Volkswagen India has launched the Tayron Life in India at Rs 41.99 lakh (ex showroom), making it Rs 5 lakh more affordable than the flagship Tayron R Line. While the new Life variant misses out on the sporty R Line styling package and the third row of seats, it retains the same powerful 2.0 litre TSI petrol engine, all wheel drive system and a majority of the premium features offered on the higher variant. This makes it a more value focused alternative for buyers who prefer a spacious five seat SUV over a seven seater.
An interesting point is that Volkswagen has taken a different approach from its Skoda sibling. While the Skoda Kodiaq Lounge also serves as a more affordable five seat option, it misses out on Level 2 ADAS. The Tayron Life, on the other hand, continues to offer the same Level 2 ADAS package available on the top end Tayron R Line, giving buyers more safety without having to spend extra.
Volkswagen Tayron Life – Exterior Design
Without the R Line package, the Tayron Life adopts a cleaner and more understated appearance. The front grille, wheel arch cladding and rear bumper trims no longer receive the gloss black finish seen on the R Line. Instead, the front bumper features a simpler design with L shaped grille elements and a silver trim below the grille that gives the SUV an elegant look.
The slim Matrix LED headlamps, illuminated Volkswagen logo and full width LED light bar remain unchanged from the R Line. Along the sides, the Tayron Life continues with clean body lines, a chrome window surround and the signature silver trim extending towards the rear quarter glass. The Life variant rides on 18 inch alloy wheels instead of the 19 inch units offered on the R Line.
At the rear, the changes are limited to a simpler bumper design, while the connected LED tail lamps, illuminated Volkswagen badge, roof spoiler and full width light bar have all been retained.
The Tayron Life is available in Dolphin Grey Metallic, Cipressino Green Metallic, Oyster Silver Metallic, Nightshade Blue Metallic, Ultraviolet Metallic, Oryx White Mother of Pearl Effect and Grenadilla Black Metallic. The SUV measures 4,792 mm in length and has a wheelbase of 2,789 mm.
Volkswagen Tayron Life – Interior Design and Features
The cabin remains largely identical to the R Line and continues to offer a premium experience. The dashboard layout is unchanged and buyers still get a 15 inch touchscreen infotainment system along with a 10.25 inch fully digital instrument cluster. Other features include a panoramic sunroof, three zone automatic climate control, dual wireless smartphone charging pads and wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The front seats continue to offer 12 way electric adjustment with lumbar support through Volkswagen’s ergoActive seats. They also feature eight massage programs, ventilation, heating, extendable thigh support and Smart Entry mode. Passenger seat adjustment through the infotainment system from the driver’s seat has also been retained.
Additional comfort features include rear AC vents with temperature controls, retractable rear sun blinds, keyless entry and start, rain sensing wipers, electronic parking brake with auto hold, powered tailgate with hands free opening and second row seats with sliding and reclining functions.
The only notable downgrade is the audio system. The Tayron Life gets an eight speaker sound system instead of the 11 speaker Harman Kardon setup found on the R Line. Boot space stands at an impressive 885 litres and can be expanded up to 2,090 litres with the rear seats folded.
Volkswagen Tayron Life – Powertrain and Safety
Powering the Tayron Life is the same 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine that produces 204 hp and 320 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a seven speed dual clutch automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels through Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all wheel drive system.
The SUV uses a McPherson strut suspension at the front and a multi link setup at the rear. Drivers can choose between six drive modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Individual, Offroad and Snow.
Safety remains one of the strongest highlights of the Tayron Life. It comes equipped with nine airbags, Level 2 ADAS with 14 features, electronic stability control, hill start assist, hill descent control, electronic differential lock, tyre pressure monitoring system, front and rear disc brakes, ISOFIX child seat mounts, auto dimming inside rear view mirror, anti pinch power windows, dynamic cornering lights, poor weather lights and three point seatbelts for all occupants.
Volkswagen Tayron Life – Market Positioning and Rivals
The Volkswagen Tayron Life competes with rivals such as the Skoda Kodiaq Lounge and five seat versions of the Jeep Meridian. With its lower price, premium equipment list, all wheel drive system and the addition of Level 2 ADAS, it offers a compelling alternative for buyers looking for a premium five seat SUV. Like the Tayron R Line, the Life variant is locally assembled at Volkswagen’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar facility in Maharashtra. Bookings are now open across authorised Volkswagen dealerships and through the Volkswagen India website.