Taos

Make
Volkswagen
Segment
SUV

Volkswagen first teased the Taigo back in March. This is the carmaker's baby crossover based on Brazil's Nivus crossover. Like the Taos and the Tiguan, this is another little crossover meant to fill shoes that something like the Touareg is too big for. But unlike those models, this is being hailed as the first SUV coupe from Volkswagen. VW says that the front-wheel-drive crossover is "a real crowd-pleaser with its trendy crossover body style" and "pioneering connectivity", but looks aren't everything. Volkswagen says that, despite the sloping roofline, the rear does not restrict headroom in the back seat. We'll see about that.

VW's press fluff, which always is a little too excited, says that the Taigo focuses on "design, individuality, and emotion", but enough about the imaginary attributes of the car. It comes with full LED headlights, an all-digital cockpit, and the latest generation (MIB3) infotainment system as standard.

Measuring in at 4.26 meters (167.72 inches), the Taigo is just 0.1 of an inch shorter than a Golf. So it'll look like an SUV and be as practical as one but should be light and easy to drive too. That's because, like the compact Polo and the T-Cross (neither of which are sold in the US), it rides on the MQB platform.

Volkswagen doesn't reveal too much more about the vehicle, but we are told that the new IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlight system with an illuminated radiator grille crossbar will be available as an option, likely as part of a package. Inside, the Taigo has an "elaborately designed multifunctional steering wheel and modern control elements", as well as App Connect Wireless. Depending on the configuration, Volkswagen will offer access to streaming services, voice control, and cloud-based personalization. We're also promised forward collision assist with low-speed automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning as standard, while semi-automated driving up to 130 mph will be available too.

At this point, we have no further details to share with you as the images you see are of a "nearly production-ready concept", but either way, this new crossover will only be sold in Europe. Volkswagen is hoping that by taking design cues from bigger, more premium models in its SUV range, the Taigo will lure new buyers in who could otherwise not afford a VW crossover.

We'll learn more when Volkswagen unveils the production version, but even that date has been kept a secret for the time being. In the meanwhile, you can pass the time learning about why Volkswagen names all of its SUVs with a T.