Volkswagen Taigo SUV - Interior & comfort
Well-specced interior is shared with other Volkswagen models
As with the engine range, the interior of the Volkswagen Taigo is also used in cars like the Volkswagen Polo and T-Roc. It’s intuitively set out, if not quite as stylish as the cabin of the Peugeot 2008. The option is offered to brighten the dashboard up with colourful trim to match the exterior.
There are a lot of hard plastics; the Renault Captur uses softer materials that feel more tactile. However, the scratchy surfaces are less of an issue than in the T-Roc, a car that can cost more than £40,000.
Volkswagen Taigo dashboard
The Taigo gets plenty of tech, with every model getting a digital instrument display and a touchscreen. Life models get a ‘basic’ digital display, with Style and R-Line benefitting from an upgraded version. We’ve only tried the upgraded one so far but this continues to be impressive with great configurability, fast load times and crisp graphics.
With the touchscreen mounted in the centre console, you’ve got a clear view across the dashboard. The screen in the latest Volkswagen Golf sits above the dash and is a better height to view - you don’t have to take your eyes off the road so much - but we’re actually glad that the Taigo uses a slightly older infotainment setup. We’ve moaned about the usability of the Golf’s menu screens, especially while you’re driving; the system fitted in the Taigo is better in this respect.
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What does remain from the Golf, however, are the dreaded touch-sensitive climate controls. While they certainly look futuristic, they can be imprecise and a pain to operate while driving; thankfully, they are now illuminated so are easier to operate in the dark.
Equipment
Entry-level Life trim gets quite a lot of equipment for a reasonably low starting price. Some of the kit thrown in as standard includes Travel Assist, ambient lighting, parking sensors at each end, alloy wheels and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Style is next and includes sat nav and internet connectivity, matrix LED headlights (give full-beam power without blinding other drivers) and multi-zone air conditioning, while this trim is also marked out by silver roof rails and bigger wheels.
Top-spec R-Line gets a different wheel design, different driving modes, tinted rear windows and ‘Art Velours’ seat upholstery.
Options
Eight colours are available, costing up to £775, and seven of these can be ordered with a contrasting black roof for an additional £250. Other options include heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, a rear-view camera, a spare wheel and a Beats audio system. Rather stingily, Volkswagen makes you pay more than £250 for a reversing camera – even on the top-of-the-range R-Line model.
