Volkswagen Tayron: 2021 model 1.5L Automatic R-Line Intelligent Edition
With the continuous evolution of the market competition landscape, major car manufacturers are striving in segmented markets. In the compact SUV market, favored by younger consumer groups, Volkswagen needs a model with sufficient competitive strength to meet various consumer demands. The Volkswagen Tayron, based on the MQB-A0 platform, is positioned as a compact SUV, mainly catering to the youthful market demand. The following is an introduction to the 2021 Volkswagen Tayron 1.5L Automatic R-Line Intelligent Edition, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of 143,900 yuan.
In terms of appearance, consumers familiar with Volkswagen models know that there are rarely distinct personalized features in the brand's models, focusing more on satisfying the aesthetic tastes of the majority. However, when it comes to compact SUVs primarily targeting the young crowd, changes are suitably necessary.
The front of the car features a family-style design seen in FAW-Volkswagen SUVs, with a seamless style between the grille and headlights. The interior has three straight horizontal bars, coupled with the mesh structure inside, enhancing the layering of the front face and adding a bit of robustness. A chrome strip running through the middle extends to the daytime running lights, extending the visual width of the front to some degree.
The interior features a familiar Volkswagen family design, with a symmetrical, simple yet grand style. The entire dashboard is made of hard materials; though the touch is average, the meticulous workmanship does not make it look cheap.
In the central control section, there is a 9.2-inch embedded touch LCD screen, one of the higher specifications under Volkswagen. The screen design is simple with a continuous style between the frame and the dashboard, with a row of frequently used function touch buttons on the left side. The car system supports GPS navigation, real-time traffic alerts, Bluetooth calls, CarPlay and CarLife smartphone connectivity, as well as voice recognition control and connected vehicle functions. The manual air conditioning panel in the front row is a traditional three-knob combination, convenient for daily use. The car interior is equipped with a PM2.5 filter device. Other vehicle configurations include a traditional mechanical handbrake, equipped with engine start-stop and hill assist functions. The side of the car body appears somewhat short, especially with a relatively narrow rear overhang design. Compared to mainstream compact SUVs, it gives the impression of being akin to a large two-box sedan, although the front part still has a strong SUV style. The side contour and lines are mainly simple, with a two-stage high waistline around the door handles providing a faint outlining effect. A black wrap around the bottom reduces maintenance costs for everyday scratches. The rearview mirrors incorporate LED turn signal lights and support electric adjustment and heating functions. Keyless entry on the front doors and keyless start system inside requires optional selection on the 1.5L Joy Intelligent Edition.
In terms of power, the 2021 Volkswagen Tayron offers a diversified powertrain, providing 1.5L naturally aspirated, 1.2T, and 1.4T turbocharged engines. The 1.5L engine delivers a maximum power of 83kW/113Ps and a maximum torque of 145Nm, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The driving power is smooth for daily use, though it may feel slightly slower at start compared to the 1.2T and 1.4T models. The suspension structure consists of a front MacPherson and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension.
The launch and sales of the Tayron lay a solid foundation for FAW-Volkswagen's foray into the small SUV market. Given the high sales in the sedan market, the Tayron entered the Chinese market at the end of 2019, with a starting price of 114,900 yuan, marking the lowest starting price among Volkswagen SUV models in China and showing the full sincerity and affordability of the Tayron in its class. Additionally, the dynamic and avant-garde exterior design and interior style accentuate its appeal to younger consumer groups.
However, it's important to note that simplification and reduction have always been keywords for Volkswagen models, which can easily result in a boxy exterior, mediocre interior space, and even a strong plastic feel in the interior, with a noticeable plastic smell.
