The new seven-seat Volkswagen Tayron will cost from £39,850 in the UK

Want your shiny new family hauler to come with up to seven seats and as many configurability options as a Batsuit? Volkswagen’s new Tayron - which slots in between the Tiguan and Touareg - could be just the thing for you.

Prices start from £39,850 in the UK, and for that, you’ll get the entry-level ‘Life’ with a 148bhp 1.5-litre four-pot. Topping the range will be the £50,000 ‘R-Line’, which packs a much fruitier 286bhp mild-hybrid four-pot providing 75 miles of all-electric driving.

In between the two will sit various other petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains and trim levels, all available with either a six or seven-speed DSG transmission plus all-wheel drive as an optional extra.

The standard fittings include three-zone climate control, 10-colour ambient lighting and a 12.9in infotainment screen. The safety suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane assist and emergency braking. Though the Matrix LED headlights won’t deliver Bat signals to the skies above - c’mon Volkswagen, do better.

The extras list comprises a larger 15in infotainment screen, head-up display and tiltable panoramic roof, plus a 700-watt Harman Kardon audio system. Those cosy-looking seats can also have massage and ventilation functions incorporated for even more “Ooh, this is nice” compliments from the mother-in-law.

There's a maximum boot capacity of 850 litres and up to 2.4 tonnes of towing capacity, so it's a proper hauler. Sales begin on 9 January, with further engine options scheduled for later in the year. No word on a proper ‘R’ version as yet, but one can dream… as one can for a Bat signal option.