Volkswagen has launched the Tayron in South Africa as the seven-seater replacement for the Tiguan Allspace, but the new SUV faces a challenging path in establishing itself as the future head of Volkswagen’s T-family once the Touareg exits production in the coming years.
Unlike the Tiguan Allspace, which was exclusively a seven-seater, the Tayron is offered in both five and seven-seat layouts. The five-seat option does not directly compete with the Tiguan but positions the Tayron higher in Volkswagen’s SUV hierarchy.
The model currently comes with a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine delivering 110kW and 250Nm through a seven-speed DSG gearbox to the front wheels. While this engine is a proven unit used in models like the Golf 8.5 and Audi A3, it has to move significantly more weight, with the Tayron carrying 245kg more than the Tiguan. This raises concerns about its ability to carry seven passengers or tow heavy loads.
The 2.0-litre turbodiesel found in the Tiguan will not be offered locally due to high sulphur content in South African diesel. Volkswagen plans to introduce a 2.0-litre TSI next year, along with a mild-hybrid eTSI, potentially making the Tayron VW’s first new energy vehicle in the country.
Pricing positions the Tayron firmly in the premium segment. Entry-level models start at R811 800, while the top R-Line derivative reviewed by Citizen Motoring retails at R899 900 before optional extras. The test vehicle, equipped with a panoramic sunroof, trailer hitch and Black Style Package, reached R967 300, a steep price for a seven-seater with a 1.4-litre engine, especially as Chinese automakers are offering competitively priced vehicles with premium features in the South African market.
The Tayron retains a strong VW design identity. It shares a family resemblance with the Tiguan but features a slightly lower roofline, redesigned headlights, squared-off rear bumper, and full-width light strips front and rear. The R-Line variant tested by Citizen Motoring came with 20-inch York alloy wheels and illuminated VW badging.
Inside, the Tayron resembles a larger Tiguan. It includes a 10-inch Digital Cockpit and 12.9-inch infotainment system, heated, ventilated and massaging Varenna leather seats, 30-colour ambient lighting, tri-zone climate control and an electric tailgate. Safety systems include Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Park Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Front Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Boot space is improved compared to the Tiguan Allspace, with 345 litres available with all seven seats up, expanding to 885 litres with the third row folded. Third-row legroom is limited, suitable mostly for children or short trips.
On the road, the Tayron delivers a comfortable ride. Citizen Motoring noted that the DSG gearbox had less turbo lag than the eight-speed Tiptronic paired with the same engine in the Golf 8.5. While the 1.4-litre engine performed well with four occupants, full-load performance with seven passengers remains uncertain. Fuel consumption measured 10.6L/100km, consistent with expectations for the vehicle’s size and weight.
Citizen Motoring concludes that while the Tayron offers solid German engineering, comfort and style, it is constrained by its current powertrain and high price. Its full potential in South Africa may only be realised once the 2.0-litre engine and hybrid options are introduced, allowing it to take over the Touareg’s position at the top of Volkswagen’s SUV range.
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