By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
As the saying goes, the only constant in life is change – and few brands embrace it quite like Volkswagen. Since 2003, when the Touareg first arrived as VW’s debut SUV in South Africa, the brand has kept us on our toes. Back then, many of us wrestled with the pronunciation, and it seems the naming oracles at VW have enjoyed the challenge ever since, serving up a string of tongue-twisters: the Taigo, Tiguan, Touareg, all beginning with a ‘T’. It’s become a playful tradition that adds a touch of spice to their SUV line-up.
The latest addition is the Tayron, a seven-seater positioned neatly between the flagship Touareg and the Tiguan. Launched days before it could be showcased at the Festival of Motoring just two weekends ago, the Tayron is more than just another SUV, and the first thing to settle, naturally, is how to pronounce its name, Tie-Ron.
The launch
For the Tayron’s South African debut, Volkswagen chose a stage as striking as the car itself, the Leonardo in Sandton, currently the country’s tallest building. Revered for its sleek opulence and a touch of dreaminess, the hotel is as much a landmark as it is a lifestyle statement. Inside, we wandered past curated art that whispered of timeless luxury, while above us the promise of panoramic views of Johannesburg awaited – weather and haze permitting. On a Monday morning, we gathered at the Leonardo with anticipation, knowing that in the parking area, the new Tayrons sat waiting patiently for us to take the first drive.
First Impressions
The Tayron is more than just another addition to VW’s line-up. With seven seats, it’s versatile enough for a busy family yet still appealing to individuals whose lives demand space, flexibility, and a touch of presence on the road. After we paired up and got inside, I was struck by the familiar VW comfort: supportive seats, intuitive controls, and a cabin that balances practicality with subtle sophistication.
The Tayron ticks the boxes of efficiency, good looks, and generous specification, though we were reminded during the business presentation that some of the most attractive features come at an extra cost. What stood out was its scale. Bigger, wider, and higher than the Tiguan Allspace, the Tayron carries its size gracefully, with a longer wheelbase that translates into generous boot space and noticeably improved legroom. In other words, it’s a car designed with both everyday convenience and weekend adventures in mind, a versatility that quickly became its defining first impression.
Interior & technology
VW promised luxury finishes and delivered comfort and clever detail. The refinement is what strikes you inside from the leather seats and the soft suede touches and the clever lighting that illuminates the interior. The memory function makes adjusting seating positions seamless. Rear passengers are not forgotten, they have fold-out tables from the centre, additional cup holders – a necessity on long trips. The space is designed to reduce fatigue and elevate comfort, whether you’re driving across town or down the coast.
Technology takes centre stage with the latest Multicolour Digital Cockpit “Pro” and a crisp 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that responds as swiftly as any modern smartphone. Add to that three-zone climate control and a design language that is clean and clear. Safety, too, has been carefully considered, with the Tayron quietly keeping watch through features like lane and side assist, exit warnings that prevent doors opening into oncoming cyclists or cars, and the reassurance of a full area-view camera system.
The Drive
Pulling out of the Leonardo, our convoy of Tayrons wound its way past the JSE and onto Rivonia Road, before gliding onto the M1 North. Against the backdrop of Africa’s richest square mile, the convoy of SUV’s turned heads, an early sign that the Tayron makes its presence felt. Yet it isn’t just about the looks; behind the wheel, the drive is composed, refined, and the 1.4 TSI engine, with a 7-speed DSG transmission, is deceptively eager.
On the stretch through Magaliesburg towards Hartbeespoort Dam, it was almost too easy to creep past the limit – owing to the quiet cabin and smooth handling, the speed felt effortless. By the time we rolled into the Silver Orange Bistro, its orchard setting reflecting the different colours this SUV comes in, I found myself searching hard for a flaw. However, it proved difficult to pick up quirks on this first drive.
The Edge
What truly gives the Tayron its edge is its versatility. It is more than just a bigger Tiguan, and is a thoughtfully designed SUV that balances space, safety, and practicality for active families. So far, it comes with the 1.4 TSI engine, but with mild hybrid options promised in the near future, VW is proving once again that functionality can still feel exciting.
Model Line Up
Tayron 1.4 TSI 110kW Base DSG R 811 800
Tayron 1.4 TSI 110kW Life DSG R 853 800
Tayron 1.4 TSI 110kW R-Line DSG R 899 900
The VW Tayron comes standard with a 3 year/120 000 km warranty, 5 year / 90 000 km EasyDrive Service Plan including a 12-year anti corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000 km.
