Volkswagen launched its seven-seater Tayron SUV in India earlier this year. Based on the same platform as the Tiguan, but with an extra row of seats, the Tayron serves as the German carmaker’s flagship SUV offering in India. While it is available with multiple engine options including petrol, diesel and hybrid in international markets, for India, it's only offered with the 2-litre TSI EA888 turbo-petrol engine, which it shares with the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan.
- Fuel-saving features like Eco-Coasting, auto engine stop-start.
- Six driving modes, including an Eco mode.
- Weighs 1,864kg.
Volkswagen Tayron mileage explained
The Tayron's 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine produces 204hp and 320Nm, and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. It also offers six drive modes - Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, Snow and Individual.
In our fuel-efficiency tests conducted in Eco mode, the Tayron returned 8.3kpl in the city and 12.3kpl on the highway, resulting in an overall average of 10.3kpl.
Several fuel-saving technologies help improve efficiency. In urban conditions, the automatic engine stop-start system reduces fuel consumption during traffic halts. On the highway, the engine remains relaxed, spinning at just 1,900rpm at 100kph in seventh gear. The Tayron also features an Eco-Coasting function, which decouples the engine from the transmission when the driver lifts off the accelerator. This allows the SUV to freewheel with the engine idling, reducing fuel consumption before seamlessly re-engaging a gear when throttle input is applied.
Despite weighing 1,864kg, the Tayron's efficiency is respectable. Combined with its large 61-litre fuel tank, the SUV can comfortably deliver a real-world touring range of around 600km between fuel stops.
That said, as with most turbo-petrol engines, fuel economy is highly dependent on driving style. Use the engine's performance enthusiastically and efficiency can easily drop into single-digit territory.
Autocar India’s fuel-efficiency testing
Before conducting our real-world fuel-efficiency tests, we fill our test cars’ tanks to the brim and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendation. These cars are then driven on fixed city and highway loops in and around Navi Mumbai, and we maintain certain average speeds. Throughout the tests, we run the aircon at 22 degrees in full-auto mode and other electricals, such as the audio system, indicators and wipers, when required – just as a regular user would. Periodic driver swaps further neutralise variations in driver patterns. At the end of each cycle, we calculate efficiency by filling the tanks to full again.