VW Taigo (Nivus) 2020+ How to Remove the Bumpers

Name and Global Strategy

The Volkswagen Taigo is a compact crossover coupe, known in South America as the Nivus. The model was developed in Brazil and targets a young audience, combining stylish design with SUV practicality. In Europe and Russia, the car is sold as the Taigo, while in Latin America, it retains the original name Nivus.

 

Production Years and Facelift

  • Nivus premiere: Took place in 2020 for South American markets.
  • European debut of the Taigo: Introduced in 2021 as a model for Europe and Russia.
  • Facelift: As of 2024, no significant design changes have been made, but an update is expected in 2025–2026, featuring new lighting, a revised radiator grille, and adaptation to a new engine lineup.

 

Model Code and Platform

The Taigo/Nivus is based on the MQB A0 platform, which is also used in the Volkswagen Polo, T-Cross, and Virtus. Internal codes:

  • Nivus: AW (for South America).
  • Taigo: C2 (for the European market).

 

Body Type and Modifications

The car is a crossover coupe (SUV-Coupe) with a five-door body. Key modifications:

Volkswagen Nivus (South America)

  • 1.0 TSI (116 HP, 200 Nm) – base turbo engine.
  • 1.5 TSI (150 HP, 250 Nm) – top version with a 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission.

Volkswagen Taigo (Europe and Russia)

  • 1.0 TSI (95, 110, and 116 HP) – with a manual or DSG transmission.
  • 1.5 TSI (150 HP) – only with a 7-speed DSG.
  • R-Line – sport package with aggressive styling.

 

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP+E/P-TD10<

How to Remove the Front Bumper

  1. Lift and secure the hood.
  2. Remove the hood release lever (press the latch and pull the lever upward).
  3. Unscrew the six screws (inserted top to bottom) securing the radiator grille.
  4. Release the lower part from the clips (pull horizontally toward you) and remove the radiator grille.
  5. In the opening under the grille, unscrew the three screws securing the upper part of the front bumper.
  6. Turn the wheels inward one at a time.
  7. (On each side) Unscrew three screws in the wheel arch and three screws under the car securing the front part of the wheel liner.
  8. (On each side) Move the edge of the wheel liner aside and unscrew the screw (inserted bottom to top) securing the corner to the guide rail in the fender.
  9. Unscrew three screws (inserted bottom to top) securing the underbody trim.
  10. (On both sides) Release the clips from the guide rails in the fenders (grab the corner and gently pull toward you. If the clips don’t release, loosen the nuts and lower the rails).
  11. With an assistant, remove the front bumper forward (be careful not to tear any wires).
  12. Disconnect the connectors from the lighting and parking assist sensors (if equipped).

Front Bumper Mounting Locations VW Taigo (Nivus) 2020+

Front Bumper Mounting Diagram VW Taigo (Nivus) 2020+

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

⇒Useful tips on how to remove the bumper and not break anything.⇐

  1. Open the trunk lid.
  2. Remove two plugs in the trunk opening.
  3. Open the compartments in the trunk side trims.
  4. In the compartments, unscrew the plastic screws, release the clips in the fenders, and remove the taillights.
  5. In the wheel arches, unscrew three screws on each side securing the rear wheel liners.
  6. Behind the liners, unscrew one screw on each side (inserted bottom to top) securing the fender corners.
  7. Remove the push rivets and unscrew the screws under the car (quantity may vary depending on trim).
  8. Pull sharply toward you to release the clips in the fenders.
  9. Lift the retainers and release the clips under the taillights.
  10. Carefully remove the bumper backward (requires two people; watch for wires).
  11. Disconnect the electrical component connectors.

mounting locations for rear bumper VW Taigo (Nivus) 2020+

Rear bumper mounting diagram VW Taigo (Nivus) 2020+

Model Description

Design:

  • Coupe-style sloping roofline.
  • Bold body lines and LED lighting.
  • 3D-effect taillights.

 

Interior:

  • Digital Cockpit (8–10 inches).
  • MIB3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support.
  • Soft-touch plastics and aluminum-style trim.

 

Technical Features:

  • Front-wheel drive (no all-wheel drive option).
  • Ground clearance – 174 mm (more than the Polo but less than the T-Cross).
  • Trunk capacity – 440 liters (less than the T-Cross but more than hatchbacks).

 

Interesting Facts

  • Developed for emerging markets – The Nivus was created in Brazil as an alternative to expensive European SUVs.
  • T-Cross sibling but sportier – The Taigo shares a platform with the T-Cross but has a more dynamic silhouette.
  • Electric version? Rumors of a hybrid variant emerged in 2023, but no official announcements have been made.
  • Popular in Mexico – The Nivus ranked among the top 5 best-selling SUVs in 2022.
  • No all-wheel drive – Unlike many crossovers, the Taigo lacks a 4Motion option.

 

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Taigo (Nivus) is an attempt to blend coupe-like dynamism with crossover practicality. While it doesn’t offer groundbreaking technology, it appeals with its style and affordability. After the facelift, the Taigo is expected to gain more electrification and modern driver-assistance systems