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Volkswagen shows off new Taigo SUV coupe

It’s a subcompact crossover that boasts sleek styling

This is built upon the MQB platform, on which the T-Cross is also based. PHOTO FROM VOLKSWAGEN

The term “SUV coupe” is not new to me. I was first introduced to these words when BMW brought me to the US in 2008 so I could drive the X6, which, as you know, is an SUV coupe. Which is really just like grafting a sexier rear on to the X5. You get the point: sport-ute plus sports car. Or something like that.

Now, imagine shrinking the X6 and you get the Volkswagen Taigo, which is a subcompact crossover. At almost 4.26m long, it’s almost as small as the T-Cross. VW says the version you see here is a “nearly production-ready concept (the car is not yet available to buy),” but it is actually based on a Brazilian twin, called the Nivus.

The exterior highlight, of course, is the sleek profile. PHOTOS FROM VOLKSWAGEN

Built on the MQB platform, the five-seater, front-wheel-drive Taigo boasts IQ.Light LED matrix headlights and IQ.Drive Travel Assist. The latter feature, an optional extra, makes possible semi-automated driving—apparently “up to a system-determined top speed of 210km/h.”

In the cabin, the highlight of the vehicle is its all-digital cockpit with the third generation of the MIB3 infotainment system.

There are so many possibilities with this urban vehicle. PHOTOS FROM VOLKSWAGEN

As with the German car brand’s global product portfolio, we have no idea if this car will ever see the light of day on Philippine roads. But it’s an intriguing question worth asking: this or the T-Cross?



Vernon B. Sarne

Vernon is the founder and editor-in-chief of VISOR. He has been an automotive journalist since July 1995. He became one by serendipity, walking into the office of a small publishing company and applying for a position he had no idea was for a local car magazine. God has watched over him throughout his humble journey. He writes the ‘Spoiler’ column.



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