Volkswagen’s Tayron slipped into South Africa’s crowded mid-size SUV market without much fanfare, but it has a clear job to do. Sitting between the Tiguan and the soon to be discontinued Touareg, it fills a gap for buyers who want something practical and familiar, especially in its entry-level 1.4 TSI Life DSG version.
This is not an SUV chasing after luxury or sporty thrills. Instead, it leans into Volkswagen’s usual strengths—solid build, smart compromises, and everyday usability.
Some delicious demo and pre-owned Tayron derivatives can be found here
Positioning it on the price ladder, at R853 800 it comes up against the likes of the Isuzu mu-X 3.0TD LS (R852 600), Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4DI-D 4x4 (R854 990) and Hyundai Tucson 2.0D AWD N Line (R859 900).
Slide into the cabin, and if you have been in a recent VW, you will feel right at home. Everything is where you expect it, the design is neat, and the materials feel good for this class. You get soft-touch where your hands go, tougher plastics down below—nothing flashy, but nothing cheap either.
The 8-inch touchscreen sits front and centre, with sharp graphics and quick responses. Sure, the menus can get a bit deep, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, so most people will be happy.
Great insurance is a safety net you really need – click here to find out more
Up front, space and comfort are not a problem. The real trick is in the back, though. The Tayron’s sliding rear bench lets you pick between extra legroom or a bigger boot—anywhere from 615 to a whopping 1 652 litres if you fold the seats. That kind of flexibility just makes life easier, whether you are packing for a holiday or shuttling the kids around.
Out on the road, the 1,4-litre turbo engine and seven-speed DSG gearbox define the experience. You get 110 kW and 250 Nm—enough for city driving and daily commutes, but do not expect fireworks. The engine is willing and the DSG manages shifts with that typical VW crispness, especially when you are gentle on the throttle.
Push hard for an overtake or haul up a steep hill, though, and you will notice the engine working—progress is steady, not sporty. But here is the upside: fuel economy. Keep things smooth and you will see 7,5 l/100 km to 8,2 l/100 km, which counts for a lot in a family SUV these days.
On South African roads, the Tayron feels planted and composed. The ride stays firm enough to handle rough patches and potholes without jolting everyone inside. It soaks up the day-to-day stuff—corrugations, patchy tarmac—without fuss. There is a reassuring sense of stability at highway speeds.
The steering is light and direct, perfect for city traffic, but this is not a car that begs to be thrown into corners. It oversees bends with calm predictability—safe understeer, nothing surprising. If you venture off the tar onto gravel, the raised ride height and decent suspension tuning keep things under control, but all-wheel drive is only in the higher trims.
Can I afford it – find out with this handy Finance Calculator
Equipment-wise, the Life model covers what most families want. You get LED headlights, dual-zone climate, cruise control, and a solid safety package—Front Assist, City Emergency Braking, and plenty of crash bags. Some buyers might miss advanced features like lane-keeping assist at this level, but the essentials are all there.
Bottom line: The Volkswagen Tayron 1.4 TSI Life DSG is a practical, well-built family SUV that does not try to be something it is not. It is not about head-turning speed or lavish luxury. Instead, you are getting space, smart features, good fuel economy, and the kind of quality VW is known for.
If you need a reliable, roomy, and sensible companion for South African roads, the Tayron deserves a spot on your shortlist. But if you want more power or the latest driver tech, you will need to look higher up the range—or at a different badge altogether. For families who value practicality and peace of mind, though, this VW just adds up.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
proudly ALL THINGS MOTORING
