Volkswagen has a seemingly never-ending list of SUVs available these days. There’s a reason for this influx of high-riding models, mind you - people love them. So it’s only natural for the firm to continue expanding its line-up, having recently added the new coupe-styled Taigo to its range.
But how does it compare to the existing T-Roc and T-Cross models? Well, let’s take a look.
Volkswagen Taigo
The Taigo has arrived as Volkswagen’s first coupe-styled SUV. It’s slightly larger than the smaller T-Cross but is actually seen as the entry point to the firm’s range of high-riding models. It brings that higher seating position that buyers in this segment are after, but with a more compact body that makes it ideal for driving around town.
All models get plenty of standard equipment including LED headlights and an eight-inch digital cockpit setup, alongside a multifunction steering wheel. Entry-level models boast a range of assistance systems as standard, while top-spec R Line versions get 17-inch alloy wheels and bespoke bumpers. Whichever model you go for, there’s a good amount of equipment on offer.
There is plenty of variety when it comes to powertrains, too. Depending on specification, there’s an initial 1.0-litre turbocharged unit available with either 94bhp or 108bhp, while a punchier 1.5-litre is there for those who’d like a little more grunt. It brings 148bhp and 250Nm of torque and can only be paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
Volkswagen T-Roc
The T-Roc, meanwhile, sits in the middle ground of Volkswagen’s SUV line-up. It’s larger than the Taigo, but a touch smaller than the ever-popular Tiguan. As a result, it provides a good compromise between practicality and outright footprint that has proved a hit for a lot of drivers. It has recently been updated, too, refining the exterior design while boosting the interior technology levels to ensure it remains up to scratch in this incredibly competitive segment.
The new T-Roc also adopts Volkswagen’s new trim level structure, meaning that Life and Style now replace older Design and SEL specifications. Both R-Line and sporty R remain, however. All cars get new soft-touch dashboard materials, while there’s a new screen - available as either an eight- or 9.2-inch version - which combines with an eight-inch digital display ahead of the driver to create a high-tech environment. As before, there’s a convertible version available too - and it’s the only drop-top in Volkswagen’s current range of cars.
There’s a great level of choice when it comes to the T-Roc’s powertrains too. A 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol kicks things off with 108bhp, while there’s also the option of either a 1.5- or 2.0-litre for those who would like a little extra power. There are then a pair of 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engines, bringing 112bhp and 148bhp, with four-wheel-drive fitted to the latter as standard. At the top of the range sits the performance-orientated R, which uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with an impressive 298bhp on offer.
Volkswagen T-Cross
The T-Cross is the smallest SUV in Volkswagen’s range and brings a more compact take on the firm’s conventional SUV layout. For those who want a little increase in ride height but without the larger footprint you get from a traditional SUV, the T-Cross could be right on the money.
Volkswagen recently added a new Active trim level to the T-Cross, bringing a new high-level specification to the car. It sits alongside existing Match, SE, Design and Life equipment lines, but all available options bring plenty of standard equipment. For instance, all versions get alloy wheels and rear LED lights, as well as an eight-inch colour media system with Bluetooth connectivity. Mid-range SE cars will bring the right amount of equipment for most buyers, though, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and adaptive cruise control which can really help during long drives.
When it comes to engines on the T-Cross, things are kept pretty simple. There’s just a single 1.0-litre turbocharged engine available, with two different outputs there to choose from - 94bhp and 114bhp, though the latter is available with either a six-speed or seven-speed DSG automatic. All offer great levels of fuel economy, too, bringing up to 48.2mpg depending on wheel size and trim.
