A new one for me this month: the Volkswagen Tayron. I had a few options to test and opted for the petrol hybrid version, although I quickly began to question that decision.
The first challenge, amusingly, was selecting a gear. The selector is a twistable stalk coming out of the steering column which, once I found it, I actually quite liked. It’s similar to the ID3 and adds a nice modern touch, though initially I felt like I was trying to indicate my way into reverse.

Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre engine supplemented by the hybrid system. When I first started it up, there was a fierce whirring sound that I thought was the engine protesting. Turns out it was just the aircon kicking in to max from the last driver, which sounded like an industrial sewing machine – the foibles of an unfamiliar car.

VW’s Goldilocks SUV

Size-wise, I feel this sits between the Tiguan and Touareg – VW’s Goldilocks SUV, perhaps? Having owned a 2015 Tiguan for several years, there’s something immediately familiar about the Tayron. It has that same solid, well-built VW feel that suggests longevity and reassurance.

The dashboard is typically modern VW; digital, big display, nothing spectacular but nothing irritating either. Proper cup holders (small victory), excellent visibility, and a chunky flat-bottomed steering wheel courtesy of the R-Line spec all make for a nice overall experience. The Alcantara leather (always a plus) features attractive blue threading too, and the dash includes some nice LED backlights for a little bit of ambient drama.

About that 1.5-litre engine – here’s where my hybrid scepticism emerges. It sounds eager despite its modest size, but I’ve never been convinced these small-engine hybrids work as well as they should. There’s something about the combination that feels overly complex. I’d genuinely prefer a non-hybrid version with a more substantial petrol engine, or a full electric.

All the expected modern safety kit

The car comes with all the expected modern safety kit, including lane-keeping assistance that is useful on motorways but mildly irritating elsewhere. Over bumpy surfaces the road noise is significant – but the ride remains comfortable despite the R-Line’s firmer suspension.

Handling is competent rather than thrilling. It’s smooth through bends, even over ridged surfaces, with supportive seats that prevent excessive body roll. The braking feels reassuring and progressive – exactly what you want in a family SUV.

Thorough attention to detail all round

The build quality is impressive, again, something that I see as a given from VW. Everything feels solid with thorough attention to detail. Controls, once familiar, are logical and intuitive.

Would this be a contender if I were shopping for an SUV? Absolutely. Even with the hybrid system that I’m not entirely sold on, there’s enough here to appreciate. The familiarity factor for existing VW owners is strong, build quality reassuring, and the overall package well executed.

However, I can’t shake the feeling that a non-hybrid version with a larger, traditional petrol engine would suit this car better. Sometimes the pursuit of efficiency compromises the driving experience, and this might be one of those cases.