What's the difference?
Volkswagen has a new large SUV in the Tayron (pronounced TIE-ron), and it arrives with a fair bit riding on it. Replacing the Tiguan Allspace and taking on some of the duties left by the departing Touareg, it’s now the brand’s key seven-seat family offering.
We’re testing the flagship 195TSI R-Line with established petrol rivals like the Kia Sorento GT-Line, Skoda Kodiaq RS and Toyota Kluger Grande in mind. After a few weeks of school-holiday mayhem, complete with feral kids, does it sink or swim?
Volkswagen’s new-generation Multivan is the brand’s family-oriented bus, and having just been to its Australian launch the people mover feels more high-end and somehow more practical than ever. But something has changed and it’s only now that it feels as though the final piece of the Multivan puzzle has been found and this van is complete.
Volkswagen’s entire vehicle range is mind-bogglingly big. From hatchbacks, wagons and SUVs to vans and buses, they all have two things in common - a high-quality feel and practicality. The Multivan has always adhered to this theme, as well.
Now, the new-generation Multivan has arrived and it’s clear Volkswagen has stuck to the same recipe of premium and practical, but there’s been a big change in the way it drives thanks to the decision to stop building the van on a truck-like platform and start building it on one used for cars.
You can read more about this below or watch my reaction to piloting the Multivan in my video.
Keep reading for more on the new-gen Multivan.
So, does the new Volkswagen Tayron 195TSI R-Line sink or swim? It's definitely swimming as it delivers a solid blend of features and comforts for families seeking a 'sometime' seven-seater. It's not yet on the podium as it doesn’t hit every mark. Purchase price and servicing costs may put some buyers off but it packs in a number of thoughtful, family-oriented features. Whether it will go on to become Volkswagen’s standout seven-seat offering remains to be seen, but it’s a capable, well-rounded option in the segment.
The Australian launch of the new generation Multivan was confined to the Life grade with the 2.0-litre diesel engine. Later in 2025 the Style grade will arrive bringing a hybrid powertrain and even more features. We’ll be able to test both more thoroughly once we have them in the CarsGuide garage.
From this first drive, however, it's clear that while slightly pricier than its Kia Carnival rival the new generation Multivan is more practical than ever, and now that it rides on a car platform, far better to drive.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.