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Pros: seven seats, premium interior, refined drive
Cons: PHEV only as a five-seater
Volkswagen Tayron Design
Previously, Volkswagen stretched the Tiguan to create room for a third row of seats and called the result the Tiguan Allspace. Appropriately for a model with a new name, the Tayron also receives a unique exterior design that separates it from the smaller Tiguan and the larger Touareg.
Size-wise, it slots right in between the two, measuring 4,792mm in length, and the 1,668mm height provides enough room inside. Similar to other newer Volkswagen models, it has LED headlights with the company’s ‘IQ. Light’ technology. Its daytime running light signature extends across the front, and the VW logo on the nose also illuminates.
It’s a similar story at the rear, with lights that take on a three-dimensional look similar to those in the ID.4 and ID.5 electric models. A light bar spans the rear, and the logo also lights up. Despite Volkswagen offering multiple powertrains, there’s no major visual cue to differentiate them. There are no visible exhaust pipes, for example, and only the battery charge port on the front left wing indicates the presence of the plug-in hybrid powertrain.
There are easily identifiable differences across the three specification grades, however. Entry-grade Life versions get a black plastic grille and silver scuff guard across the bottom of the bumper. Mid-grade Elegance versions get larger wheels and a more detailed grille design with decorative chrome accents.
The R-Line version features a different front bumper design that gives the Tayron a more sporting appearance, combining the side air curtains and central grille in one large black panel with a mesh pattern. That mesh-like appearance is repeated in the rear bumper.
Volkswagen Tayron Interior
The Tayron’s cabin has a modern look and borrows several styling cues from the smaller Tiguan. A 10-inch digital instrument display offers various layouts to suit driver preference, and a 12.9-inch touchscreen is standard. Optionally, buyers can specify a 15-inch touchscreen, which does look impressive.
As all versions use automatic transmissions, with a drive selector on the steering column, there is plenty of storage space in the centre console between the front seats. In addition to the usual pair of cupholders are two wireless charging pads, more storage underneath the central armrest and a rotary controller for the drive modes, volume and interior ambient light settings.
The Tayron is aimed at families and growing ones at that. In the rear, there are generous headroom and legroom levels, and the middle row of seats can slide forward and back to create more space or boost cargo volume as is needed. Both outer rear seats contain ISOFIX points — as does the front passenger seat — and if you go for the diesel, there are two more seats in the third row. These offer less room but are fine for smaller children. When these aren’t needed, they can fold flat into the boot floor, increasing capacity from 345- to 850 litres. The middle row of seats can also fold flat, bringing cargo volume up to a maximum of 1,905 litres.
One of the few downsides to the plug-in hybrid Tayron is that, due to the position of the larger battery, there isn’t sufficient space for a third row of seats, as they would not be able to fold down into the floor.
Volkswagen Tayron Performance & Drive
Only two engine or powertrain options are available for the Volkswagen Tayron. On the diesel side is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 150hp, and this is the engine you’ll have to choose if you want the seven-seat Tayron.
It is a reasonably economical engine with an official fuel consumption of between 5.4- and 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres, depending on specification. Volkswagen doesn’t offer the more powerful 193hp diesel available in other markets, which is equipped with 4Motion all-wheel drive, so it’s only front-wheel drive for the Tayron in Ireland. Despite this, the 150hp TDI still pulls the Tayron along with ease and the engine and gearbox are pleasingly responsive to accelerator inputs. Quick overtakes are dispatched quickly, while on longer motorway journeys, the engine settles to an unstrained pace thanks to a long top gear.
Alternatively, the plug-in hybrid offers usefully long electric-only driving ranges due to its 19.7kWh battery capacity. In optimum circumstances, it can deliver as much as 126 kilometres of driving range, and even in more realistic conditions, many drivers will see close to 100 kilometres before the petrol engine activates. The system has a combined output of 204hp, and even in electric mode, the 85kW motor ensures the Tayron doesn’t feel slow in urban settings.
Volkswagen equips all PHEV Tayrons with Adaptive Chassis Control DCC Pro, which further enhances the suspension setup to provide better handling stability and comfort according to the chosen setting. This contributes to what is already safe and predictable handling.
It’s worth noting that Volkswagen has paid particular attention to making the Tayron more refined, and this is noticeable when on the move. In addition to the usual soundproofing throughout the cabin, the Tayron is fitted with thicker, acoustically optimised glass to block out higher-frequency noises, such as wind roar at higher speeds. The result is an interior ambience that is more pleasant and less tiring over a longer journey.
Volkswagen Tayron Pricing
The Volkswagen Tayron starts at €56,690 for the Tayron Life, which includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10-inch digital instrument display, a 12.9-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, and three-zone climate control.
At the mid-level is the Tayron Elegance, priced from €65,715 for the diesel and €57,590 for the plug-in hybrid. Differences above the Life specification include the fitment of 19-inch alloy wheels, LED Plus headlights, tinted rear glass, keyless entry, and sports comfort seats with ArtVelours Eco microfleece upholstery.
The Tayron R-Line provides a sportier image and is priced from €69,050 for the diesel and €58,245 for the PHEV. Along with the exterior styling package mentioned above, it gets 19-inch ‘Coventry’ alloy wheels on the diesel or 20-inch ‘Leeds’ alloy wheels on the plug-in hybrid. Inside, there are R-Line seats with a massage function, a black headliner and heated outer rear seats in the TDI.
Volkswagen is also offering Edition 75 versions to celebrate the brand’s 75th anniversary in Ireland. These are spec bumps to the Life and R-Line specification grades, adding features including metallic paint and Park Assist Pro to Life and a panoramic sunroof and a head-up display to R-Line cars.
Carzone Verdict
The Tayron is a very worthwhile addition to the Volkswagen range. While its rearmost seats aren’t especially roomy, they fulfil an essential function as extra seating when needed, and when they’re not, the Tayron gets a large boot. It’s a pity there isn’t a way to have the plug-in hybrid with seven seats, as it forces buyers into the diesel if they need that third-row seating. That PHEV powertrain is a good one, primarily due to its long electric range, which makes the technology an attractive prospect, in addition to the keen price point.