Renault Captur MK1 vs Volkswagen Taigo CS1

Renault Captur

MK1 · 2013 – 2019

The first Captur (MK1), on a modified 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 Captur

Pick the MK1 for an affordable, flexible early Captur with a clever sliding rear bench.

Best engine: The 0.9 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 dCi (diesel).

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

0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol

	Renault Captur	Volkswagen Taigo
Power	90 hp	110 hp Winner
Torque	135 Nm	200 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	12,7 s	10,5 s Winner
Top speed	171 km/h	191 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	83,3 hp/t	93,6 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	105 g/km Winner	123 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,7 L/100km Winner	5,4 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Renault Captur	Volkswagen Taigo
Boot	377 L	440 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.235 L Winner	1.222 L
Wheelbase	2,61 m Winner	2,57 m
Length	4,12 m	4,27 m
Ground clearance	—	16,0 cm
Turning circle	10,4 m Winner	10,9 m
Towing capacity (braked)	900 kg	1.200 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Captur	Volkswagen Taigo
Platform	B (modified)	MQB A0 (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	0.9 TCe · 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 dCi	EA211 1.0 TSI · EA211 Evo 1.5 TSI
Transmission	5-speed manual	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Renault Captur

1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
EDC: jerky shifts at low speed
Electrical gremlins and R-Link freezes

Volkswagen Taigo

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

Pros

Renault Captur

Flexible sliding rear bench
Affordable and plentiful used
Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel

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 Captur

1.2 TCe carries chain risk
Boot and rear legroom smaller than MK2

Volkswagen Taigo

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

Driving experience

Renault Captur

Light and easy to place in town with a reasonably high driving position, helped by light steering that is not especially communicative. Body control is acceptable but the ride is firmer than a conventional supermini, especially on larger wheels. The 0.9 TCe and 1.2 TCe feel responsive for daily use when healthy, while the 1.5 dCi is stronger on the motorway. Manual gearboxes are straightforward; the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but often shows low-speed hesitation or judder. Overall a competent compact crossover of its era rather than a driver's car.

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.