New VW Tayron 7-Seat SUV blends efficiency with versatility.

New VW Tayron 7-Seat SUV blends efficiency with versatility.

The recently launched Volkswagen Tayron SUV replaces the Tiguan Allspace (a long-wheelbase version of the second-generation Tiguan) in the German brand’s extensive SUV model line-up. The new Tayron is built on VW’s advanced MQB platform, sharing underpinnings with the smaller VW Golf and Tiguan, but stretched to an impressive 4.79 metres in length. Despite its size, the Tayron’s silhouette is more estate-like and aerodynamic than some of its rivals, helping it to stand out from the crowd. Additionally, the Tayron is the first non-electric VW with illuminated VW badges front and rear (depending on the trim line chosen), creating an unmistakable signature at night.

Distinctive, Illuminated Badges.

Although the Tayron is essentially a stretched Tiguan underneath, Volkswagen has gone to great lengths to ensure that it is almost visually indistinguishable from the Tiguan. From the Tayron’s striking front section, and the door panelling in the vehicle colour, to the choice of distinctive alloy wheels on offer, the impressively-sporty design of the Tayron is clear to see. The Tayron’s design departs from the Tiguan with a higher bonnet, squared wheel arches, and those distinctive illuminated VW badges – helping it stand out in a crowded SUV market. With a remarkable range of features, including ambient lighting, new main beam headlights, and new tail lights with dynamic turn signals, the Tayron is guaranteed to attract attention from afar.

Spacious Cabin & Boot.

The Tayron’s extended wheelbase provides lots of room for up to seven occupants, across three rows of seats. The Tayron’s cabin boasts a modern, horizontal dashboard dominated by a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system (upgradable to 15 inches), and a 10.3” digital driver display. The ergonomically-designed cabin feels contemporary and driver-focused, with high quality materials used in all of the important places. The infotainment system features VW’s latest software, and this makes the system very user-friendly and quick to respond to commands, with the central touchscreen display offering great clarity and high resolution. A rotary controller for media and driving mode selection adds tactile convenience to the digital interface, and the driver-focused cabin features intuitive ergonomics throughout. Three -zone climate control provides individual temperature settings for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers so that the cabin experience is comfortable for everyone onboard. There are very few physical buttons on the dashboard, with most functions controlled courtesy of the infotainment screen or with voice commands. Touch-sensitive slider controls for adjusting the media volume and interior temperature are located at the bottom of the touchscreen, and are relatively easy to use when on the move. The second row seats slide in a 40:20:40 fashion, allowing flexible legroom or boot space to suit varying cargo and passenger needs. The third row is best suited for children, with limited knee and leg room, which is typical of many SUVs in this market segment. Boot capacity measures in at a respectable 850-litres with the third-row seats lowered into the floor, but this can be expanded to 1,905-litres when the second and third row seats are folded down.

Trim Options.

The new Tayron 7-seat TDI (Turbo-Diesel) is available in Life, Edition 75, Style, R-Line, and R-Line 75 trim variants, with the 5-seat Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) version only available in the latter three trims. Unlike the Tayron Plug-in Hybrid, which only comes with 5 seats (due to the location and size of the battery pack), the Tayron TDI offers a true seven-seat configuration. Entry-level Life trim includes such standard features as 18-inch alloy wheels, 12.9-inch centre touchscreen, 10.25-inch driver display, wireless smartphone charging, adaptive cruise control, LED exterior lights, ambient cabin lighting, rear-view camera and Park Assist Plus. As is the norm from VW, R-Line focuses on a more sporty design, with 19-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels, more aggressive-looking R-Line bumpers and sports seats amongst a host of standard features.  

Test Car Details.

My VW Tayron ‘R-Line 75’ 2.0 TDI DSG (7-speed automatic) test car looked stunning in its Onyx White Pearl paintwork with sporty 19” alloy wheels. Additional key standard ‘R-Line 75’ equipment includes: Adaptive Cruise Control, anti-theft alarm, Driver Assistance System, Convenience Package (including Park Assist Pro), Dynamic Road Sign Display, panoramic sunroof, heated leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles, High Beam Control, illuminated VW logos, interior ambient lighting, rear view camera, silver-anodized roof rails, head-up display, sensor-controlled tailgate opening, Winter Package Plus, wired and wireless App Connect, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Info Display, 2 USB-C ports front & rear, Park Assist Pro, and Keyless Access, along with a host of additional comfort, convenience, safety, and infotainment features. The infotainment system integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto seamlessly, providing easy access to your favourite apps, navigation, and music. The 2.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel engine produces 148bhp (150PS) and 360Nm of torque, delivering a smooth, refined driving experience, with impressive fuel efficiency from as low as 5.3l/100km on a WLTP combined driving cycle. The diesel engine’s strong mid-range torque makes it well-suited for towing, with capacities between 1.8 and 2.5 tonnes depending on the model. The Tayron’s double-glazed acoustic glass effectively filters out road and wind noise, and this results in a cabin that feels genuinely premium, even at motorway speeds. The car’s steering is light but precise, making urban manoeuvring easy, whilst maintaining confidence on fast-moving motorways. The R-Line’s sportier seats and suspension tuning add a dynamic edge, without compromising overall comfort. Body roll is well-controlled through corners, giving the Tayron an unexpectedly agile character for such a large SUV. The car feels equally at home on a twisty back road as it does on a fast-moving motorway, as the well-damped chassis provides impressive flexibility. The car responds swiftly when then accelerator pedal is pressed and its nimble steering set-up operates in a precise fashion. The Tayron enjoys predictable and dependable handling characteristics, while its impressive refinement, comfortable ride quality and competent driving dynamics ensure it performs admirably at all times – a task that is made all the more enjoyable with the standard 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.

Conclusion & Price.

The new Tayron Diesel represents Volkswagen’s commitment to offering premium family transport for up to 7 people, with the German engineering excellence for which the brand is renowned. The Tayron recently received the prestigious and reassuring 5-Star Safety Rating in its Euro NCAP safety tests, with impressive results in every category. The Tayron TDI is a compelling choice for families seeking seven seat practicality, strong fuel efficiency, and a premium driving experience. Pricing starts from €59,265 (excluding delivery and related charges).