VOLKSWAGEN TAYR R-LINE

VW'S NEW THREE-ROW SUV STRIKES THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN PRICE, CLASS AND DRIVING FEEL

- WORDS TUHIN GUHA

You might remember the Tiguan Allspace from some time ago. It was here for a very short time, but it was meant to offer that added dose of practicality in the classic Tiguan formula. Volkswagen has taken that idea further, turning it into a new model line with the VW Tayron R-Line. It's a bit bigger. It's a bit better equipped, but does it stand out?

Styling

The Tayron R-Line looks quite sporty for a three-row SUV. The bright matrix lighting, which is quite effective, and the large grille are quite unlike the traditional restraint you have seen from Volkswagen earlier, but there is a squat, potent look to the car. The grille design, especially the top band and some details in the lights, differ from the Tiguan R-Line.

The added length has been neatly incorporated, but some may find that it lacks the boxy, outright presence of the SUVs it competes with, even though it looks just as sophisticated. The 19-inch alloys deserve a special mention for just how sporty they look. The rear continues that committed look with the wide full-width lamps, lit-up badges and chunky garnishes.

You get a powered and gesture-controlled tailgate, and boot space with all three rows up is surprisingly generous. There's enough to fit an overnight stroller and a few more soft bags. All the boot volumes are available, but with the third row folded, a family's worth of luggage fits easily. The wide, flat floor and practical shape help with this, although the lip is quite high. There's a 40:20:40 split which lets you maximize the 1,905L that's available with both rows folded.

Interiors