Volkswagen Taos/Tharu
Overview
ManufacturerVolkswagen
Also calledVolkswagen Tharu (China)
Production2018–present (China)
October 2020[1] – present (Americas)
Assembly
DesignerKlaus Bischoff and Johannes Brandsch (Tharu)[8]
Body and chassis
ClassCompact crossover SUV (C)
Body style5-door SUV
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
PlatformVolkswagen Group MQB A1
RelatedSEAT Ateca
Škoda Karoq
Jetta VS5
Powertrain
Engine
  • Petrol:
  • 1.2 L TSI 115 I4
  • 1.4 L TSI 150 I4
  • 1.5 L TSI 160 I4
  • 1.6 L MPI 110 I4
  • 2.0 L TSI 190 I4
Transmission5-speed manual
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
8-speed automatic
7-speed DSG
Battery44.1 kWh (e-Tharu)
Electric range315–415 km (195.7–257.9 mi) (e-Tharu, NEDC)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,690 mm (105.9 in)
2,680 mm (105.5 in) (China)
2,638 mm (103.9 in) (Russia)
Length4,465 mm (175.8 in)
4,453 mm (175.3 in) (China)
4,417 mm (173.9 in) (Russia)
Width1,841 mm (72.5 in)
Height1,602–1,635 mm (63.1–64.4 in)

The Volkswagen Taos is a compact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen. It was first released in October 2018 as the Volkswagen Tharu in China, while the Taos was released in October 2020 as a restyled version of the Tharu for the North American, South American, and Russian markets. In the brand's lineup, the vehicle is positioned below the Tiguan, and in South America and China above the T-Cross.[9]

The Taos is named after Taos, New Mexico.[10][11] The Tharu name is derived after the eponymous Tharu people, an ethnic group indigenous to Nepal and Northern India.[12]

Overview

The Taos/Tharu is based on the Volkswagen Group MQB A1, with its platform closely related and several sheet metals shared with the SEAT Ateca, Škoda Karoq and the Jetta VS5.[9] Known as the 'Project Tarek' during development, the Taos/Tharu is considered the first Chinese-developed VW product that is sold outside China. Volkswagen's brand sales chief Jürgen Stackmann said the project "turned from a regional project into a global project." Global annual sales for the vehicle were projected at 400,000 units.[13]

Markets

North America

The Taos debuted for the North American market on 13 October 2020 for the 2022 model year. It is the fifth addition to the Volkswagen SUV family in the last four years.[14] The Mexican-built Taos slots directly below the Tiguan, which is solely available in a long-wheelbase guise in the North American market, while acting as an indirect replacement for the discontinued Golf.[15]

The Taos for the US and Canadian market is powered by a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine known as the TSI Evo, borrowed from VW's European models. The engine packs 158 hp (160 PS; 118 kW) and 184 lb⋅ft (249 N⋅m; 25 kg⋅m) at 1,750 rpm. Front-wheel-drive models feature an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the 4Motion all-wheel drive is coupled with a 7-speed DSG transmission.

Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit system is standard on all trims, replacing the physical instrument cluster dials with a reconfigurable 12.3-inch display. The Taos can function as a Wi-Fi hotspot and is available with a wireless charge pad. All but the base model feature an 8.0-inch touchscreen and the latest MIB3 infotainment software. Volkswagen sells the Taos in S, SE, and SEL trims.

The Taos for the Mexican market is powered by a 1.4-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine from the Volkswagen EA211 TSI engine family, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 1.4 TSI engine produces 150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW) and 25.5 kg⋅m (250 N⋅m; 184 lb⋅ft) of torque.[16] In Mexico, the Taos is available in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims. All trims are only available in FWD drivetrain configuration.[17]

