Volkswagen has taken the wraps off the India-spec Tayron R-Line, which will be the brand’s flagship SUV. Built on the Tiguan’s platform, the Tayron R-Line gets larger dimensions and a slightly distinct design to differentiate itself from its 5-seat counterpart. It will compete in the premium three-row SUV segment, which includes the Skoda Kodiaq, MG Gloster, Toyota Fortuner and Jeep Meridian. Here, we compare the Tayron R-Line’s specifications to those of its competitors to see how it measures up on paper.
Volkswagen Tayron vs rivals: Dimensions
Tayron is second-longest and second-widest of the lot
| VW Tayron vs rivals: Dimensions | |||||
| Chassis | Monocoque | Monocoque | Ladder frame | Ladder frame | Monocoque |
The MG Gloster is the longest, tallest and widest in the segment, and it also has the longest wheelbase (over 2.9 metres). The Tayron, meanwhile, ranks second in length and width, slightly larger than the Kodiaq in both measurements. It is somewhere in the middle of the pack in terms of wheelbase and the shortest in height, at 1,665mm. The Tayron rides on 19-inch alloys, as does the Gloster; others get 18-inch wheels. The Fortuner has the highest ground clearance. As for the body, the Gloster and Fortuner have a ladder-frame chassis, while the rest have a monocoque.
Volkswagen Tayron vs rivals: Powertrains
Tayron has the most powerful petrol engine but no diesel option
*P: Petrol; D: Diesel
The Tayron and Kodiaq are the most powerful petrol offerings in this comparison. After all, both are powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 204hp and 320Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed DCT gearbox, sending power to all four wheels. Conversely, the Gloster and Meridian come only with diesel engines, with the former getting it in two different states of tune. The Fortuner is the only one here to get both petrol and diesel options, and the diesel can also be had with a 48V mild-hybrid system. AWD is optional on the Fortuner, Gloster and Meridian, and only the Meridian and Fortuner offer a manual gearbox.
Volkswagen Tayron vs rivals: Prices
Tayron will be assembled locally
The Tayron R-Line’s prices are yet to be revealed, but we expect them to be in the range of Rs 45 lakh to Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom). Unlike the Tiguan, which is imported via the CBU (completely built units) route, the Tayron will be assembled locally. The Meridian is the most affordable of the lot, but its base trim is offered with only five seats. The Kodiaq currently has the highest starting price, but the Fortuner is the most expensive if one compares the top trims.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.