Tranquillity in the Lake District with the VW Tayron Hybrid SUV

The Volkswagen Tarragon Hybrid SUV delivers a luxurious, tranquil, comfortable ride and can seat seven people. Combine this with actual practicality you get a fabulous family car. Jeremy Webb took the family, along with the dog, to the Lake District, thoroughly utilising the Tayron’s benefits.

I drove the VW Tarragon R-Line Edition 1.5 TSI eHybrid laden with people, bags and our sprightly Spaniel. We headed north from Hampshire with 400 miles of bland, mainly motorway driving ahead, but the VW Tayron is perfect for this. The comfortable seating and decent entertainment system mean the miles and time pass quickly and safely, thanks to a vehicle packed with driving aids. The car really came to life when we reached the Lake District, where its handling and performance impressed.

Interior.

The VW Tayron boasts an interior meticulously crafted for ergonomic efficiency, ensuring that every control is easily accessible to the driver. The digital display stands out, clearly and succinctly presenting vital information at a glance. Dominating the centre of the dashboard is a substantial touchscreen measuring 12.9 inches in base models and expanding to an impressive 15 inches in higher trim levels. While many of the climate controls and driver-assist settings are managed through this touchscreen, the user-friendly interface makes straightforward adjustments possible. That said, many find the physical dials featured in the Skoda Kodiaq to be a more favourable option for precise control.

Aesthetically, the Tayron's backlit dashboard and elegantly designed door trim panels exude modern sophistication. At the same time, the buttons on the steering wheel offer a tactile, easy-to-use experience compared to the often finicky haptic controls found in some other Volkswagen models.

Though the cabin's overall finish may not reach the luxurious heights of the Peugeot 5008, it nevertheless imparts a sense of solidity and durability. Scratchy plastics are strategically positioned in areas where resilience is essential, ensuring that the environment remains both practical and pleasing to the senses.

The impeccably trimmed door pockets reflect Volkswagen's attention to detail, conveying an impression of understated luxury throughout the space.

Regardless of whether you opt for the smaller or larger screen in your Tayron, you will be greeted with a crystal-clear resolution that enhances the infotainment system's overall user experience. Echoing features also found in the Tiguan and Passat models, this setup could benefit from a more streamlined menu layout that prioritises accessibility to the most frequently used functions, making for an even more intuitive driving experience.

The Tayron impresses with its interior practicality, offering generous space in both the front and second-row seating. Passengers benefit from ample legroom and headroom, creating a comfortable environment for long journeys. The second-row seats enhance comfort further, with slide-and-recline functionality that is particularly advantageous for taller adults. Alongside this, there are a range of thoughtful storage compartments and cupholders, ensuring everyone has a place for their belongings during the ride.

However, the third row may be slightly less accommodating. Compared to some competitors, it can feel cramped for adults, who might find themselves adjusting uncomfortably; however, younger children will likely feel right at home here. In contrast, the more premium Santa Fe shines with its more spacious third row and additional amenities, including USB ports and climate vents that enhance passenger comfort and convenience.

On the cargo front, the Tayron excels with its impressive boot space. When configured as a five-seater, it boasts a generous 885 litres of cargo capacity, while the seven-seater models provide 850 litres, or 345 litres when the third row is in use. Even the five-seat PHEV variant offers a commendable 705 litres of storage space. This means ample room for bulky luggage, pushchairs, or other gear—perfect for family outings or weekend getaways. VW has also incorporated practical features into the boot, such as a convenient 12V power socket and a variety of additional storage areas, enhancing its utility and making it a versatile choice for everyday use.

Driving.

The Tayron presents itself as an unexpectedly nimble companion for urban driving, especially considering its stature as a large seven-seater SUV. This agility is primarily due to its light, responsive steering, which significantly enhances manoeuvrability. Coupled with excellent visibility and generously sized mirrors, the Tayron inspires confidence in navigating city streets and tight parking situations. Even the entry-level variants are generously equipped with comprehensive parking sensors and a rear-view camera, making it a breeze to slide into snug spots without hassle.

When it comes to handling uneven terrain, the Tayron excels, effortlessly gliding over significant dips, bumps, and persistent potholes. However, those opting for models fitted with larger 20-inch alloy wheels may find a slight trade-off; the enhanced style can lead to increased cabin noise as the vehicle encounters rough or damaged road surfaces.

Under the hood, the Tayron featuring the 1.5-litre engine delivers a surprisingly spirited performance. While its acceleration might not be described as blistering, it handles motorway cruising with remarkable ease, effortlessly maintaining speed. A slight hum from the engine does find its way into the cabin during acceleration, though it fades into the background once a steady pace is achieved.

At higher speeds, drivers will notice the Tayron's stiffer suspension, which, while ensuring comfort on smooth highways, can amplify the sensation of bumps and imperfections in the road, particularly in the R-Line models, where a distinct 'thump' is felt.

Volkswagen's active cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems are regarded as some of the best in the automotive world, providing a seamless driving experience on long journeys. These technologies significantly reduce the mental fatigue associated with extended driving, allowing occupants to remain relaxed without the constant need to monitor their proximity to other vehicles or adjust their speed.

Taking on winding country lanes, the Tayron shines, showcasing excellent grip and impressively minimal body lean for a vehicle of its size. The steering feedback offers a satisfying connection to the road, allowing drivers to feel in tune with the front wheels and enhancing overall driving enjoyment.

Technology

The VW Tayron is equipped with an impressive array of cutting-edge technology, ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience. It comes standard with a suite of safety features, including Lane Departure Warning, Speed Warning, and Parking Sensors, all designed to help you navigate the roads with confidence. Additionally, the vehicle boasts IDA, an advanced Voice Assistant that effortlessly responds to your commands. For instance, if you ask it to find your favourite station, such as Greatest Hits Radio, IDA promptly delivers, enhancing your journey with both convenience and entertainment.

Summing Up.

The VW Tayron stands out as a versatile and practical vehicle, perfectly tailored for family life. With its generous cargo space, especially when the rear seats are folded down, it effortlessly accommodates everything from groceries to outdoor gear. The spacious interior ensures passengers enjoy a cosy, relaxing ride, complemented by the smooth, quiet performance the Tayron is known for.

Engaging Sport mode transforms the driving experience, offering a delightful combination of responsive handling and exhilarating performance that invites a more spirited driving style. In contrast, when the vehicle is set to normal Drive mode, it shines in fuel efficiency, offering an impressive range that enables longer journeys with fewer stops. Throughout, the VW Tayron delivers a serene and enjoyable driving experience, balancing practical needs with a touch of excitement behind the wheel.

£41000 base price