VW Tayron: New driving force for family and leisure

VW will soon be launching a new SUV model on the market: the Tayron. However, it is not really new, as the stretched Tiguan Allspace version has already been offered under this name in China since 2018. The successor to the optional five- or seven-seater is now also set to bridge the gap between the Tiguan and Touareg in Europe under this name as an independent model. But it is still a long time coming. The first units are due to be in dealerships in March next year. However, orders are already being taken.

The Tayron was developed and designed in Wolfsburg. And it is also built there. The brand's second largest SUV in Europe is 4.77 meters long and spans a wheelbase of 2.79 meters between its optional up to 20-inch wheels. This means that the Tayron fits exactly between the 4.54-meter-long Tiguan (wheelbase: 2.68 meters) and the 4.90-meter-long Touareg (wheelbase: 2.90 meters). The Tayron is 1.66 meters high and 1.85 meters wide without exterior mirrors.

Visually, it is close to the Tiguan, but has its own unique features such as a massive hood with strong outward contours and high LED twin headlights connected to an LED light strip. Common to all versions are the vertical "air curtains" on the outside of the front bumper, while the radiator grille attracts attention as a 3D grille in chrome (Elegance), high-gloss black (R-Line) or with an additional black surface (Black Style package), depending on the equipment. As is now the case with all new VWs, the logo is also illuminated here.

The same applies to the rear section, where a continuous crossbar with upper LED light strip stretches from left to right into the rear lights, with a centrally illuminated red VW logo. Here, too, there are styled rear bumpers depending on the equipment. However, all models are united by a reflector that extends across the entire width and stylistically corresponds to the LED crossbar of the rear lights. A black grained underride guard provides the finishing touch in each case.

Like the Tiguan and the Passat, the Tayron is technically based on the revised Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB evo). However, technologies from the Touareg have also been adapted, such as the optional HD Matrix headlights with 19,200 individually controllable LEDs or electrically adjustable ergoActive Plus seats with pneumatic 10-chamber pressure point massage and ventilation function. Soft artificial leather surfaces in the dashboard, doors and center console as well as open-pore real wood applications, aluminum look and fine contrasting stitching, depending on the equipment, also create a luxury-class feeling.

The cockpit is characterized by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and the
visually free-standing touchscreen of the infotainment system, with a 12.9-inch display as standard. The screen has the same format in conjunction with the optional "Discover" infotainment package, but then includes navigation, voice assistant IDA with "ChatGPT" integration and two inductive charging areas for smartphones in the center console. In the "Discover Pro Max" package, the display grows to 15 inches and also bundles all important displays and information on a large head-up display.

Regardless of the display size, the settings for the air conditioning, seat climate control and the home button for menu navigation always appear in a fixed line at the bottom of the screen. Unfortunately, the much-criticized touch sliders for temperature and volume are still there too - although they are now at least illuminated. Alternatively, the latter can also be adjusted using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel or the standard driving experience switch between the driver and front passenger seats.

The multi-purpose turn-push-swipe button in the center console, similar to the "Smart Dials" buttons in the Skoda Superb, is simple and intuitive to operate. In addition to the audio volume, it can also be used to control the driving profiles, the all-wheel drive (depending on the engine version) and the preconfigured "Atmospheres". In addition to the combination of ambient lighting (10 colors as standard, 30 optional) and the audio system (optional 700-watt Harman Kardon sound system), it is even possible to include coordinated "Spotify" playlists. The "Lounge" mode, for example, calls up muted colors, soft tones and classical music, for example. "Energetic", on the other hand, is more colorful in its colors, louder in its tones and rockier in its playlist.

But the Tayron can also be practical. Its dimensions and versatility make it an all-rounder for family and leisure time. It seats five people comfortably, and there is plenty of leg and headroom in the second row too. The backrest angle is also adjustable, can be moved lengthways and can be folded down 1/3 to 2/3. If the middle seat is free, a center armrest can be folded out. Two cup holders can be pulled out of this, which can be swiveled to the left and right. Almost simply clever: at the front, they are equipped with a groove in which tablets and smartphones can be locked in place.

If the Tayron is ordered as a seven-seater, the second row of seats can be folded forward using the easy-entry function to allow access to the third row of seats. However, due to the short leg rests, this is more suitable for smaller guests. When the two seats are not in use, they can be folded flat as a trunk floor, on which 885 liters can then be packed. If all the seat backrests are folded down, the load volume increases to 2090 liters. And last but not least, with a towing capacity of up to 2.5 tons, the Tayron also cuts a fine figure as a towing vehicle for riding horses, sports boats or vacations with a caravan.

However, this requires 4Motion all-wheel drive and, of course, the right engine. In Europe, the Tayron is available with seven different drive systems: two plug-in hybrids (eHybrid), a mild hybrid (eTSI) and two turbo petrol (TSI) and two turbo diesel (TDI) engines. The power spectrum ranges between 150 PS (110 kW) and 272 PS (200 kW). The two pure turbo petrol engines with 204 PS and 265 PS as well as the most powerful turbo diesel with 193 PS always drive with all-wheel drive, all other versions with front-wheel drive. The power is always transmitted via automatic 6-speed or 7-speed dual-clutch gearboxes (DSG). The two plug-in hybrids should be able to drive over 100 kilometers purely electrically with their battery, which has been increased to 19.7 kWh. And it can be charged at the AC wallbox with 11 kW, but also at DC fast-charging stations with 50 kW.

The Tayron will be launched in the three equipment lines "Life", "Elegance" and "R-Line". In addition to the features already mentioned, the basic version is equipped with 3-zone automatic air conditioning, nine airbags and a good number of assistance systems, including distance radar, emergency braking system including pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane change and lane keeping assist, cornering brake function and the new exit warning system. Above this are the two equivalent but individually designed top versions, with real wood interior, electric tailgate, Park Assist with memory and remote function and 18-inch alloy wheels (Elegance) or sports seats with integrated headrests, aluminum look and 19-inch alloys (R-Line). There is also a wide range of optional cargo, lighting, design, comfort and assistance packages. These include a chassis with active damper control "DCC Pro" with separate rebound and compression control. The faster-acting 2-valve dampers are designed to enable a better and smoother connection between the body and the suspension as well as a greater spread between comfort and dynamics.

Finally, there is the question of prices. Four drive systems will be available at the pre-sales launch: The 150 hp (110 kW) mild hybrid petrol eTSI in the "Life" trim level will be the entry-level model, starting at 45,475 euros. The two plug-in hybrid versions and the most powerful TDI are also available to order. (aum)