Petrol engines

• Taigo available with choice of three engines
• 1.0 or 1.5-litre units on offer
• Five or six-speed manual, or seven-speed auto

The VW Taigo’s engines are as simple as they come. You can have a 1.0-litre petrol engine in a choice of two power outputs, or a 1.5-litre petrol engine with one output. There’s no hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full electric variants, which does somewhat limit its appeal, but there are other models within the Volkswagen group to satisfy this requirement.

The lower-powered 1.0-litre is best avoided – though it’s not especially underpowered with 95hp, it comes paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. This doesn’t give you the flexibility of a six-speed ‘box – it’s notchier, too, and top gear isn’t as high so motorway cruising is less relaxed.

Much better is the 110hp 1.0-litre. It doesn’t really feel any more powerful than its lesser sibling, except maybe on a motorway slip road or during an overtake – but its six-speed manual is much better to use. It’s also available with a seven-speed DSG, which is a really good automatic ‘box as it’s quick-shifting and smooth.

The two 1.0-litres are the equal of most of their rivals – they feel more linear in their power delivery than a Renault Captur’s 100hp 1.0-litre, for example. However, the Ford Puma’s mild hybrid units are nicer to use still, and the Toyota Yaris Cross’ hybrid offering is a better option for an automatic.

The 1.5-litre engine tops the range with 150hp. That doesn’t make it hot – or even warm, really – but those who do most of their driving on faster roads or don’t particularly like stirring the gears will appreciate its extra punch. It’s a coarser engine than the two 1.0-litres, though, and noisier at speed, which is a shame. It comes standard with the DSG automatic.

What’s it like to drive?

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The Taigo won’t entertain on a back road nor will it particularly cosset on a motorway run. In fact, it’s outstandingly average, like beige paint or lace curtains. Set your pulse racing, it will not.

For plenty of drivers, that’ll be a pretty favourable trait – but here at Parkers we prefer cars to have something about them, whether that’s the ride comfort of a Peugeot 2008 or the handling prowess of a Ford Puma.

Still, the Taigo’s comfortable enough, especially around town where most of them will spend their time. Avoid models with larger alloy wheels and you’ll tackle potholes with aplomb, while models with the seven-speed DSG settle down to be quite quiet at a cruise.

The Taigo stays level and composed through the bends, but despite the ‘sporty’ looks there’s no pleasure to be had in the handling.