While very complex for a modest output, no Taos driver could dispute that the 1.5L turbo four does not deliver strong, flexible performance with impressive refinement. Moving from a stop is a bit troubled as all but gentle throttle inputs causes the engine to bog down like it is flooded, followed by an overly-aggressive response once the computer sorts itself out. The driver needs to gently feather the throttle to leave smoothly from rest. The DSG transmission in the all-wheel Taos upshifts smoothly but was a bit reluctant to downshift. Steering is nicely weighted, quick and holds its line very well.The brakes have no lost motion, have a nice feel and stop the car confidently. well. The ride is very firm but there is no jarring. The use of super low-profile 45 series tires for a family grocery getter is a bit odd. If the car had proper tires, like a 60 series, the ride of this car would be better. Wind noise is nicely suppressed but noise from the road is more prominent than it is. The Taos has a large sunroof, which, unlike some other cars, actually has a large opening. Like its larger Tiguan showroom mate, the styling of the Taos is very conservative and frill free but also well-tailored and timeless. Traditional design extends inside, with clean shapes, logical controls and generally nice materials, but perhaps a bit too many hard plastic surfaces for what is a pretty expensive vehicle. The black and gray cabin scheme of the Taos is very chic. The driver faces a configurable TFT gauge package. The door bins are big but the console in front of the shift lacks storage space. The front seats are very comfortable and can be moved back a long way. The rear seat is supportive and rear passengers enjoy impressive legroom for the size of the car. The trunk is square, deep below the window line and surprisingly commodious. Cellphone hookup is simple, the Beats-branded audio system delivers pleasing sounds and the voice command system works well enough.

About the same size as the original Tiguan, the new Taos slots in under the very large Tiguan as VW’s entry level crossover and will be a key competitor to the new Toyota Corolla Cross. The Taos is clean-lined and contemporary and reflects the current Volkswagen styling ethos. The cabin design is elegant and timeless. The driver faces a TFT gauge cluster. An infotainment screen is integrated into the dashboard rather than standing atop it. Controls are logical and easy to deal with. The Taos is powered exclusively by a 1.5L turbo that produces 158 horsepower and 184 lb.ft. of torque. Power is ample. Transmission choice includes a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive units employing a seven-speed dual clutch automated manual transmission.

With alloy wheels, L.E.D. headlights, the iOS-Android cellphone interface, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors and keyless starting, the base Trendline trim is comprehensively equipped. All-wheel drive, standard the Highline model, is a $2200 option on the Trendline and a $2600 option on the Comfortline. The Comfortline, with a forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, a power driver’s seat, deep tint glass, rain sense wipers, wireless cellphone charging, dual zone climate control, a remote starter and a number or minor items, but the package looks a bit expensive. The range-topping Highline trim, adds leather seating, navigation, a large-format sunroof and adaptive headlights and a digital cockpit, is good value.

Predicted reliability is average until the third or fourth year and deteriorating after that. Turbo wastegate failure reports are becoming more common.