2022 Taigo unveiled as Volkswagen's latest crossover offering

Volkswagen has added another lifted hatchback to its European line-up, announcing the arrival of the Taigo as a coupe-inspired crossover which will exist between the T-Cross and T-Roc.

Nearly identical in spec to the Brazil-only Nivus, the Taigo is based on the same Volkswagen MQB A0 platform which also underpins the T-Cross and current Polo, as well as other Volkswagen Group offerings such as the Skoda Scala, Fabia, Kamiq and Audi A1.

Set to be built in Spain, the Taigo stacks up as a longer, thinner and lower option than the T-Cross, standing at 4260mm (+150mm) in length, 1750mm (-10mm) wide and 1490mm (-93mm) tall with a wheelbase of 2566mm (+3mm).

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Volkswagen Taigo R-Line

Adopting the same kind of coupe-style rear end as its bigger siblings such as the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q5 Sportback, boot space is down slightly on the T-Cross, from 455 litres to 438 by account of the more aggressive rear slope.

Available in one of four trim packages, the Taigo features standard equipment such as; LED headlights, a 6.5-inch infotainment screen, fully-digital dash and front assist with autonomous emergency braking, as well as lane assist. Optional upgrades include; matrix LED lights, a 9.2-inch touchscreen, VW's digital dash pro and parking sensors on the front and rear bumpers.

Power will come from a choice of two engines – the three-cylinder, 1.0-litre unit found in the Polo, developing 70kW/175Nm, or a larger four-cylinder, 1.5-litre engine from the Golf/Tiguan/T-Roc which makes 110kW/250Nm. Both are available with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission or a manual five or six speed.

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Volkswagen Taigo R-Line

Despite plans for the model to be rolled out across Europe and in parts of Asia, Volkswagen Australia is happy enough with its current crossover line-up and doesn't feel the need to bring the Taigo Down Under yet.

"There’s no discussion around Taigo at present," a spokesperson told Wheels.

"We’ve good supply of the T-Cross and T-Roc, both of which – after an unfortunately prolonged period of no compact SUVs (and, for a time, not even a Tiguan variant under $40,000), are more than fulfilling the brand’s expectations."

Volkswagen hasn't confirmed pricing for the Taigo but says it will start from under €20,000, equivalent to around AU$32,000.

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Volkswagen Taigo Style