Volkswagen Tayron

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The versatile Tayron is available as a seven or five–seater on the Scheme. With its large boot, it can easily accommodate a scooter or manual wheelchair (with the third–row seats down in the seven–seater).

The all–new model plugs the gap formerly filled by the Tiguan Allspace, offering a longer wheelbase and increased practicality.

The Tayron shares its basic underpinnings with the latest VW Tiguan and comes with the same excellent interior and tech, as well as a choice of petrol, diesel and plug–in hybrid engines.

Driving

Entry engine of the VW Tayron range is the 148bhp 1.5–litre eTSI petrol, which comes with mild hybrid tech to boost performance. The 148bhp 2.0–litre diesel engine gives the Tayron more low–down grunt, making it feel effortless to drive when fully loaded with cargo.

There are two more 2.0–litre petrols, producing 201bhp and 261bhp. The most powerful version has smooth power delivery and a healthy spread of mid–range punch. Finally, there are two petrol PHEVs – badged eHybrid – each with a 19.7kWh usable capacity battery, giving an impressive official electric range of 76 miles.

All versions of the Tayron are smooth to drive on country roads or in town with high levels of grip. Precise and well–weighted steering are plus points, too.

Interior

Drive in comfort in the VW Tayron, thanks to plenty of adjustment, from the seat and steering wheel, to the electrically adjustable lumbar support for the front seats. Forward visibility is great for an SUV, as the front pillars are slim and there's a clear view over the bonnet. Large side windows and relatively slim rear pillars help provide a clear view when looking over your shoulder. All versions come with parking sensors and a rear-view camera.

There’s a 10.3in digital driver’s display and a 12.9in infotainment touchscreen connected to wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay on all versions.

Space and practicality

Perhaps the Tayron’s top feature for Motability Scheme customers is the large and well–shaped boot. There’s 345 litres of space available with all seven seats up, but the Tayron really comes into its own for scooter users when the third–row seats are folded down, or you choose a five–seater version, as 850–litre boot space becomes available. The load area is a uniform shape and there's a storage area underneath to stow the parcel shelf out the way. Fitting our TGA Whill R in the boot was a doddle without having to put any of the middle row seats down.

There’s plenty of headroom in the front seats of the VW Tayron and with the bench slid all the way back, there’s legroom to stretch out in the middle row. We recommend trying the third row of seats for access and comfort if you intend to use these often.

Equipment

Five trim levels are available, although some limit which engines you can have with them. Entry–level Life trim comes with adaptive cruise control, three-zone climate control, LED headlights and ambient lighting.

Match Trim adds keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof and a powered tailgate. Elegance is more luxurious, with 19in wheels, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and cool wood trims. Higher spec R–Line has 20in wheels and a sportier look and feel, while R–Line Edition has a larger panoramic roof.

The Tayron is a welcome new addition to the Motability Scheme and gives more choice to those looking for a great car to transport people and mobility equipment.

Photos: Volkswagen AG, Peugeot, Skoda Auto, Carl Rodgerson