Volkswagen is finally making its move. The automaker has officially kicked off bookings for the Volkswagen Tayron in India, a calculated tactical maneuver intended to fill the void left by its previous premium offerings. If you’ve been eyeing a three-row German powerhouse, you can now secure your slot at any authorized dealership or via their online portal for a booking amount of Rs. 51,000.
While the hype is palpable, I find myself approaching this launch with a mix of genuine excitement and a healthy dose of “wait-and-see” skepticism. As the price announcement looms later this month, the Tayron isn’t just another SUV; it is Volkswagen’s new flagship marque, and the pressure to perform is immense.
A Strategic Shift: From Import to Assembly Line
As per my knowledge, one of the most significant aspects of this launch isn’t the car itself, but how it’s being built. Unlike the Tiguan R-Line, which hit our shores as a CBU (Completely Built Unit), the Tayron will be rolling off the local assembly line via CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits.
In my opinion, this is a make-or-break decision for VW. Local manufacturing should, in theory, shield the Tayron from the exorbitant import duties that often handicap European cars in India. However, I am slightly concerned about whether the quality control (SPC) will maintain that “vault-like” German feel we’ve come to expect from their global prototypes.
The Evolution: Tayron vs. The Tiguan AllSpace
To understand where the Tayron fits, we have to look back at its predecessor in spirit: the Tiguan AllSpace. Many enthusiasts remember the AllSpace as a solid, if slightly understated, long-wheelbase SUV.
| Feature | VW Tiguan AllSpace (Older Model) | VW Tayron (Current Flagship) |
| Power Output | 190 HP | 204 HP |
| Infotainment | 8-inch Touchscreen | 15-inch Floating Display |
| Transmission | 7-speed DSG | 7-speed DSG (Optimized) |
| Drivetrain | 4Motion AWD | 4Motion AWD (Standard) |
| Assembly | CBU (Imported) | CKD (Locally Assembled) |
My personal experience with the older AllSpace was that it felt a bit “vanilla.” The Tayron, specifically in this R-Line trim, feels like an assertive attempt to inject some much-needed aggression into the aesthetic. With Matrix LED headlamps and 19-inch wheels, it definitely has more “curb appeal.”
The Cockpit: Tech Overload or True Luxury?
Stepping inside the Tayron, you are greeted by a 15-inch touchscreen that dominates the dashboard. While it looks futuristic, I would advise drivers to prepare for a learning curve; Volkswagen has moved many physical buttons into the screen menus, which can be distracting during high-speed acceleration.
The feature list is undeniably premium:
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Seating: Powered front seats with heating, ventilation, and—crucially for those long Pune-Mumbai hauls—a massage function.
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Climate: Three-zone control to keep everyone from the driver to the third-row passengers comfortable.
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Safety: The chassis is reinforced with the latest safety tech, backed by VW’s 4Motion system for superior braking and stability on wet roads.
One minor gripe: while the “Ultraviolet Metallic” and “Cipressino Green” colors are bold choices, I’m worried about the long-term maintenance of these unique finishes. A trip to the car wash might require a bit more care than your standard white or silver model.
Performance: Under the Hood
The heart of the Tayron is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. With 204 HP and 320 Nm of torque, the acceleration is brisk for a vehicle of this size, claiming a 0-100 km/hr sprint in just 7.3 seconds.
However, as a seasoned driver, I’m looking closely at the suspension and axle tuning. Seven-seaters often struggle with “low-speed fidgetiness” when they aren’t fully loaded. Whether VW has tuned this specifically for Indian potholes remains to be seen.
The Competitive Landscape: A Premium Battleground
The Tayron is entering a lion’s den. It’s going up against established heavyweights that each bring a different strength to the table.
| Model | Engine Type | Drive Type | Seating | Key Vibe |
| VW Tayron | 2.0L Turbo Petrol | AWD | 7-Seater | Tech-Heavy/Sophisticated |
| Skoda Kodiaq | 2.0L Turbo Petrol | AWD | 7-Seater | Practical Luxury |
| Toyota Fortuner | 2.8L Diesel/2.7L Petrol | RWD/4WD | 7-Seater | Rugged Reliability |
| Jeep Meridian | 2.0L Diesel | RWD/AWD | 7-Seater | Off-Road Capability |
As per my opinion, the Tayron’s biggest internal threat is actually the Skoda Kodiaq. Since they share much of the same supply chain and R&D DNA, the choice will likely come down to brand loyalty and the specific financing or leasing deals offered at the dealership.
Final Thoughts: A Calculated Risk?
I am slightly concerned that if Volkswagen prices the Tayron too close to the luxury “Big Three” (Audi, BMW, Merc), it might struggle. But if they leverage the CKD assembly to keep the price competitive, they might just have the undisputed leader of the premium three-row segment on their hands.
The Tayron represents a significant investment in the Indian market’s appetite for high-end petrol SUVs. With seven striking colors and a powerhouse of an engine, it’s certainly aiming for the top. We will know the final piece of the puzzle—the sticker price—very soon.
