is produced in Spain, at the Pamplona facility. In Latin America, this model is still marketed as Volkswagen Nivus.

The Taigo is the third B-segment SUV model launched by the Volkswagen Group in Europe. It shares many elements with the VW T-Cross. However, it seeks to have a somewhat ‘sportier behavior’ without skyrocketing in price. In fact, the Taigo would classify as what is commonly known a ‘SUV Coupe’. The Volkswagen Taigo has better equipment and more safety options and driving aids. The SUV is offered in two finishes: Life and R-Line.

In terms of engines, the Taigo only has petrol engines: two versions of the one-liter three-cylinder, and a four-cylinder version with up to 150 hp. All engines are turbocharged. Depending on the engine, it can be purchased with a six-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

Among the competitors of the Volkswagen Nivus / Taigo are the Mazda CX-3, the Ford Puma, Peugeot 2008 and the Renault Captur, although everything suggests that this B-segment SUV coupe market is going to expand, given the popularity of this type of bodywork.