Volkswagen Nivus teased as South Africa-bound Taigo

Unveiled last year initially only for South America, Volkswagen has released a batch of sketch images depicting the eagerly awaited European version of the coupe-styled Nivus.

Based on the same MQB A0 platform as the T-Cross and Polo, the European Nivus will be built in Pamplona, Spain from later this year, albeit under the Taigo name. It will go on sale towards the end of 2021.

Based on the sketches detailing only the exterior, the Taigo differs little from the Nivus, with the front facia unchanged and the rear sporting the same look as the T-Cross and North American Atlas Cross Sport. In South America, the Nivus is positioned below the T-Cross with the same likely to apply in Europe.

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In terms of dimensions, the Taigo will likely differ little and sport measurements of 4 266 mm in overall length, a wheelbase of 2 566 mm, height of 1 493 mm and width of 1 757 mm. The Nivus’ 415-litre boot is also poised to be carried over.

Rear view shows similarities with the T-Cross and the model it is derived from, the South American Nivus.

Despite Volkswagen not saying much about the interior apart from confirming the 10.25-inch Active Info Display digital instrument cluster, the overall look and design is likely to be similar to the Nivus, but with more premium materials and possibly different specification items.

The biggest difference will be up front, though, where the Nivus’ 94kW/200Nm 1.4 TSI engine will make way for a range of more advanced TSI units shared with the Polo and T-Cross. This means the 1.0 TSI in various states of tune and the 110kW/240Nm 1.5 TSI Evo.

Transmissions are likely to consist out of a five-speed manual, six-speed manual and a seven-speed DSG with drive going to the front wheels only.

Aside from Europe, Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed availability of the Taigo but only from next year with pricing still to be announced. If introduced the same way as South America, expect the Taigo to undercut the T-Cross and fill the position between it and the Polo with pricing likely to start from around R350,000.

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