The automotive market in India is witnessing a significant shift towards premium SUVs, and Volkswagen is poised to capitalize on this trend with its latest offering, the Tayron 7-Seater SUV. Built on the same platform as the popular Tiguan, the Tayron is marginally taller and wider, with a notable increase in length, providing ample space for passengers.
This new SUV model is designed to cater to the growing demand for family vehicles, offering enhanced interior space without compromising on driving dynamics. The Tayron is expected to compete directly with established players in the premium SUV segment, including the Skoda Kodiaq and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Key Takeaways
- The Volkswagen Tayron is a new 7-seater SUV model targeting the Indian market.
- It offers more interior space compared to the Tiguan, making it ideal for families.
- The Tayron is positioned between the Tiguan and Touareg in Volkswagen’s lineup.
- It is expected to compete with other premium SUVs like the Skoda Kodiaq and Hyundai Santa Fe.
- The vehicle’s design and performance are geared towards enhancing the driving experience.
The Volkswagen Tayron 7: A New Contender in the 7-Seater SUV Market
Volkswagen’s latest offering, the Tayron7, is poised to challenge existing norms in the 7-seater SUV segment. With its diverse powertrain options and robust features, it is set to make a significant impact.
Origins and Positioning
The Tayron7 is part of Volkswagen’s expanding SUV lineup, designed to cater to the growing demand for spacious and versatile vehicles. It offers a wide range of powertrain options, including petrol, diesel, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants, making it a versatile choice for different driving needs.
Key Specifications at a Glance
The Tayron7 boasts an impressive array of engine options. The entry-level 1.5-liter mild hybrid petrol engine delivers 148 bhp, suitable for everyday driving. For those seeking more power, the 2.0-liter petrol engine is available in two versions: a 201 bhp variant and a range-topping 262 bhp option.
| Engine Type | Power Output |
|---|---|
| 1.5 eTSI | 147 bhp |
| 2.0 TDI | 147 bhp / 190 bhp |
| 2.0 TSI | 201 bhp / 262 bhp |
| eHybrid | 201 bhp / 268 bhp |
The Tayron7’s powertrain options cater to various driving preferences, from fuel-efficient diesel engines to powerful petrol variants and eco-friendly hybrid models, potentially improving mpg during short commutes.
Exterior Design and Styling
Volkswagen’s latest offering, the Tayron, boasts an exterior that is both stylish and commanding. The Tayron is built upon the same underpinnings as the regular Tiguan but stands out with its distinct dimensions.
Design Language and Road Presence
The Tayron’s design is characterized by its sleek lines and robust proportions, giving it a commanding presence on the road. Its exterior dimensions (L x W x H) are 4,792 mm x 1,866 mm x 1,668 mm, making it significantly larger than the standard Tiguan. This size increase is not merely for aesthetics; it’s a deliberate design choice to enhance both passenger comfort and cargo capacity.
Dimensions and Proportions
The Tayron is approximately 25 cm longer than the regular Tiguan, with a substantial portion of this additional length incorporated into the wheelbase. This results in more space for legs, feet, and thigh bones, enhancing overall comfort. Key dimensions include:
- A length of 4,792 mm, making it significantly longer than the standard Tiguan.
- A width of 1,866 mm and a height of 1,668 mm, contributing to its robust stance.
- The increased wheelbase translates to more interior space without making the vehicle unwieldy.
The Tayron’s proportions are carefully balanced to maintain visual harmony, avoiding a top-heavy appearance that can affect larger SUVs. This balance places the Tayron in direct competition with other mid-size seven-seater SUVs like the Skoda Kodiaq and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Performance and Powertrain Options
The Volkswagen Tayron offers a diverse range of powertrain options to cater to different driving needs. This variety ensures that whether you’re looking for efficiency, power, or a balance between the two, the Tayron has a suitable engine for you.
1.5-Litre Mild Hybrid Petrol
The 1.5-liter mild hybrid petrol engine is designed for those seeking a balance between performance and efficiency. This engine provides a decent power output while keeping fuel consumption in check, making it ideal for daily driving.
2.0-Litre Petrol Variants
For those who require a bit more power, the 2.0-liter petrol variants offer enhanced performance. These engines are perfect for drivers who frequently find themselves on highways or need that extra kick when merging onto busy roads.
Plug-in Hybrid Options
The plug-in hybrid options represent a significant step towards eco-friendly driving without compromising on performance. With the ability to run on electric power alone for a considerable distance, these variants are perfect for those with shorter commutes or who have access to charging facilities.
