7 Things We Learned Driving the VW Tayron R-Line

In August of this year Volkswagen SA added a new nameplate to its range. The Tayron is, essentially, a replacement for the seven-seat VW Tiguan AllSpace. We recently spent a few days in the company of the VW Tayron R-Line.

Follow Double Apex on Instagram and Facebook where we share more car content.

Volkswagen offers SUV/crossover models, in ascending size, from the T-Cross all the way up to the Touareg. Each has taken over from popular hatchback and sedan models that the brand was built on in the SA market. The Tiguan can be considered the modern-day Jetta, a car that was a staple of the local motoring landscape from the very early ’80s. The Tiguan was offered in five-seat configuration as standard. In addition, there was a seven-seat Tiguan AllSpace for those who needed more, err, space.

VW has now done away with the AllSpace derivative. Instead, we have the Tayron, which was introduced a few months ago. The new addition to family is available in three flavours: Base (five-seats), Life and R-Line. The two latter variants come with seven seats as standard. It is the range-topping version that we recently had on loan and share with you some of our findings while spending time behind the wheel.

7 Things We Learned Driving the VW Tayron R-Line

The VW Tayron has slipped into the SA new car market rather surreptitiously. Usually, friends/family/neighbours comment on test cars that we have in our care. Comments range from, OOooooo, what’s that? to Is that the new, XYZ? or Can I take a closer look? But there was none of that with the Tayron. Perhaps it is a side-effect of VW’s cookie-cutter designs when it comes to SUVs. The VW Tayron R-Line was finished in plain white with 20-inch dual-tone alloys, but even those and the R-Line kit didn’t garner any interested glances.
Its interior treatment is a far cry from its boring external styling. VW’s design team has given the Tayron a complete makeover, which makes it feel like one of the most modern VW’s of the current line-up. The cabin feels premium at all touch points, such as the door cars, facia, centre armrest and steering wheel. The front chairs, too, feel good to the tush. In addition they feature heating and massaging functionality – nice!
The modern appearance is underlined by a large touchscreen interface that is placed in the middle of the facia. We’d have preferred it to be flush-fitting rather than sitting proud, but that’s just us. This system is fast-acting and intuitive. Thankfully, VW has grouped the HVAC controls at the bottom of the screen for quick access, so there is no need to dive into a menu within the interface just to set the temp. Incidentally, VW has done away with soft-touch controls on the steering wheel in favour of proper buttons, thank goodness.
VW’s designers have added preset ‘moods’ for driver’s to choose from. These include ‘Lounge,’ ‘Energetic’ ‘Joy,’ ‘Minimal,’ and ‘Me’. Click through one of the presets using the scroller between the seats, or on the screen, and there is a corresponding change to the lighting and audio. The ambient lighting shows on the door cards, footwells and on a funky display ahead of the front passenger.
The cabin of the Tayron seems large enough to accommodate five adults. The middle row can hold three in relative comfort. However, the rear-most seats are only really suited to little kids. Interestingly, there is also a decent level of boot space on offer with the +2 seats in use.
VW SA currently offers the Tayron with a single powertrain. This is the brand’s tried and trusted 1,4-litre turbocharged unit. The petrol engine offers 110 kW along with 250 N.m of torque. VW’s dual-clutch, or DSG, is the sole transmission available with this engine. Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels with no all-wheel drive derivative available at the moment. The engine feels fine with just one or two occupants aboard, but we fear it may not have enough oomph with seven up and a a boot-full of luggage. Just something to keep in mind. Reports suggest that there are more powerful powertrain options on the way next year.
The Tayron generally rides well. Its primary ride quality, ie flowing with the road and keeping the body in check is among the best in the segment. However, those aforementioned 20-inch alloys do make road imperfections quite evident in the cabin, which isn’t ideal for a family car. Perhaps a smaller diameter alloy will be a better option.

Summary

The VW Tayron R-Line has few rivals, which is an odd thing to say in a market chock-full of SUVs. However, there aren’t loads of seven-seater options of this type ie unibody construction. If you are shopping in this segment then others on your list will include the Honda CR-V, once a go-to choice for buyers. In addition there is the latest Nissan X-Trail. Left-field options include the Chery Tiggo8, Omoda C9 PHEV and the recently launched Changan CS75 Pro.

The Tayron R-Line seems priced in line with main rivals. However, VW SA doesn’t offer the same level of service plan as some of the rivals. In addition, one can get cars with more power, and even all-wheel drive at a similar price point. Whether you opt for the Tayron is probably going to be related to how VW brand loyal you are, or, indeed, whether you are willing to step into a Chinese alternative.

Model: VW Tayron R-Line
Price: R899 900
Engine: 1,4-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol
Transmission: six-speed automatic, FWD
Max power: 110 kW
Max torque: 250 N.m
0-100 km/h: 9,6 sec
Top speed: 207 km/h
Fuel consumption: 7,6 L/100 km (8,6 during review period)