Used Volkswagen Taigo: Buyer's Guide
Overview of the Volkswagen Taigo
For buyers wanting a small SUV that feels as solid and well-engineered as a larger car, the Volkswagen Taigo is an excellent choice. It's built on the same platform as the popular Polo but offers a more commanding road presence and a larger 440-litre boot. With its efficient TSI engines, it delivers great everyday usability without the higher running costs of a full-size SUV.
Used Volkswagen Taigo Popular Trims
| Trim Level |
Details |
| Life |
A great value starting point. Comes well-equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a digital driver display. |
| Style |
Adds Matrix LED headlights for better night-time visibility and an upgraded navigation system. |
| R-Line |
Sportier look with a distinctive body kit and selectable drive modes, though larger wheels can make the ride slightly firmer. |
| Match |
Combines Life trim features with added conveniences like a rear-view camera and keyless entry. |
Used Volkswagen Taigo Popular Battery & Drivetrain Options
| Engine |
Details |
| 1.0 TSI 95PS |
Refined engine for relaxed city driving and shorter commutes, prioritising comfort over outright pace. |
| 1.0 TSI 110PS |
Best all-round balance of usable performance and low running costs, responsive in all situations, especially with DSG automatic gearbox. |
| 1.5 TSI 150PS |
Delivers effortless performance for long motorway journeys, confident and readily available power. |
Used Volkswagen Taigo Practicality
Step inside, and you'll find a cabin that blends style with clever practicality. The interior is a lesson in logical design, with a dashboard layout that is intuitive and easy to use.
- Boot Space: A generous 440 litres means there's plenty of room for weekend bags or a large weekly shop, expanding to 1,222 litres with seats folded.
- Rear Comfort: Despite the sporty roofline, your friends will find surprisingly good headroom in the back, only impacting very tall passengers (6ft+).
- Tech-Focused: The digital cockpit and intuitive layout put everything you need right at your fingertips.
Used Volkswagen Taigo Key Features
Key Features to Expect on Most Models:
- IQ.Light LED Matrix Headlights: A standout feature on Style and R-Line for incredible night-time visibility.
- Digital Cockpit: An 8-inch digital driver display is standard, with a larger Pro version on higher trims.
- App-Connect: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on Life trims and above.
Desirable Options to Look For:
- Panoramic Sunroof: Floods the cabin with light, making it feel even more spacious.
- Rear-View Camera: A useful addition for parking, often found on Match trims.
Used Volkswagen Taigo Reliability Rating
The Taigo is built to Volkswagen's high standards, sharing components with the Polo and T-Cross, generally considered robust and reliable.
What to Check on a Test Drive:
- Infotainment System: Check that the touchscreen responds quickly and connects smoothly to your phone.
- DSG Gearbox: Ensure the gearbox shifts smoothly, especially from 1st to 2nd gear when cold.
- Parking Sensors: Verify they are not triggering falsely, a known minor annoyance in wet conditions.
Used Volkswagen Taigo Safety Rating
Safety is paramount, and the Taigo delivers with a 5-star Euro NCAP score (2022).
- Adult Occupant: 94%
- Child Occupant: 84%
- Safety Assist: 70%
Key Tech:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Lane Assist
- Central Airbag
Awards for the Used Volkswagen Taigo
- No major UK awards as of 2024.
Who is the Used Volkswagen Taigo Best For?
- Style-Conscious Drivers: Those who want a car that turns heads without sacrificing practicality.
- Downsizers: Drivers moving from larger SUVs who still want a premium feel and elevated driving position.
- Commuters: The efficient engines and comfortable ride make it an excellent daily driver.
Key Alternatives to Consider:
- Ford Puma: Offers a more engaging driving experience and clever boot storage.
- Toyota Yaris Cross: Offers a bold design and excellent hybrid efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Used Volkswagen Taigo
Is the Volkswagen Taigo a reliable used car choice?
The Volkswagen Taigo is generally considered a robust and dependable choice, sharing its proven mechanical platform with other popular VW models.
- Platform: Built on the established MQB A0 platform, known for its durability.
- Engines: Uses widely tested 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI petrol engines found across the VW range.
- Build Quality: Features a solid construction typical of the brand, with a logical and well-assembled interior.
What should I check on a used Volkswagen Taigo?
While the Taigo is a solid vehicle, a few specific checks during a test drive can ensure you find a top-quality example.
- Infotainment: Check that the touchscreen responds quickly and connects smoothly to your phone.
- Gearbox: Ensure the DSG automatic gearbox shifts smoothly, particularly when the car is cold.
- Sensors: Test the parking sensors to confirm they are not triggering falsely in wet conditions.
How much does a used Volkswagen Taigo cost to run?
The Volkswagen Taigo offers competitive running costs for a compact coupe-SUV, thanks to its efficient range of petrol engines.
- Fuel Economy: The 1.0 TSI engine can achieve between 49.6 and 52.3 mpg.
- Road Tax: The standard annual road tax rate is currently £190.
- Insurance: Models sit in insurance groups ranging from 12 to 22, keeping premiums reasonable.
Does the Volkswagen Taigo have wireless Apple CarPlay?
Yes, most Volkswagen Taigo models come equipped with modern connectivity features for seamless smartphone integration.
- App-Connect: Wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on Life trims and above.
- Charging: Many models also feature a wireless smartphone charging pad for added convenience.
- Interface: The system is controlled via an 8-inch or larger touchscreen display.
How spacious is the boot in the Volkswagen Taigo?
The Volkswagen Taigo offers a surprisingly generous amount of luggage space given its stylish, sloping roofline.
- Capacity: You get 440 litres of boot space with the rear seats in place.
- Expansion: Folding the rear seats increases the total load capacity to 1,222 litres.
- Flexibility: An adjustable boot floor is available to help create a flat loading area.
Is the Volkswagen Taigo comfortable for rear passengers?
The Volkswagen Taigo provides a comfortable environment for rear passengers, with clever design maximizing the available space.
- Headroom: Despite the coupe styling, headroom is sufficient for most adults, only impacting those over 6ft tall.
- Legroom: The wheelbase of 2,554mm ensures adequate legroom for two adults in the back.
- Ride Quality: The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps effectively, ensuring a smooth ride for all occupants.
What is the best engine for the Volkswagen Taigo?
The 1.0 TSI 110PS petrol engine is widely regarded as the sweet spot in the range, balancing performance with efficiency.
- Performance: It offers enough power for motorway driving while remaining economical around town.
- Economy: Expect real-world fuel economy figures of around 50 mpg.
- Choice: It is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
Does the Volkswagen Taigo come with a spare wheel?
A spare wheel is not standard equipment on all Volkswagen Taigo models, so it is important to check the specific car you are viewing.
- Standard Kit: Most models are supplied with a tyre mobility kit (sealant and compressor) as standard.
- Option: A space-saver spare wheel was available as a factory option when new.
- Check: Lift the boot floor to verify whether a spare wheel or the mobility kit is present.
How often does the Volkswagen Taigo need servicing?
The Volkswagen Taigo typically follows a flexible servicing regime, but an annual check is often recommended for low-mileage drivers.
- Oil Service: Usually required every 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Inspection: A more thorough inspection service is typically due every 24 months or 20,000 miles.
- Schedule: The car's onboard computer will alert you when a service is due based on your driving style.