Diesel Engine Performance
The 2.0-liter diesel engine is a standout option, delivering 148 bhp and an impressive 266 lb-ft of torque. It’s particularly well-suited for long-distance highway driving and towing applications, offering an official WLTP fuel economy rating of 50.9 mpg. Real-world testing confirms its efficiency, achieving approximately 49.5 mpg on highways.
- The 2.0-liter diesel engine option delivers 148 bhp and an impressive 266 lb-ft of torque, making it particularly well-suited for long-distance highway driving and towing applications.
- With an official WLTP fuel economy rating of 50.9 mpg, the diesel variant offers the best real-world efficiency among the non-plug-in options in the Tayron lineup.
- Real-world testing shows the diesel achieving approximately 49.5 mpg in highway driving, making it the ideal choice for drivers who regularly cover long distances.
- Despite the industry-wide shift away from diesel engines, Volkswagen has included this option for buyers who prioritize fuel economy and long-range cruising capability over other considerations.
- The diesel engine comes with front-wheel drive as standard, focusing on maximizing efficiency rather than off-road capability, though its substantial torque still provides confident performance when fully loaded.
With these engine options, Volkswagen ensures that the Tayron can meet the demands of various driving styles and preferences, making it a versatile choice in the 7-seater SUV market.
Driving Experience and Handling
With its robust build and advanced suspension, the Tayron7 is poised to deliver a comfortable ride. The vehicle’s driving experience is a crucial aspect of its overall appeal, and it’s essential to examine how it performs in various conditions.
City Driving Impressions
The Tayron7 navigates city streets with ease, its size and maneuverability making it a capable companion in tight urban environments. The car’s suspension system effectively absorbs bumps and road imperfections, ensuring a smooth ride even in the most challenging city driving conditions.
Highway Performance
On the highway, the Tayron7’s performance is characterized by its stability and composure at high speeds. While it’s not overly sporty, the vehicle’s driving dynamics are well-suited for long-distance travel, providing a comfortable and controlled experience across the range of trim levels.
Ride Quality and Suspension Setup
The Tayron7’s suspension tuning varies across the trim levels, with entry-level models offering a softer ride and higher-spec variants providing a more controlled but slightly firmer experience. When driving over uneven surfaces, the vehicle’s considerable weight becomes more noticeable, occasionally resulting in a slight shimmy from the rear end when hitting bumps during cornering. Nonetheless, the Tayron7 strikes a good balance between comfort and control, providing a composed driving experience most of the time.
Interior Comfort and Space
Volkswagen has made significant improvements to the Tayron’s interior, focusing on comfort, space, and quality. The result is a cabin that feels more luxurious than expected, thanks to minor yet impactful design changes compared to its predecessor, the Tiguan.
Front Cabin Design and Features
The dashboard of the Tayron is a highlight, featuring a large trim piece that sweeps around the vents at either end, creating a sense of continuity and premium feel. The inclusion of ambient lighting, with customizable color options and preset “moods,” adds to the upscale ambiance, particularly at night.
Second-Row Comfort and Flexibility
The second row offers ample comfort and flexibility, making it ideal for passengers. The Tayron’s design ensures that this row is not just an afterthought but a fully considered space for adults or children, with adequate legroom and headroom.
Third-Row Practicality
The third row, while not as spacious as the second, is practical for children or smaller adults on shorter trips. Volkswagen has optimized the space available, ensuring it remains usable, a notable achievement given the constraints of a 7-seater configuration.
Materials and Build Quality
The Tayron’s interior materials reflect Volkswagen’s attention to quality, with soft-touch surfaces in key contact areas and sturdy, well-assembled components throughout the cabin. Higher trim levels feature premium materials, including suede seat inserts and genuine aluminum or wood accent pieces, enhancing the upscale feel.
The build quality is impressive throughout the range, with consistent panel gaps, solid-feeling controls, and an absence of squeaks or rattles even when driving over rough surfaces. This attention to detail contributes to the overall sense of quality and durability.
Technology and Infotainment
Volkswagen has equipped the Tayron with a cutting-edge infotainment system that is both intuitive and feature-rich. This system is available in two screen sizes: 12.9-inch and 15.0-inch, offering flexibility and choice for different user preferences.
Digital Cockpit and Displays
The Tayron’s digital cockpit is a highlight, featuring a fully digital display that can be configured to show a variety of information, from navigation maps to vehicle stats. The infotainment system is the slickest Volkswagen has ever produced, with a responsive touchscreen interface that, while sometimes annoying to use on the move, becomes easier with time.
