THE Taigo may be Volkswagen's version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

It is slightly longer than the German motor group's entry-level SUV, the T-Cross, and lower and shorter than the T-Roc - so just right for those seeking a model that also offers the plus of coupe styling.

Fitting into VW's SUV line-up alongside the Tiguan, the ID.4, Tiguan Allspace and the Touareg, the Taigo offers an attractive alternative.

Its smooth coupe-like exterior - that nevertheless looks like it means business as any self-respecting SUV should - is combined with a roomy interior boasting all mod cons.

Natty alloy wheels are eye-catching on the sporty R-Line model, as is a dramatic sloping roof line, full-width light bar across the tailgate and black styling add-ons for door mirrors which fold over when you lock the car.

First impressions are good when you slide into the comfortable, supportive and fully adjustable driving seat.

The multi-function steering wheel on this high grade £29,635 SUV allows easy control of the radio and cruise control while a push button ignition sparks the efficient 1.5-litre petrol engine into life.

There are plenty of cubby holes for your nik-naks plus a couple of cup holders between the driver and front seat passenger while an armrest hides a handy storage box where valuables can be stored out of sight from the more light-fingered members of society.

The Taigo boasts a digital dash that can be set to the parameters you desire - so I had the fuel economy figure in the centre of the rev counter and the miles to refill in the middle of the speedo.

A central touchscreen hogs the limelight offering access to a host of goodies including the sat nav. It also features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity while wireless phone charging is also available.

The controls for the dual-zone climate control are helpfully situated below the touchscreen with a pleasant atmosphere guaranteed no matter what the traffic is doing.

A host of safety systems are also fitted including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with lane assist and traffic-sign recognition. Also fitted are Park Assist, a fatigue detection system and curtain airbags in the front.

The rear seats are easy to access with plenty of space for two adults. A third passenger in the back is possible but leg room will be tighter due to the raised transmission tunnel.

Most of the materials used are of a good quality although some of the plastics in the back are a bit hard.

The 440-litre boot is easy to load and adequate for most families' needs while the rear seats split and fold over when more space is required.

The Taigo is relaxing to drive with plenty of power under your right foot when required. The four-cylinder power unit allows the SUV to reach 62mph from a standing start in a shade over eight seconds - aided and abetted by a super smooth seven-speed automatic DSG gearbox - on its way to a claimed top speed of 132mph.

I did a fair number of miles on the nation's motorways but the Taigo made light of the effort, cruising efficiently with the minimum of fuss while stops at petrol stations were refreshingly infrequent as fuel economy neared 50mpg.

Around town it is an amenable beast while country lanes can be tackled with confidence as there is plenty of grip in tight corners. The suspension competently handles most of the humps and hollows pretending to be roads these days.