Renault Arkana ARK vs Volkswagen Taigo CS1

Renault Arkana

ARK · 2020 – 2026

The Arkana (ARK), a coupé-SUV on the CMF-B platform.

Volkswagen Taigo

CS1 · 2021 – 2026

The first-generation Taigo (CS1), on the MQB A0 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Renault Arkana

Pick the Arkana for a striking coupé-SUV with a roomy boot and an efficient hybrid.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech hybrid.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen Taigo

Pick the Taigo for a stylish coupé crossover with low running costs and city-friendly dimensions.

Best engine: The 1.0 TSI (110 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol

	Renault Arkana	Volkswagen Taigo
Power	140 hp Winner	110 hp
Torque	260 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	9,8 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	200 km/h Winner	191 km/h
Power-to-weight	105,3 hp/t Winner	93,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	132 g/km	123 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,8 L/100km	5,4 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Renault Arkana	Volkswagen Taigo
Boot	480 L Winner	440 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.500 L Winner	1.222 L
Wheelbase	2,72 m Winner	2,57 m
Length	4,57 m	4,27 m
Ground clearance	—	16,0 cm
Turning circle	10,9 m	10,9 m
Towing capacity (braked)	750 kg	1.200 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Arkana	Volkswagen Taigo
Platform	CMF-B	MQB A0 (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	1.3 TCe mild hybrid · E-Tech Hybrid 145	EA211 1.0 TSI · EA211 Evo 1.5 TSI
Transmission	6-speed manual · EDC7	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Renault Arkana

Infotainment: freezes and lag
Electrical gremlins (12V battery)
E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain

Volkswagen Taigo

Timing belt (wet belt) on some 1.0 TSI
Plastic water pump/thermostat module
Infotainment glitches (MIB3) on early cars

Pros

Renault Arkana

Striking coupé design
Roomy boot (480–513 L)
Efficient E-Tech hybrid available

Volkswagen Taigo

Coupé roofline sets it apart from the T-Cross
Thrifty 1.0 TSI with low CO2 (Euro 6d)
Generous standard kit (LED, digital cockpit)

Cons

Renault Arkana

Sloping roof limits rear headroom
No diesel offered

Volkswagen Taigo

Less rear headroom due to the sloping roof
No diesel or all-wheel-drive options

Driving experience

Renault Arkana

A comfortable long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car. Steering is light and accurate enough for daily use, and body control is reasonable, but the ride is firmer than many rivals — especially on larger wheels — and can feel unsettled over sharp bumps. The 1.3 TCe feels responsive once moving, while the E-Tech hybrid prioritises efficiency and can feel less linear under hard acceleration because of its multi-mode transmission. The EDC dual-clutch is smooth at higher speeds but can show low-speed hesitation or judder.

Volkswagen Taigo

Light, easy and aimed squarely at town driving. The Taigo steers quickly and lightly, rides acceptably, and slips through city streets with little effort. The sloping roofline looks good but trims rear headroom, and it is front-wheel drive only. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible choice — smooth and economical — the 1.5 TSI adds useful pace, and the DSG is smooth. It is a style-led small crossover that prioritises looks and ease of use over outright practicality or driving involvement.