Connectivity and Entertainment Features
The Tayron’s connectivity suite includes multiple USB-C ports, wireless phone charging, and Bluetooth connectivity for multiple devices. The available premium sound system delivers impressive audio quality, creating an immersive listening experience for all passengers.
- The infotainment system supports over-the-air updates, ensuring the software remains current throughout the vehicle’s lifetime.
- Built-in navigation features real-time traffic updates and points of interest, with additional functionality like weather forecasts and fuel price information.
- Voice control capabilities allow drivers to adjust various vehicle functions without taking their hands off the wheel.
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Over-the-air updates | Software updates without dealer visits | Convenience and always up-to-date technology |
| Premium sound system | Strategically placed speakers for immersive audio | Enhanced in-car entertainment experience |
| Voice control | Control vehicle functions with voice commands | Increased safety and convenience while driving |
In conclusion, the Tayron’s technology and infotainment features are designed to enhance the driving experience, offering a range of innovative solutions for connectivity, entertainment, and convenience on the go, making it a strong contender in its class for business and personal use.
Cargo Space and Practicality
The Tayron’s cargo area is one of its strongest features, providing versatility and convenience. With a spacious boot, it caters to the needs of families and individuals alike, offering ample space for luggage and other items.
Boot Capacity Configurations
The Tayron’s boot area is designed to be flexible, with various configurations to suit different needs. The under-floor storage is fairly deep and includes a built-in slot for the rolled-up parcel shelf, although the floor itself can be a bit annoying to slot in, and the parcel shelf can be finicky to remove.
Storage Solutions and Convenience Features
Throughout the Tayron’s cabin, Volkswagen has incorporated numerous thoughtful storage solutions. These include a large center console bin, a spacious glove compartment, and felt-lined door pockets that prevent items from rattling. The two-tiered wireless phone holder and cubby ‘shelf’ combo is also handy, providing a dedicated space for smartphones and keeping the center console area organized.
Additional storage touches include seatback pockets, overhead sunglasses storage, and multiple cup holders distributed throughout all three rows, ensuring that every passenger has convenient access to storage space.
Volkswagen Tayron 7 vs. Key Competitors
The Tayron7 from Volkswagen is a notable addition to the seven-seater SUV market, offering a blend of traditional German engineering and modern features. When comparing the Tayron7 to its competitors, several key aspects come into play.
Tayron vs. Skoda Kodiaq
The Volkswagen Tayron7 and Skoda Kodiaq are closely related models, given their shared heritage within the Volkswagen Group. The Tayron7 offers an 850-litre boot capacity when the rear seats are stowed away, which is 5 litres more than the Kodiaq’s 845 litres. With the third row up, the Tayron has 345 litres of storage, comparable to the Kodiaq’s 340 litres.
Tayron vs. Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is another significant player in the seven-seater SUV segment. While the Santa Fe offers a spacious interior and advanced features, the Tayron7 counters with its refined driving experience and premium feel. The choice between these models often depends on whether the buyer prioritizes comfort and features or driving dynamics.
Tayron vs. Peugeot5008
The Peugeot5008 brings a distinctly different approach to the seven-seater SUV market with its innovative interior design and French flair. Although it offers a larger 916-litre boot capacity with the third row folded, the Tayron7’s 850 litres is still competitive. The Tayron7’s more conventional layout may appeal to those seeking a universally accessible design, while the 5008’s i-Cockpit design offers a unique driving experience.
Ultimately, the choice between these models depends on individual preferences regarding design philosophy, driving experience, and features. Reviews typically highlight the Tayron7’s composed and refined driving dynamics, while the Peugeot5008 is praised for its distinctive styling and lower price point.
Conclusion: Is the Volkswagen Tayron 7 Worth Considering?
With its impressive features and capabilities, the Volkswagen Tayron7 is certainly worth considering. The vehicle’s blend of practicality, refined driving dynamics, and premium features positions it as a strong contender in the seven-seater SUV market.
The diverse powertrain lineup, including efficient diesel options and advanced hybrids, ensures there’s a Tayron configuration to suit various needs. For business users, the plug-in hybrid variants offer low emissions ratings and potential for electric-only commuting, making them a financially sensible choice.
While commanding a price premium, the Tayron justifies this with superior refinement and technology integration. Ultimately, it succeeds in providing a practical, comfortable, and well-equipped family vehicle that doesn’t sacrifice driving pleasure or visual appeal, making it worthy of serious consideration for buyers willing to invest in a premium offering.