The Taigo is the latest Volkswagen SUV to enter the local market, sporting a coupe-esque roofline and many of the features and technologies in products such as the updated Polo and the T-Cross. The Taigo not only has competition from its siblings but from other competent vehicles in this segment. Two such vehicles are the handsome Opel Mokka and the odd, but undeniably cool Hyundai Kona. Which one of these products offer the best value, though?
Practicality
The Kona has the longest wheelbase at 2 600, but the Taigo and Mokka run it close at 2 566mm and 2 557mm respectively. In terms of width and height, the Hyundai is again the winner, with the Opel in second place and the Volkswagen third. In terms of boot space, the Kona offers the most room, with 544-litres that expands to 1 296-litres with the rear seats folded flat. The Volkswagen comes in second position, with 440-litres that extends to 1 222-litres with the rear seats folded flat. The Mokka has the smallest boot, with 310-litres that grows to 1 105-litres.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Kona appears to have a distinct advantage over the Opel and Volkswagen with their 3-cylinder engines. The tables turn when we look at efficiency, though, with the Volkswagen being the most efficient, followed by the Opel.
| Volkswagen Taigo 1.0 TSI R-Line | Opel Mokka 1.2T GS Line | Hyundai Kona 1.6T Executive | |
| Engine | 1.0-litre, turbocharged, 3-cylinder petrol | 1.2-litre, turbocharged, 3-cylinder petrol | 1.6-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol |
| Transmission | 7-speed, dual-clutch automatic | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed, dual-clutch automatic |
| Power | 85 kW | 96 kW | 146 kW |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 230 Nm | 265 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 10.0s | 9.2s | 7.7s |
| Top speed | 200 km/h | 200 km/h | 210 km/h |
| Fuel consumption | 5.4 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Price | R486 000 | R519 900 | R512 500 |
*This table was compiled with information sourced from www.duoporta.co.za as well as the official press releases of each model.
Specification
All three models are well specified as they are either the flagships in their respective ranges or the second highest in terms of specification. Therefore niceties such as climate control, cruise control, multifunction steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, tyre pressure monitor, rear park distance control, front fog lamps, alloy wheels, 6 airbags and outer rear ISOFIX child seat anchor points. Both the Opel and the Hyundai have reverse cameras while the Mokka gets leather seats and the Kona artificial leather while the Volkswagen has cloth pews. The Mokka pulls ahead in terms of features, though, with integrated navigation, electronic driver's seat lumbar adjustment, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor control and keyless entry/start and leather seats.
Safety
All three of our contenders have been tested by the EuroNCAP assessment programme. Both the Taigo and the Kona received 5-Star safety ratings while the Mokka achieved a 4-Star rating. Looking specifically at the results, the Volkswagen is the safest, with scores of 94% for adult occupant safety, 84% for child occupant safety, 71% for pedestrian safety and 70% for its safety assist systems. The Hyundai comes a close second as it received 87% for adult occupant safety, 85% for child occupant safety, 62% for pedestrian safety and 60% for its safety assist systems. The Mokka is clearly the third safest vehicle, scoring 73% for adult occupant safety, 75% for child occupant safety, 58% for pedestrian safety and 64% for its safety assist systems.
Warranty and maintenance
There is a clear winner in the warranty department, and that is the Hyundai, which offers a 5-year/150 000km warranty as well as an additional 7-year/200 000km drivetrain warranty as well as a 5-year/75 000km service plan. In second place is the Opel with a 3-year/120 000km warranty and a 4-year/60 000km service plan. The Volkswagen is last in this category, offering a 3-year/120 000km warranty and a 3-year/45 000km service plan.
Verdict
Looking at all three of our contenders there are areas in which each performs well, and we can state with confidence that you would not be disappointed with any of the three, however, there can only be one winner. Having looked at the data, it would appear that in terms of value, the Hyundai Kona is our winner, offering the best warranty and service plan, a price that sits between the Volkswagen and Opel, and the most powerful engine and a good standard specification.
