CARS OF THE WORLD

Volkswagen Taos 2021.

Volkswagen Taos 2021: a new crossover for America.
Volkswagen’s model range has been replenished with another novelty — the compact SUV Volkswagen Taos 2021-2022.

The car is the closest relative of the Volkswagen Tharu and Skoda Karoq crossovers. It will be sold only overseas: the assembly of cars for North America will be established in Mexico, for South America — in Argentina.

The new Volkswagen Taos will enter the US market in the summer of 2021 and will take place near Tiguan. The latter costs about 25 thousand dollars, so Taos is unlikely to be more expensive than 23 thousand.

The exact prices will appear closer to the start of sales of the model, but the set of trim levels has already been announced — buyers will be able to choose between the S, SE and SEL versions.

Obviously, the new Volkswagen Taos in the American version will not reach Russia, but we should be offered a similar SUV. The name and timing of the release of the newcomer have not yet been announced, but it will certainly be localized.

Moreover, the range of power units of the Russian crossover with a high degree of probability will include the 150-horsepower 1.4 TSI engine, which is announced for Taos in Latin America.

Body dimensions and design

The exterior of the new Volkswagen recruited features the Atlas, Tiguan and ID. 4.

The front part is formed by a sculpted hood, large blocks of lighting equipment with double strokes of running lights, a narrow radiator grille with a diode jumper in the middle, a solid bumper with a protective strip.

At the rear, attention is drawn to bright lights with original graphics and a large rectangular tailgate.

The profile has the classic proportions for small SUVs, and the side panels are not overloaded with stampings.

The angular wheel arches of the new Volkswagen Taos have been adapted to fit 17-19-inch alloy wheels.

The body color palette of the model on the US market includes eight shades. Crossover length is 4465 mm, width — 1842 mm, height — 1636 mm. The wheelbase is 2690 mm.

Salon

The interior of Taos is borrowed from Tharu. Replaced only the steering wheel and trim materials. Well, the maximum screen size of the media center has also been reduced from 9.2 to 8.0 inches.

Such a display relies on cars in expensive trim levels, while simple versions are equipped with a more modest screen.

The MIB3 multimedia system has voice control, gadget integration technologies, navigation and a Wi-Fi access point.

The Volkswagen Taos standard equipment list includes the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, air conditioning and push-button engine start.

Further, the equipment is improved due to dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, electric driver’s seat (8 directions of adjustment), front seat ventilation, rain sensor, heated washer nozzles.

The richest performances get 10-tone backlighting and premium BeatsAudio acoustics.

The interior trim is two-tone by default, but the materials differ: the base fabric in the «senior» trim levels is replaced by leatherette and leather.

A set of electronic assistants IQ.Drive stands guard for the safety of the driver and passengers. It includes adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, blind spot monitoring and lane control.

This complex is complemented by auto-switching of headlights, an adaptive lighting system and a parking assistant.

The rear seats of Taos, according to the developers, are almost the most spacious in the class. The backrests here fold in parts, plus there is a hatch for long items.

Trunk volume according to the SAE standard varies from 796 to 1877 liters.

Specifications Volkswagen Taos 2021-2022

In the US, the compact will be available with a 1.5 TSI EA211 Evo series motor. Its design incorporates a number of high-tech fuel-saving features.

The output of the unit is 160 hp. and 249 Nm. On front-wheel drive versions, the engine is combined with an 8-speed Tiptronic «automatic», on all-wheel drive — with a 7-speed «robot» DSG.

A different technique has been prepared for Latin American countries. Here Taos is offered with a «turbo four» 1.4 TSI (150 HP, 250 Nm), 6-speed automatic transmission and only front-wheel drive.