Volkswagen Taigo review - Practicality, comfort and boot space

​Despite offering a style upgrade over its T-Cross sibling, the Taigo doesn’t disappoint in terms of overall practicality. Interior space is good, while the standard kit includes adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights, power-folding heated mirrors and a wireless smartphone charging function. Further up the range you’ll find additional features such as upgraded sports comfort seats, dual-zone climate control, and integrated sat-nav.

A small grumble is that we didn’t like the design of the two cup holders between the front seats. They’re shaped hexagonally and struggle to hold anything more than a small coffee cup. It’s an odd feature in an otherwise ergonomically sound interior.

Family car buyers will be pleased to see ISOFIX points in the front and rear passenger seats; they’re easy to reach, with access made all the easier by the large rear door opening.

Size

The Taigo is 4,266mm long and 1,757mm wide (excluding mirrors), which means it's a little longer than the T-Cross, although not quite as wide. 

Leg room, head room & passenger space

Volkswagen has done an excellent job of ensuring that the Taigo’s sloping roofline doesn’t impact headroom for rear passengers, while legroom is good throughout the cabin. Space upfront is not dissimilar to the T-Cross, meaning it should be fine for most.

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Boot

At 440 litres, the Taigo’s boot capacity is only 15 litres down on the T-Cross, although it’s still well ahead of its Toyota C-HR rival, which offers a maximum load space of 377 litres.

Adding to the Taigo’s practicality is the large tailgate opening, low load lip and adjustable boot floor. Folding the rear seats unlocks a total of 1,222 litres.

Towing

If you’re prioritising towing ability, then the 148bhp 1.5-litre TSI is the engine to go for. It is rated to tow up to 1,200kg, while the 108bhp 1.0-litre limit is 1,100kg, followed by the 94bhp version with a maximum braked trailer load of 1,000kg.