YOU would think that VW had got the SUV sector pretty well covered.

After all, there's the little T-Cross, the T-Roc and the popular mid-size Tiguan. Then, at the top of the tree sits the generously proportioned Touareg.

But there's room for one more ⦠the latest addition to the high-rider range is the Tayron - yes, another ‘T' model - which is positioned between the Tiguan and Touareg and has the option of seven-seats.

With a longer wheelbase than the Tiguan, it's seriously cavernous and effectively takes the place of the now discontinued Tiguan Allspace.

The version we borrowed was the eTSI Plug-in Hybrid, which is super economical and has a noticeable tax advantage to company users. The drawback is that it's only available in five-seater form - bad news for large families. Nevertheless VW expect it to be the range's best seller.

It's a bonny looking beast with a wide, low-level grille and a fashionable light bar at the rear but the extra centimetres added to the wheelbase increase the turning circle and make car park manoeuvres a tad more tricky.

The four cylinder 1.5-litre hybrid pumps out 201bhp which means it's good for hit 62mph in a shade under nine seconds, about par for the course. It's coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox which switches ratios smoothly and effortlessly.

Most impressive, though, is the Tayron's miniscule thirst - most owners will easily better 45mpg which is exceptional for a large petrol-powered SUV. Another plus is that it will travel 72miles on electricity alone, further reducing running costs.

It rides and drives well, but lacks the dynamic edge possessed by some rivals. Comfort and refinement have clearly been prioritised ahead of handling characteristics. The suspension is relatively soft, allowing a degree of cornering roll when pressing on.

Noise levels on the move are quite low with little mechanical or wind intrusion thanks partly to acoustic glass and its clean shape. Only when the engine is worked hard does it start to sound busy.

The spacious cabin feels classy and a step up from the Tiguan with a 12.9in screen to the left of the driver, lots of soft touch quality plastic and a wide central console with space for oddments and a phone tray.

We aren't fans of the latest VW trend to move the gearchange to a column stalk. Nor do we appreciate the fiddly method of operating the wipers via a switch on the left stalk of the column.

Legroom front and rear is abundant, as is head and shoulder room. The boot can soak up more than 880 litres of cargo and the rear seats fold to more than double the carrying capacity. Few families would require greater space than this.

The R-Line model comes with heated, electric front seats, brushed steel pedals, LED headlights and daylight running lights and rear sun blinds. The review car was also fitted with panoramic sliding sunroof (£1,385) and heated outer rear seats (£595).