Renault Captur MK2 vs Volkswagen Taigo CS1

Renault Captur

MK2 · 2019 – 2026

The second Captur (MK2), on the CMF-B platform with E-Tech hybrids.

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 MK2 for the roomier, modern Captur with E-Tech hybrids and the flexible rear bench.

Best engine: The 1.0 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech 140/145 (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

1.0 TCe 100 · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol

	Renault Captur	Volkswagen Taigo
Power	100 hp	110 hp Winner
Torque	160 Nm	200 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	13,0 s	10,5 s Winner
Top speed	178 km/h	191 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	87,7 hp/t	93,6 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	115 g/km Winner	123 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,0 L/100km Winner	5,4 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Renault Captur	Volkswagen Taigo
Boot	422 L	440 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.500 L Winner	1.222 L
Wheelbase	2,64 m Winner	2,57 m
Length	4,24 m	4,27 m
Ground clearance	—	16,0 cm
Turning circle	10,9 m	10,9 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.100 kg	1.200 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Captur	Volkswagen Taigo
Platform	CMF-B	MQB A0 (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	1.0 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 Blue dCi · E-Tech 140/145 · E-Tech PHEV 158	EA211 1.0 TSI · EA211 Evo 1.5 TSI
Transmission	6-speed manual	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 Captur

E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
Electrical gremlins and infotainment freezes
1.5 Blue dCi: DPF and AdBlue on short trips

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

Bigger boot than the MK1
Modern E-Tech hybrids available
Keeps the clever sliding rear bench

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

PHEV pricier and heavier
Infotainment can be slow

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 firmer than the first-generation Captur, reducing roll in corners while staying acceptable on normal roads, though the ride can feel firm on larger wheels. The 1.0 TCe and 1.3 TCe feel responsive for daily use; the E-Tech hybrid adds strong low-speed electric assistance and smooth transitions once warm. Manual gearboxes are straightforward, and the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but can hesitate at low speeds. Overall a competent, easy compact crossover 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.