Volkswagen recently launched the 7-seater SUV variant that is based on the new Tiguan, called the Tayron. Previously this model was known as the Tiguan Allspace but the company took the decision to give this model its own name plate, which perhaps makes it more marketable but at the same time gives a clear difference between the Tiguan and the Tayron. It is available in 3 guises, namely standard, Life and R-Line, the kind folk at Volkswagen SA sent through the Life DSG model for me to spend some time with and while some might say its just a Tiguan with extra seats, in this review I'll tell you why that isn't the case with key design differences between this and its smaller sibling.
DESIGN
The Tayron looks like a grown-up Tiguan longer, smoother lines, a broad grille that integrates with slim LED headlights and a distinctly horizontal face that gives it a planted, premium stance. This being the Life model, meant that I didn't get any sporty features to enhance the cars aesthetics but rather a more soft and gentle family car vibe to it. While many might say this is just a bigger Tiguan, there are key design differences to make it different to its smaller sibling, like the elevated engine cover which is more flat and not angled downwards to the front like the Tiguan. Also the lights on the Tayron are more squared off and larger than the Tiguan. The Tayron also features an illuminated VW logo's for both the front and the back of the car with the back looking particularly sweet when glowing in red in the dark. While the overall shape prioritises usable interior length rather than dramatic styling flourishes. From a South African perspective it reads as contemporary and conservative appealing to buyers who want something modern without being flashy.
PERFORMANCE
The Tayron is currently only available in the 1.4 TFSI engine, it uses VW’s 1.395-litre turbo four which is utilized in many of their other models, it produces roughly 110 kW and 250 Nm which for a sizable car like this might seem a bit low but as in the previous model, it proved to be quite sufficient. The 7-speed DSG/dual-clutch gearbox is the standard transmission and pairs well with the engine for smooth, efficient progress. Fuel economy as claimed by VWSA sit around 7.6 L/100 km for the 1.4TSI not hyper-frugal but respectable given the size and the 7-seat packaging. That gives a real world range of about 700+ km on the 55-litre tank in mixed driving handy for South African road trips between major centres. The Tayron is tuned more for composed, comfortable cruising than sporty, body-leaning corner carving. Front-wheel drive 1.4TSI models are the most common local offering — predictable handling, light steering at low speeds for city manoeuvres and composed suspension that soaks up typical suburban and rural South African road surfaces. If you need heavy towing or spirited four-wheel work, the larger 2.0TSI / diesel AWD variants (not the 1.4) are better suited; the 1.4 is aimed at daily family duties.
COMFORT
Interior quality is a clear step up from the old Allspace. Materials feel modern and well-finished VW has applied soft-touch surfaces where they matter, a tidy centre stack and a driver-centric digital cluster on higher trims. Seat comfort front and second row is generous; the wheelbase gives good knee room in row two and the seats can be adjusted to prioritise second-row comfort or boot space. Third row and luggage: the third row is adult-usable for short journeys and fine for children the Tayron’s 7-seat boot is quoted at about 345 litres with all seven up, and folding the third row expands capacity significantly (up to around 850 L in some configurations and much more with the second row folded). That makes the Tayron one of the more adaptable 7-seat SUVs in its class for family-holiday duties and weekend runs.
Other handy design elements include good visibility from higher seating, numerous storage cubbies, USB ports across rows and available heated front seats make it well suited to local conditions and family life. Higher trims add acoustic glazing, panoramic roof options and premium-feel appointments. The Tayron uses Volkswagen’s current touchscreen systems which is a large central display that includes wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless phone charging trays and multiple USB-C ports. The layout is modern and the UI is similar to other new VW models, so it’s familiar to buyers coming from Polo/Tiguan. Driver aids and safety on the Tayron include lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and a full suite of airbags as standard on local derivatives. Structural safety and active assist features put it on par with rivals important for family buyers prioritising safety on South African highways and urban environments. Depending on the model trim you choose, there is also a host of extras you can select when configuring your car.
VERDICT
The Volkswagen Tayron 1.4 TFSI 7-seater is a convincing successor to the Tiguan Allspace: spacious, well-built and full of relevant technology for modern South African families. The 1.4 TFSI variant is the pragmatic choice — punchy enough for daily driving and long trips, reasonably economical, and well priced for what it offers. If you want a comfortable, safe and versatile family SUV with a strong dealer network and modern tech, the Tayron is worth a test drive. If you regularly tow heavy trailers, need true off-road capability or want the ultimate performance, it's best you wait for the larger 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines when they become available locally.
SPECIFICATION
| Engine | 1.4L Turbo Petrol |
| DSG Automatic | |
250Nm | |
Average Fuel Consumption | 7.6L per 100km |
R853,800.00 |
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