Are you a young adult in the market for a new car? Maybe you’re considering the Volkswagen Tigo, that sleek crossover coupe. It looks cool, but is it worth the price? In this blog post, we’ll break down the Taigo’s features, practicality, cost, and a little bit of added drama for good measure!
Launch:
- European Launch: The Volkswagen Taigo was initially launched in Europe in 2021.
- South African Launch: It arrived in South Africa in 2022.
Why It Was Launched:
- Growing Crossover Market: Volkswagen recognized the surging popularity of small crossover SUVs. They wanted a piece of that growing market.
- Style-Focused Offering: The Taigo is meant to appeal to buyers who want the practicality of an SUV but also prioritize a sportier, more coupe-like design.
- Expanding the VW Lineup: The Taigo slots in nicely beneath other Volkswagen SUV offerings like the T-Cross and the Tiguan, giving customers more choices within the VW brand.
Target Market:
- Young Professionals: Individuals who want a stylish and tech-forward vehicle for urban settings.
- Small Families: The Taigo still offers decent space and practicality, making it suitable for small families.
- Drivers Prioritizing Style: Those who are willing to pay slightly more for the crossover coupe aesthetic over a similarly sized traditional SUV.
What Makes the Tigo Special?
- That Crossover Coupe Look: The Tigo stands out from other boxier small SUVs with its sloping roofline, giving it a sportier vibe.
- Standard Tech: Even the base model Tigo comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, perfect for staying connected on the go.
- Optional Upgrades: If you want to go all out, there are plenty of fancy extras like a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and even a system to help you with parallel parking.
Practicality: How Does It Fare?
- Decent Space: The Tigo offers a good amount of legroom and a 440-liter boot, enough for everyday needs and maybe a weekend trip.
- Fuel Efficiency: Volkswagen claims impressive fuel consumption figures, but real-world usage might be a bit different. The reviewer experienced an average of 7.3L per 100km.
The Price Factor: Is It Worth It?
- It’s Not Cheap: The top-of-the-line Tigo starts at around R545,000. Tack on all those optional extras, and the price can quickly climb beyond R600,000
- The Polo GTI Comparison: For less money, you could snag a Volkswagen Polo GTI with a more powerful engine. It’s a tough call between style and performance.
PRICING
- Base Price Tigo (Top Spec): R545,000
- Optional Extras: These can add a significant amount to the price. Some key ones mentioned are:
- Black Styling Package (rims, tinted windows): R14,800
- Wireless Charging: R2,400
- Comfort Pack Plus (rearview camera, keyless access, park assist): R16,500
- Panoramic Sunroof: R15,400 Rand
- Total with ALL Optional Extras: Around R600,000 (could be even more!)
Important Considerations:
- Other Optional Extras: The blog post mentions additional options like Beats sound system, adaptive cruise control, etc. These would drive the price up even further.
- Financing: The reviewer calculated a monthly payment of roughly R11,800 financed over 6 years with a 12% interest rate.
- Fuel Costs: For a 40L tank of petrol, expect to pay around R930
- Insurance: Add another average of R2,000 per month for insurance
Other Things to Consider
- Safety: The Tigo boasts high-tech Matrix LED headlights for excellent visibility at night.
- Insurance and Maintenance: Factor in those costs along with your monthly installments to get a true picture of what owning a Taigo will cost.
The Verdict
The VW Taigo is a stylish option in the small SUV market. It’s packed with features and offers a decent driving experience. But, you’ll pay a premium for that style. If you’re on a budget or prioritize raw power, the Polo GTI might be a better choice.