Volkswagen R fans now want performance and seven seats
Australian buyers push for R-badged family SUVs after Tiguan R’s runaway successThe News
Volkswagen says unexpected demand from Australian buyers is reshaping its R performance strategy, with customers asking for seven-seat SUVs to receive the same high-performance treatment as models like the Tiguan R and T-Roc R.
The Key Details
- Volkswagen Australia revealed strong demand for R variants in larger seven-seat SUVs
- The new seven-seat Tayron replaces Tiguan Allspace, but is unlikely to see a pure R model
- Families wanting performance will instead rely on the 195TSI R-Line
- Next-generation T-Roc R has been confirmed for Australia in 2026
The Finer Details
Speaking with carsales at the launch of the new seven-seat Tayron SUV, Arjun Nidigallu, Head of Product at Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles Australia admitted the local VW team were surprised by one particular customer insight while preparing for the launch of the vehicle.
“People were asking for an R variant in a seven-seater,” Nidigallu said. “For me, the seven-seater market is very different to a performance market, but that [feedback] kept coming up.”
“Now we’ve got a 195 [TSI R-Line] which is a lot closer to that expectation, but I want to see how that goes. It’s going really well so far.” Nidigallu continued.
That demand builds on the phenomenal success of the Tiguan R in Australia. Launched in 2022, it consistently outsold supply and was often in the top two model grades in terms of demand. The combination of family-friendly SUV space and a 235kW four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine made it an unexpected hit.
At the start of 2024, Australia was the world’s number one global market for Tiguan R and T-Roc R models.
The new T-Roc R has been confirmed for Australia, joining the facelifted 2026 T-Roc range that made its global debut this year. However, larger families hoping for an R-badged seven-seater may be left waiting.
The Tayron, which replaces the Tiguan Allspace, is not expected to get a full-fat R variant. Instead, its range-topping R-Line specification delivers 195kW and 400Nm – enough punch for many, but short of the full R experience.
The Road Ahead
Volkswagen has yet to commit to a seven-seat R model, but executives acknowledge the opportunity. If realised, such a move would extend the R badge beyond hot hatches and compact SUVs, giving Australian families the chance to pair practicality with Volkswagen’s most potent performance offering.
Until then, buyers wanting both space and pace will have to make do with the Tayron R-Line’s 195TSI, or continue chasing limited-supply Tiguan R and incoming T-Roc R models.
Related: Volkswagen Tiguan 2025 Review
Related: Next-generation Volkswagen T-Roc R locked in
Related: 2025 Volkswagen Tayron Australian details revealed
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