Just in case you woke up this morning, worrying that Volkswagen doesn't have quite enough crossovers and SUVs in its lineup, I have good news for you - Volkswagen will introduce the Taigo, a small crossover that slots between the Polo and the T-Cross in its line-up.
In Ireland this Autumn
It'll arrive in Ireland this Autumn, and will be exclusively powered by petrol engines. If we can judge the styling from the sketch-type images so far released, there's more than a little of the old CrossPolo (a car we truly hated) about it, but also probably sufficient visual differences between it and the Polo to allow it to work as a separate model. Think of it as being to the Polo what the T-Roc is to the Golf.
Coupe silhouette
According to Volkswagen, the Taigo means that: "The wait is over for those who have been looking for a CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) that combines an elevated seating position with a sporty coupé silhouette." We weren't aware that was something people were waiting for, specifically, but hey-ho.
Based on a Brazilian-market Nivus
The Taigo is based, mechanically speaking, on the Nivus crossover which is already available in Brazil, but will be built for the European market in Pamplona, Spain. It runs on the MQB A0 platform, already in use underneath the Polo, the T-Cross and the SEAT Ibiza and Arona. In Brazil, the Nivus runs a single 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol option, with a standard automatic gearbox, but Volkswagen is likely to offer at least a manual option here, and possibly a range of engine power outputs.
Volkswagen says that the Taigo's standard equipment list will include: "LED headlights as standard, a modern operating concept, a fully digital cockpit and a multitude of assist systems."