South Africa Welcomes the Volkswagen Tayron (2025)

South Africa’s Warm Welcome to the New Volkswagen Tayron (2025)

As of August 2025, South Africa finally welcomed the new Volkswagen Tayron to its showrooms. With its arrival, the Wolfsburg-built Tayron not only replaces the Tiguan AllSpace but also positions itself above the third-generation Tiguan and just below the (soon-to-be discontinued) Touareg in the brand’s SUV lineup. 

With a starting price of R811,800 for the base model, the Tayron really does offer impressive value for money, considering what’s included as standard. In fact, the Tayron’s body sits 230mm longer than previously, and you really feel it once you’re inside – according to BBC’s Top Gear South Africa. The result? Think ample leg space and extra cabin room, next-gen technology, advanced safety features, and serious confidence on the road. 

The Tayron Lineup: Car Review & Specs

Not only are we graced with Volkswagen’s “sexiest” lineup, but we’ve been given three models to choose from – Tayron base, Tayron Life, and Tayron R-Line. These models offer such simple, yet effective and luxurious options that we’ve not seen in a while throughout a lineup quite like this. 

For instance, the Tayron’s layout is designed to accommodate 345 litres of boot space, that’s 115 litres more than previous Tiguan models – and that’s without folding any seats. If you do decide to drop and fold the second or third row, you’ve opened between 850 litres and 2000 litres of cargo space. 

Perfect for big families with or without children, no matter the model. Making space for the important things is what VW has truly brought forward in the lineup. 

You do have the option of expanding on the exterior. Features like the leather package and front seat with additional support could cost you an extra R25,200. Adding a tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof with a panoramic rear sunroof will set you back around R19,200.

Tayron 1.4 TSI DSG®

This amazing automatic front-wheel vehicle is made up as a five-seater but comes generously equipped. Expect adaptive cruise control, a 12.9-inch infotainment display, park assist, and 18-inch alloy wheels. 

Tayron Life 1.4 TSI DSG®

Things get slightly more premium with the Tayron life. You’ll find extra airbags, additional advanced safety tech, 10-colour ambient interior lighting, driver profiles, and more. It also gains a digital drivers display and illuminated VW logos front and rear, a small but classy addition. This could all be yours at the retail value of R853,800. 

Tayron R-Line 1.4 TSI DSG®

Top of the range is the R-Line, riding on 19-inch Coventry alloys (optional 20-inchers), with Varenna leather upholstery, a 10-chamber massage function, aluminium interior inserts, and expanded ambient lighting colours. 

For those who like it a little extra, Volkswagen South Africa also offers a Black Styling Package, which adds dark chrome detailing and 20-inch Leeds alloy wheels for an additional R13,500. Not to mention, IQ Light Matrix LEDs, a Head-Up Display, Travel Assist and a Harman Kardon Sound System – for the real surround-sound experience. 

As for pricing, the R-Line model retails from R899,900. 

Standard Features Across the Lineup

Features that come standard across all three models are as follows: 

• Adaptive Cruise Control, Advanced Driver Attention and Drowsiness Monitor
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Wireless App-Connect: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Auto-dimming interior rearview mirror
• Black roof rails
• Blind spot monitor with RTA (Rear Traffic Alert) and exit warning system
• Brake control system for vehicles without electric drive
• Driving profile selection
• Driver and front passenger airbag and airbag deactivation
• Easy open sensor-controlled luggage compartment and delayed electric closing
• Lane Keeping System, Lane Assist, Hill Start Assist, and Park Assist
• Rearview Camera System
• Leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with shifting paddles
• LED headlamps with cornering light
• Leather-wrapped seats and lumbar support
• 8 speakers and additional lights
• Instrument cluster with electronic speedometer and oedometer

All vehicles come with a VW’s 5-year/ 90,000km Service Plan, a 3-year / 120,000km Car Warranty, and a 12-year Anti-Corrosion Warranty. 

Engine and Performance 

The Volkswagen Tayron weighs in at 240kg heavier than the Tiguan, but it offers a softer, more relaxed ride. After driving through Johannesburg, Top Gear South Africa tells all that “sporty” isn’t exactly what the Tayron is iconic for but built specifically for comfort and long-distance cruising – a perfect addition to family trips. 

Under the bonnet, there’s only one current option available: VW’s 1.4 TSI turbo-petrol producing 110 kW and 250 Nm, paired with a seven-speed DSG. It proves to be a good enough combo that exudes efficiency and reliability, a “solid foundation” for what’s on the way. 

Final Thoughts

For those who are looking for a bit more engine gust, the good news is that more powertrains are on the way. In 2026, Volkswagen South Africa plans to bring in a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and a mild-hybrid option, both with 4Motion and all-wheel drive. Unfortunately, a TDI diesel version isn’t planned yet. 

Regardless, even at entry level standards, there’s plenty of value to be found here. The Volkswagen Tayron has neatly filled the gap in the SUV lineup, perfectly positioned between the Tiguan and the Touareg in terms of pricing and practicality. 

As for the rise in demand for bigger vehicles, there’s no doubt that the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sportage stand a fair chance as VW’s competitors in the segment. 

Families thrive on space, comfort, and flexibility -- and that’s exactly what the Tayron delivers. Whether you’re after five or seven seats, it’s pricing is well-balanced and fair for what it offers.