Confused by Volkswagen's increasingly crowded crossover lineup in Europe? So are we. You would think there wouldn't be room left with the already available T-Cross and T-Roc, but the folks from Wolfsburg are launching the Taigo to fill in a gap we never knew existed. Granted, the small crossover has been a long time coming since VW made it clear it would bring Brazil’s Nivus to Europe with a different name and build it in Spain.

At 4.26 metres (167.7 inches) long, 1.75 metres (69 in) wide, and 1.49 mm (58.6 in) tall, it's a smidge longer, narrower, and lower than the T-Roc and is longer than the T-Cross, regardless if we’re talking about the standard- or long-wheelbase model. Its wheelbase measures 2,566 mm (101 in), which makes it a tad longer than that of the regular T-Cross but shorter than the LWB-spec T-Cross.

VW also sells the T-Roc with different wheelbase lengths and all of them are longer than the Taigo's. Side note, the folks from Wolfsburg are also selling a T-Roc Convertible on the Old Continent to pick up where the Range Rover Evoque Convertible left off.

Gallery: 2022 Volkswagen Taigo

Essentially, the Taigo is a more stylish alternative to the T-Cross by adopting what VW refers to as a coupe-like roofline. There's not much to say about the design as it has been largely carried over from the BR-spec Nivus. Featured in many of the adjacent images is the flagship R-Line, complete with faux quad exhaust tips we could honestly do without.

The same goes for the interior, also borrowed from its Brazilian sibling. However, eagle-eyed viewers will notice the Euro-spec Taigo has fancier climate control settings, borrowed from the facelifted Tiguan and Arteon. Overall, the interior should look oh-so-familiar if you've been in a T-Cross or a Polo, which also got that climate control module with the mid-cycle facelift unveiled earlier this year.

Sold exclusively with a front-wheel-drive layout, the Taigo will be a petrol-only affair as VW is gradually moving away from its once high-praised TDI engines. Customers will get to pick from the usual suspects, namely a three-cylinder 1.0-litre and a bigger and more powerful four-cylinder 1.5-litre unit. The three-pot is good for 94 bhp (70 kW) and 109 bhp (81 kW) while the four-pot is rated at 148 bhp (110 kW). Depending on the engine choice, the Taigo comes with a five- or six-speed manual along with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.

From matrix LED headlights to partly automated driving (level 2), the VW Taigo is generously equipped for a B-segment crossover. It can be specified with a plethora of kit, including a 9.2-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, 18-inch wheels, and various driver assistance features. Despite its somewhat swoopy roofline, the cargo area can still accommodate 438 litres of luggage, which is comparable to the boxy T-Cross.

VW has plans to sell the five-seat Taigo small crossover in the UK and the 28 countries from the European Union, plus Turkey and Africa.