South America

Introduced on 13 October 2020, the vehicle is also sold as the Taos with an identical styling to the North American Taos. For this market, the vehicle is produced in General Pacheco plant in Argentina.[18][19] It occupies a segment between the T-Cross and Tiguan. It is the first C-segment SUV made in Argentina.[20] Instead of the TSI Evo engine, the Argentinian-built Taos is powered by a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder TSI gasoline engine producing 150 hp (152 PS; 112 kW) and 25.5 kg⋅m (250 N⋅m; 184 lb⋅ft) which is sourced from the São Carlos engine plant in Brazil and supports flex fuel. The engine is coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission.[21]

As of 2022, the Argentine version contains 20% locally-made parts.[22] 70% of its production is exported.[23]

Russia

The Russian-market Taos was announced on 4 March 2021. It is assembled in Nizhny Novgorod by GAZ alongside the similar Škoda Karoq. As the result, the Taos for the Russian market uses an identical rear quarter panel and chassis from the Karoq, making it shorter in length and wheelbase compared to the Americas-market Taos and the Chinese-market Tharu, and requiring a different tailgate panel, rear taillights and rear bumper to be installed.

Engine options available are 1.6-litre MPI producing 110 hp (112 PS; 82 kW) and 1.4-litre TSI producing 150 hp (152 PS; 112 kW). The base engine comes with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, while the TSI is mated to either an 8-speed automatic for the FWD version or a 7-speed DSG transmission with 4Motion AWD. The range will include Respect, Status and Exclusive trim levels.[24][25]

Powertrain

Volkswagen Taos
Petrol engines
Model Displacement Power Torque Transmission Markets
1.4 TSI 150 1,395 cc I4 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) 6-speed automatic Latin America
8-speed automatic or 7-speed DSG Russia
1.5 TSI 160 1,498 cc I4 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) 8-speed automatic or 7-speed DSG United States and Canada
1.6 MPI 110 1,598 cc I4 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) 155 N⋅m (114 lb⋅ft) 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic Russia

China (Tharu)

The Tharu was presented as a near production model called the 'Powerful Family SUV' in March 2018.[26] Built by SAIC Volkswagen, the vehicle became available in China in late October 2018.[27][28] The vehicle is assembled in three locations, including in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the city of Ürümqi.

It is offered with several powertrain options, including one electric version called the e-Tharu. The base model of the Tharu has a torsion axis, the higher versions have a multi link suspension.[29]

Volkswagen cooperated with the headphone manufacturer Beats Electronics to incorporate the Beats audio system in the vehicle.[27]

The Chinese-built Tharu was launched in the Philippine market on September 29, 2023. It is available in both the SE and SEL trim levels.[30][31]

Powertrain

Volkswagen Tharu
Petrol engines
Model Series Displacement Power Torque Transmission
1.2 TSI 1,197 cc I4 118 PS (87 kW; 116 hp) 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG
1.4 TSI '280 TSI' EA211 1,395 cc I4 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG
2.0 TSI '330 TSI' 4Motion EA888 1,984 cc I4 190 PS (140 kW; 187 hp) 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) 7-speed DSG

e-Tharu

The electric version of the Tharu was released in November 2020. It is equipped with an electric motor that produces 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) and 290 N⋅m (214 lb⋅ft) of torque. The vehicle is powered by a 44.1-kWh battery pack rated at 315 km (196 mi) of range (NEDC). Driven at a constant speed of 60 km/h (37 mph), the e-Tharu is claimed to be able to travel 415 km (258 mi) between charges.[32][33]

Safety

The Taos has ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear ones.[34][35]

Latin NCAP

The Latin American Taos with 6 airbags, airbag switch, UN127 pedestrian safety standard, ESC, ISA, full SBR, and optional collision avoidance system received 5 stars from Latin NCAP in 2021 under its new protocol (similar to Euro NCAP 2014).[36]

IIHS

The 2022 Taos was tested by the IIHS:[37]

IIHS scores
Small overlap front (Driver)Good
Small overlap front (Passenger)Acceptable
Moderate overlap frontGood
SideGood
Roof strengthGood
Head restraints and seatsAcceptable
Headlights
GoodMarginal
 varies by trim/option
Front crash prevention (Vehicle-to-Vehicle)Superioroptional
Front crash prevention (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian, day)Basicoptional
Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of useGood

