Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Taigun review

We get behind the wheel of the little up!-based SUV concept

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Volkswagen Taigun
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Realising the potential for an A-segment SUV, VW has all but confirmed that it’s committed to putting this Taigun concept into production. It’s early days yet, but even at this stage there’s plenty to get excited about. The Taigun’s raised ride height and compact proportions are great for getting around town, the looks are well thought-out and this 1.0-litre TSI engine is a really great alternative to Ford’s 1.0 EcoBoost.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Occasionally a concept car comes along that just needs to be built. That was certainly the case with the Volkswagen Taigun, which debuted at the 2012 Sao Paulo Motor Show – and as we got behind the wheel for the first time, Volkswagen all but confirmed to us that it’s aiming to have a production version on the road by 2016.

Volkswagen

All the technology is either already here or being developed. The platform, for example, will come from the up!, which explains the Taigun’s diminutive proportions; it’s 110mm shorter than a Polo and 340mm shorter than a Nissan Juke. But unlike that car, VW probably won’t bother with four-wheel drive in Europe. That’s because it sees the Taigun as more of a jacked-up city car than an off-roader.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

X6

2018 BMW

X6

49,382 milesAutomaticPetrol4.4L

Cash £24,399
View X6
A4 Avant

2025 Audi

A4 Avant

35,470 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £23,299
View A4 Avant
XC40

2020 Volvo

XC40

55,835 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £21,999
View XC40
EQA

2023 Mercedes

EQA

35,890 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £21,199
View EQA

The model has been produced with developing markets such as Brazil in mind, so the short overhangs and underbody protection may well come in handy for travelling over the more uneven roads in such territories, as will the raised ride height.

The concept we drove is powered by a 1.0-litre TSI engine – essentially a turbocharged version of the up!’s three-cylinder. Here it produces 109bhp, while the naturally aspirated versions boast 59bhp and 74bhp respectively. It’s likely that all three engines will appear in the final production car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

A lot like Ford’s EcoBoost 1.0-litre, this engine produces quite a smooth three-cylinder thrum. However, this concept has barely any sound-deadening, so is currently far too noisy. It’s an impressive performer, though, launching the 985kg Taigun – an up! weighs 940kg – from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds and on to a 116mph top speed.

The car allows for some seriously low running costs, too, with VW putting official fuel economy at 60.1mpg and CO2 emissions at 110g/km.

The Taigun still feels a lot like a concept from behind the wheel, with none of the polish you’d normally expect from a VW, but you can really get a sense of why this kind of car could be popular. The tiny proportions make it a breeze to place on the road, and the elevated position is perfect for seeing over other vehicles.

The styling will help sales, too, and it’s likely that the production car won’t look too dissimilar to this concept. In fact, if you tone down the headlights and smooth over the more outlandish bodywork creases, you could easily pass this off as an everyday VW.

The interior isn’t too outlandish, either, with the steering wheel, dials and centre tunnel all very closely modelled on the up!’s. What’s more, VW has clearly considered practicality. The wheelbase is only 60mm shorter than a Juke’s, giving reasonable rear legroom. There’s even a fairly large boot, at 280 litres with the seats in place and 987 with them folded. The rear screen opens independently of the bootlid, so you can easily load bags.

VW expects the Taigun to start at around £12,000 – and if the production car can deliver this concept’s exciting looks, practical proportions and low running costs, it’s certain to be a big success.

Skip advert
Advertisement

More reviews

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £13,328
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,364 off RRP*Used from £8,595
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £6,682 off RRP*Used from £12,300
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,670 off RRP*Used from £14,998
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025
Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy
Marcos, interior

Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy

Development is already underway on the first all-new Marcos cars in roughly 20 years
News
27 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025