Verdict
The RM47,914 move from the 1.5-litre mild-hybrid Tayron to the 2.0-litre Tayron buys 261 hp, 400 Nm and all-wheel drive, cutting the 0-100 km/h time from 9.6 to 6.1 seconds. That is a meaningful mechanical jump, not trim garnish. It also brings IQ.LIGHT HD Matrix LEDs, a 15-inch screen and Harman Kardon audio. But the 1.5-litre Tayron’s RM120 annual road tax, versus RM439, plus its ventilated, massaging 12-way memory front seats make it the sensible Malaysian family choice unless outright performance is the priority.
Pick the Volkswagen Tayron if you want the 1.5-litre 48V mild-hybrid model’s lower running tax and its ventilated, massaging front seats without paying for 261 hp.
Pick the Volkswagen Tayron if you want the 2.0-litre model’s 261 hp, 400 Nm, all-wheel drive and 6.1-second 0-100 km/h pace.
Key differences
- Price: RM190,660 versus RM238,574.
- Power and torque: 148 hp and 250 Nm at 1,500 rpm versus 261 hp and 400 Nm at 1,650 rpm.
- Driveline: front-wheel drive versus all-wheel drive.
- 0-100 km/h: 9.6 seconds versus 6.1 seconds.
- Headlamps: LED projectors versus IQ.LIGHT HD Matrix LED units.
- Infotainment: 12.9-inch Discover touchscreen with eight-speaker Volkswagen Sound System versus 15-inch Discover Pro Max, 10.
1.5 eTSI Elegance
- RM120 annual road tax versus RM439.
- 12-way power front seats with memory, ventilation and massage.
- 48V mild-hybrid 1.5-litre petrol drivetrain.
- 148 hp and 250 Nm versus 261 hp and 400 Nm.
- Front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive.
- 9.6-second 0-100 km/h time versus 6.1 seconds.
2.0 TSI R-Line
- 261 hp, 400 Nm and all-wheel drive.
- IQ.LIGHT HD Matrix LED headlamps.
- 15-inch infotainment, 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and Harman Kardon audio.
- RM47,914 higher purchase price.
- RM439 annual road tax versus RM120.
- No listed front-seat ventilation or massage, where the 1.5-litre model has both.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM190,660✓ | RM238,574 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120✓ | RM439 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger and variable intake valve timing with 48-volt MHEV assistance | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 148 hp | 261 hp✓ |
| Torque | 250 Nm at 1,500 rpm | 400 Nm at 1,650 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) | 7-speed Wet DSG |
| Gears | 7 | 7 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.6 seconds | 6.1 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | — | 8.5 L/100 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,792 mm | 4,792 mm |
| Width | 1,852 mm | 1,852 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,790 mm | 2,790 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 55 litres | 55 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 345 litres | 345 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R18 | 225/40R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R18 | 225/40R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus evoSUV | Continental SportContact 6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-links | 4-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Napoli Alloys | 20" York Black Alloys (8.5J) |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Napoli Alloys | 20" York Black Alloys (8.5J) |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Dynamic Chassis Control Pro | Dynamic Chassis Control Pro |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 9 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front & Rear Side Bags, Curtain Airbags & Front Centre Airbag) | 9 (Driver and Passenger, Front and Rear Side, Curtains and Centre) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Front Passenger Seat and 2 Outer Middle Row Seats | Available on Front Passenger Seat and 2 Outer Middle Row Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | IQ.LIGHT HD Matrix LED |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 12-Way Power-Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function, Ventilation and Massaging | Leather Vienna ergoActive Plus Sports Seats |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding and Sliding 2nd Row, 50:50 Split-Folding 3rd Row | Sliding Second Row, Foldable Second and Third Rows |
| Front Air-con | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Air Care Climatronic 3-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear Vents with Controls |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Back Row | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Back Row |
| Sun Shade | Manual Rear Window Blinds | Manual Rear Window Blinds |
| Audio | 12.9" Discover Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 8-speaker Volkswagen Sound System | 15" Discover Pro Max Infotainment with Navigation, 10.25" Digital Cockpit Pro, Harman Kardon Premium Sound, Wireless App-Connect, Dual 15W Wireless Charging |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Entry and Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Travel Assist |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered with Contactless Operation | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | Yes, Park Assist Plus |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | Yes, Park Assist Plus |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, with Area View 360 Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | RM250,074 with VAP (5-year warranty, 5-year maintenance, 5-year roadside assistance) |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
1.5 eTSI Elegance vs 2.0 TSI R-Line FAQ
Is the Volkswagen Tayron or Volkswagen Tayron better?
The 2.0-litre Volkswagen Tayron is better for performance, with 261 hp, all-wheel drive and a 6.1-second 0-100 km/h time. The 1.5-litre Tayron is the smarter buy if lower road tax and ventilated, massaging front seats matter more.
What is the price difference?
The 2.0-litre Volkswagen Tayron costs RM47,914 more than the 1.5-litre mild-hybrid model.
What does the extra money buy on the 2.0-litre Tayron?
It buys 113 hp more, 150 Nm more torque, all-wheel drive, a 3.5-second quicker 0-100 km/h time, IQ.LIGHT HD Matrix LEDs, 20-inch wheels and a 15-inch Harman Kardon infotainment system.
