KUALA LUMPUR: An all-new Volkswagen sports utility vehicle (SUV) model has just been added to the brand's Malaysia line-up.
Sitting between the Tiguan and the Touareg, the seven-seater Tayron is locally assembled at the Volkswagen plant in Pekan.
The model is available in two variants: the comfort-centric Elegance, and the performance-driven R-Line.
Housing a mild hybrid powertrain, the Elegance boast high fuel economy with a 1.5-litre eTSI engine with a 48-volt belt-driven starter-alternator and Active Cylinder Management (ACTplus) to produce 150PS and 250Nm of torque.
The more performance driven Tayron R-Line adopts a 4MOTION all-wheel drive system and a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine that produces 265PS and 400Nm of torque.
Both variants are equipped with seven-speed DSG transmission and Volkswagen Dynamic Chassis Control Pro (DCC Pro).
Design-wise the two models are largely similarly while sporting a shared illuminated Volkswagen logo at the front and rear, and five colour schemes including the new Nightshade Blue and Oyster Silver, along with Dolphin Grey, Oryx White, and Grenadilla Black.
The details are where they diverge with the Elegance featuring LED Plus headlights and 3D LED taillights with ‘Elegance’ styling elements on the front and rear bumper.
R-Line gets IQ.LIGHT HD Matrix headlights with glare-free high beam technology, 3D LED taillights with dynamic turn signals, and performance-inspired ‘R-Line’ styling elements on the front and rear bumper, and sides.
Inside the Tayron is a flexible seven-seater layout (40:20:40 second-row and 50:50 third-row split-folding seats) with up to 1,905 litres of luggage capacity when the second and third row are folded.
Its Varenna leather ergoActive Plus front seats feature 12-way electric adjustment, heating, ventilation and a 10-air-cushion pneumatic massage function with program sequences with the duration of 10 to 30 minutes.
At the front is a multifunction sports steering wheel with shift paddles and a new centre console multi-function control that provides quick, tactile access to driving modes, ambient lighting and control speaker volume through a rotary controller.
Featuring new infotainment systems, the Elegance comes with a 12.9-inch Discover display while the R-Line's is a 15-inch Discover Pro Max display - both feature MIB4 software and support Wireless App-Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
IDA voice assistant for hands-free control comes as standard as with the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. Only the R-Line variant gains a head-up display.
Sound systems for the two are also different, with an 8-Speaker sound system in the Elegance while the R-Line hosts a Harman Kardon sound system with 10 + 1 speakers, a dedicated subwoofer, a 700-watt output and a 16-channel digital amplifier.
As for safety the Tayron was awarded the maximum 5-star safety rating in the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) assessments, scoring 87% for Adult Occupant Protection, 85% for Child Occupant, 83% for Vulnerable Road Users, and 80% for Safety Assist.
Equipped with Volkswagen's latest IQ.DRIVE suite of advanced driver assistance systems, the all-new Tayron is comes with Travel Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Assist, Lane Change System Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert with Exit Warning, Auto Emergency Assist Front Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Monitoring, Park Assist Plus with Park Distance Control, Proactive Passenger Protection System, and Emergency Assist, 9 airbags, and Driver Attention Monitor.
The recommended retail price for the Elegance is RM189,890. Its price goes up to RM199,990 with the inclusion of the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP) - which includes 5 years free maintenance, 5 years manufacturer’s warranty, and 5 years roadside assistance.
The R-Line with an estimated price range of RM259,000 – RM269,000 is currently available for preview only.
In conjunction with the upcoming 69th Merdeka celebrations, the first 69 Tayron owners can enjoy a special introductory package, featuring seven years free maintenance, complimentary personal accident and car key coverage, and a chance to win a 3D/2N luxury holiday.
