A family-focused package, Volkswagen’s SA-bound Tayron marries the new Tiguan’s all-around commendable characteristics with some welcome extra space.
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Volkswagen Tayron 2.0 TSI 4Motion DSG Fast Facts
- Powertrain: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
- Power: 150 kW @ 5 000 r/min
- Torque: 320 N.m @ 1 500- 4 400 r/min
- 0-100 km/h: 7.5 seconds*
- Top speed: 224 km/h*
- Fuel consumption: 7.6 L/100 km*
- CO2 emissions: 172 g/km
- Rivals: Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max; Honda CR-V; Hyundai Palisade; Kia Sorento; Nissan X-Trail
*Claimed figures
Conceived from the joint venture between Volkswagen and Chinese automaker First Automotive Works (FAW), the Tayron (pronounced tie-ron) was introduced to China, where the first-generation model was produced at FAW-VW’s assembly facility and exclusively sold, in 2018. However, with the second iteration, VW’s head office decided it was time for the nameplate to go global. Effectively replacing the Mexican-built previous-generation Tiguan Allspace, the Tayron is positioned between the modern Tiguan and Touareg in the firm’s T SUV portfolio.
Built alongside the Golf and Tiguan at VW’s Wolfsburg manufacturing plant, the Tayron is underpinned by a revised version of the latter’s MQB evo platform. However, to accommodate seven occupants, the Tayron is considerably larger than its five-seater, midsize sibling. Measuring 4 792 mm in long and with a wheelbase of 2 790 mm, the Tayron is stretched by 114 mm between its axles and is 253 mm longer than the Tiguan, overall. The seven-seater’s bodywork is also 10 mm wider. The upsized exterior dimensions translate to an impressively roomy cabin. VW claims the Tayron offers 1 061 and 1 010 mm of front and second-row headroom, respectively, and 710 mm of kneeroom for passengers seated on the middle bench. While 920 mm of headroom is plentiful, the rearmost seats remain better suited to kids and those shorter in stature.
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With all the seats in place, the Tayron offers a claimed boot capacity of 345 litres, slightly less than the new Tiguan’s tested figure in our December 2024 issue. However, with the rearmost items folded down, the VW claims a substantial 850 litres of packing space. In Europe, the Tayron will be offered with a comprehensive range of powertrains. This includes 150/195 kW 2.0-litre turbopetrols (TSI), 110 kW/360 N.m and 142 kW/400 N.m 2.0-litre turbodiesels (TDI), a 110 kW 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol (eTSI) and 150/200 kW 1.5-litre eHybrid plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) offering up to 126 km of all-electric driving from a 19.7 kWh battery.
However, while VWSA had yet to confirm powertrain options at the time of writing, we don’t expect the brand to introduce the eTSI and eHybrids to our market anytime soon. Instead of the TSI and TDI units in the aforementioned states of tune, it’s fair to assume that the local Tayron lineup will be powered by the same internal combustion engines (ICE) employed by the Tiguan range currently available in SA. The latter includes two petrol units in the forms of the 1.4 TSI (110 kW and 250 N.m) and the 2.0 TSI (140 kW and 350 N.m) and the 110 kW/340 N.m 2.0 TDI; all of which are coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch (DSG) transmission, with the TDI and 140 kW petrol models equipped with the firm’s 4Motion all-wheel drivetrain.
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The derivative in which we negotiated some 110 km south of the Arctic Circle employed the 150-kW version of VW’s fourth-generation EA888 2.0-litre turbopetrol. Curiously, while the latter figure signifies an increase of 10 kW over the 2.0 TSI unit with which the new Tiguan is available locally, it delivers 30 N.m less torque to all four corners. Even so, and considering this Tayron model’s 183 kg weight penalty over the AWD 2.0 TSI Tiguan (1782 vs 1 599 kg, claimed), the engine didn’t feel strained, thanks to a combination of the full complement of 320 N.m being available from a mere 1 500 r/min, the well-considered pedal calibration and throttle mapping, and the smooth-shifting transmission. The steering is well-weighted, too, yet pleasingly light when having to maneuver the XL Tiguan in tight spaces. In addition, the turning radius isn’t that much wider than the Tiguan’s (12.1 vs 11.5 metres).
The Tayron’s standard McPherson strut front/multilink rear suspension arrangement proved impressively pliant when traversing the few unkempt surfaces en route to VW’s Driving Experience centre in Arvidsjaur, where we drove the Tayron on a frozen lake. In the latter environment, the Tayron continued to impress with its roadholding characteristics. Adding to the comfortable driving experience is an interior with impressive levels of perceived build quality. The materials used throughout the cabin feel suitably upmarket and contribute to the commendable NVH suppression. We especially liked the tartan seat upholstery of our Euro-spec press car.
While local engine options remain unconfirmed, VWSA has announced which trim lines will be offered when the Tayron arrives here in the third quarter of 2025. In line with its more premium positioning in the carmaker’s T SUV portfolio, mid-tier Life level of specification will serve as the entry point to the line-up, while R-Line grade will spearhead the range. As standard, all models ship with 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment (a 15-inch unit is offered as an option overseas), which incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, VW’s Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation array, tri-zone climate control and Park Assist Plus with a rear-view camera. Included in the suite of safety items and driver assistance systems are nine airbags, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. R-Line spec further gains Varenna leather sports seats, aluminium trim elements and upgraded interior lighting.
Both variants also feature illuminated fore and aft VW emblems and a rear LED light bar. However, while Life spec includes standard LED head- and taillamp clusters, R-Line upgrades to VW’s LED Plus units, which house dynamic cornering lights, and 3D LED aft lamps with dynamic turn signals. The R-Line is further distinguished by sportier-looking exterior touches, including a more purposeful-looking bumper with larger side air inlets and gloss-black finishes. The fitment of 19-inch alloy wheels completes the R-Line package. Cost options include VW’s IQ.Light HD matrix headlamp array, replete with interactive lighting functions, a leather package that includes ergoActive Plus seats with ventilation and massage functionality, a panoramic sunroof and a 700 W Harman Kardon sound system.
Though the model we sampled will likely not make its way here, it did give us a compelling glimpse into just how refined a family SUV the Tayron is. Although a bit heftier, the seven-seater’s driving characteristics are comparable to its smaller sibling’s. And that’s impressive. Couple its easy-going nature with generous packing capacity, and the Tayron makes a strong case for itself as a capable companion to the daily school run and long-distance road trips.
Find the full feature in the May 2025 issue of CAR Magazine.
