Volkswagen took the wraps off the global version of the Tayron, giving us a preview of the upcoming US-spec Tiguan. The new model is positioned in Europe’s midsize SUV segment, replacing the discontinued Tiguan Allspace. It sports a longer and redesigned body compared to the EU-spec Tiguan, offering a bigger boot and an optional seven-seat layout.
In an email to Carscoops, VW confirmed that the US-spec Tiguan will share the long-wheelbase setup of the EU-spec Tayron, with differences in the sheet metal, powertrain options, and equipment set. Still, until the unveiling of the US-spec Tiguan in the LA Auto Show in November, the Tayron serves as the closest preview.
As previewed by the Chinese-spec VW Tayron L, the sheet metal of the European Tayron doesn’t share anything with the Tiguan. Still, it incorporates familiar styling cues from VW’s design handbook, including slim headlights, full-width taillights with animated LED graphics, and a sculpted character line on the profile putting emphasis on the rear fenders. The R Line trim is distinguished by the sportier bumper intakes, replacing the “smiling” grille of the standard model.
Spacious And High-Tech Cabin
Inside, the digital cockpit of the Tayron mirrors that of the Tiguan, with a 12.9-inch or 15-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.25-inch instrument cluster. For the sake of differentiation, VW added an illuminated trim piece on the dashboard, which can be covered by real open-pore wood.
The Tayron may lack the third passenger display of the Chinese-spec Passat Pro and Magotan sedans, but has a generous standard kit including a three-zone a/c and adaptive cruise control. It is also optionally available with features such as the Travel Assist ADAS, the adaptive chassis control (DCC Pro), a tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, massaging and ventilated seats, and Harman-Kardon audio.
More importantly, the Tayron is a lot more practical than the Tiguan, offering the option of a three-row seven-seater layout. The boot has a capacity of 345 lt (12.2 cubic feet) in the seven-seater versions, and an impressive 885 lt (31.2 cubic feet) in the standard five-seater.
Wide Choice Of Powertrains
As with the vast majority of ICE-powered models from the VW Group, the Tayron rides on the MQB Evo architecture. Powertrains are shared with the Tiguan, including gasoline, diesel, mild-hybrid, and two plug-in hybrid options. Outputs range from the 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) of the entry-level 1.5 eTSI and 2.0 TDI mills, up to the 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) of the most potent plug-in hybrid setup.
All of the Tayron trims are fitted with a dual-clutch transmission. In most cases, power is transmitted to the front axle, but the 4Motion AWD system is available in combination with the stronger 2.0-liter TDI diesel with 190 hp (142 kW / 193 PS).
While VW has yet to reveal the technical specifications of the upcoming US-spec Tiguan, we can speculate which powertrains could make the cut in North America. Judging from the rest of VW’s SUV lineup in the region, the 2.0 TSI engine sounds like a great fit for the Tiguan, especially when combined with the 4Motion AWD system. Furthermore, VW could bring both PHEV versions stateside, with 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS), offering over 100 km (62 miles) of EV-only range.
Pricing of the VW Tayron in Europe starts from €45,475 ($49,803), which makes it €7,225 ($7,914) more expensive than the Tiguan. Rivals in the Old Continent include the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq, and the Peugeot 5008.