Volkswagen Taigo SUV - MPG, running costs & CO2
Only petrol engines are available but they’re fairly cheap to run
Despite being a supposedly rugged SUV, the Volkswagen Taigo is quite a light car by modern standards, so its engines don’t have to work too hard. The upshot is reasonably low running costs, although you are limited to petrol engines. While a diesel won’t be offered, the petrols are economical enough to be considered by high-mileage drivers.
Volkswagen Taigo MPG & CO2
Neither petrol engine will require a huge fuel budget but the cheaper 1.0-litre engine is the most wallet-friendly. Available in two power options, the base 94bhp 1.0-litre will manage 51.8mpg if you choose a manual gearbox. The 108bhp version is offered on all three trim levels and can also be specified with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. Do so and you’ll still be able to achieve up to 48.3mpg, although the auto is over £1,500 more expensive than the manual. Spec a manual with the 108bhp engine and up to 52.3mpg is officially possible.
Style and R-Line can be chosen with a more powerful 1.5-litre engine. The automatic gearbox is standard with this engine and you’ll be paying an extra premium over the 1.0-litre DSG. The 1.5-litre engine features cylinder deactivation to save fuel, which helps contribute to its claimed 48.6mpg figure.
CO2 emissions start at 123g/km and increase if you choose the automatic versions topping out at around 133g/km for the 1.0-litre engine, while the 1.5-litre engine produces from 131g/km of CO2. For company-car drivers, the Taigo occupies quite high Benefit-in-Kind tax bands, although its P11D value could swing the balance. Business users looking for lower tax payments would be better off in something hybrid or electric, like the Toyota Yaris Cross or Hyundai Kona Electric.
Because there’s no hybrid option, all Taigos are subject to the standard rate in VED (road tax).
Insurance groups
High insurance premiums shouldn’t be a worry with the Taigo, as it starts in group 13 out of 50. The top-spec R-Line with the bigger engine occupies group 22. It’ll cost slightly more to insure than a Renault Captur, which starts in group eight, but that shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for most buyers.
Warranty
Volkswagen’s three-year/60,000-mile warranty is the least you can expect from a new car. It’s fine, especially as many drivers will be paying for the Taigo on a three-year finance deal, but many rivals are far more generous. The Renault Captur and Hyundai Kona offer five years of cover, while the MG ZS and Kia XCeed get seven years of cover, which is transferable to the next owner.
Servicing
Volkswagen offers fixed-price servicing plans that will cost less than paying for individual services. Your dealer will be able to advise you on the cost but typically these plans cost £20-30 per month. If a visit to the dealership throws up an unexpected cost that isn’t covered by the warranty, you’ll be able to pay the bill in instalments.
