Renault Austral AUS vs Volkswagen Taigo CS1

Renault Austral

AUS · 2022 – 2026

The Austral (AUS), a modern compact SUV on CMF-CD3.

Volkswagen Taigo

CS1 · 2021 – 2026

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

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Renault Austral

Pick the Austral for a modern compact SUV with an efficient E-Tech hybrid.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech Full Hybrid 200.

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

1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol

	Renault Austral	Volkswagen Taigo
Power	200 hp Winner	110 hp
Torque	—	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,4 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	175 km/h	191 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	128,2 hp/t Winner	93,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	108 g/km Winner	123 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,7 L/100km Winner	5,4 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Renault Austral	Volkswagen Taigo
Boot	430 L	440 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.525 L Winner	1.222 L
Wheelbase	2,67 m Winner	2,57 m
Length	4,51 m	4,27 m
Ground clearance	—	16,0 cm
Turning circle	10,9 m	10,9 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg Winner	1.200 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Austral	Volkswagen Taigo
Platform	CMF-CD3	MQB A0 (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200	EA211 1.0 TSI · EA211 Evo 1.5 TSI
Transmission	E-Tech automatic	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Hybrid	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 Austral

Infotainment software needs updates
Electrical gremlins on early cars
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 Austral

Modern interior with a big screen
Efficient E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
Roomy, modular boot (430–527 L)

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 Austral

No diesel offered
Infotainment takes getting used to

Volkswagen Taigo

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

Driving experience

Renault Austral

A refined long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car, helped by optional rear-axle steering (4Control) that tightens the turning circle in town. Steering is light but accurate enough for daily use, with Sport mode adding more weight. The ride is firmer than many rivals, especially on larger wheels, and can feel unsettled over sharp bumps, though body control is reasonable. The E-Tech full hybrid feels responsive in mixed driving and can cover short distances on electric power alone, while the 1.3 mild hybrid is adequate once moving. Low-speed transmission behaviour can show hesitation or judder on early hybrid examples.

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.