Sales

Year China[38] U.S.[39] Mexico Brazil Argentina
2018 24,873
2019 138,235
2020 146,926
2021 125,717 31,682 9,567[40] 7,732[41] 2,583[42]
2022 59,103[43] 7,031[44] 11,225[45] 8,449[46]

References

  1. ↑ "Volkswagen de México begins exports of Taos to the U.S. market" (Press release). Veracruz, Mexico. 2021-04-16. Retrieved 2021-04-18. The production of the Taos began in October 2020 for the Mexican market.
  2. ↑ "Volkswagen will build the Taos in Puebla". mexiconow.com. Retrieved 2020-09-28.
  3. ↑ "Primeras fotos oficiales de la VW Taos que se fabricará en Argentina: sólo faltan los emblemas". ARGENTINA AUTOBLOG (in Spanish). 2020-09-29. Retrieved 2020-10-14.
  4. ↑ "Кроссовер Volkswagen Taos для России: первая информация" [Crossover Volkswagen Taos for Russia: the first information]. autoreview.ru (in Russian). 2021-03-04. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  5. ↑ "Yizheng - VW". www.volkswagenag.com. Retrieved 2020-09-27.
  6. ↑ "Ningbo - VW". www.volkswagenag.com. Retrieved 2020-09-27.
  7. ↑ "Urumqi - VW". www.volkswagenag.com. Retrieved 2020-09-27.
  8. ↑ US D841519, Bischoff, Klaus & Brandsch, Johannes, "Motor vehicle", published 2019-02-26, assigned to Volkswagen AG
  9. 1 2 Gerardo García (20 May 2019). "El Volkswagen Tarek se acerca: esto sabemos del hermano menor de Tiguan para México". motorpasion.com.mx (in Spanish). Motorpasión México. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
  10. ↑ Connor Hoffmann (17 September 2020). "VW Taos is named for upcoming crossover below Tiguan". Car And Driver. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
  11. ↑ Volkswagen's new compact SUV will wear 'Taos' name, CNET, 17 September 2020
  12. ↑ "Volkswagen Tharu to get Beats sound system". www.formacar.com. 2018-05-17. Retrieved 2021-12-15.
  13. ↑ "Volkswagen's new compact crossover won't be sold in Europe". Autoblog. Retrieved 2021-12-15.
  14. ↑ "The Volkswagen Taos, a big idea in small SUVs". VW of America Newsroom. Retrieved 2020-10-14.
  15. ↑ "2022 Volkswagen Taos Revealed: New Compact SUV Takes The Golf's Place". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2020-10-14.
  16. ↑ García, Gerardo (2020-10-13). "El Volkswagen Taos ya tiene fecha para México: estos podrían ser sus precios y rivales más difíciles". Motorpasión México (in Spanish). Retrieved 2020-10-28.
  17. ↑ "Primer vistazo a precios y versiones de Nuevo Taos". volkswagen-mexico.prezly.com (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved 2020-11-06.
  18. ↑ "Volkswagen Taos: así es el SUV fabricado en Argentina". Parabrisas (in Spanish). 2020-09-29. Retrieved 2020-10-14.
  19. ↑ Autocosmos (2020-09-29). "Volkswagen Taos: Los secretos de su producción en Argentina". Autocosmos (in Spanish). Retrieved 2020-10-14.
  20. ↑ "Lanzamiento: Volkswagen Taos". Motor1.com.
  21. ↑ "Novo Volkswagen Taos 2022: revelado o rival de Jeep Compass e Toyota Corolla Cross". Motor1.com (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2020-10-14.
  22. ↑ "Pablo Di Si, CEO de Volkswagen: "Tenemos que exportar más e importar menos"". www.ambito.com.
  23. ↑ "Pablo Di Si: "Tenemos VW Amarok en Pacheco por diez años más"". Motor1.com.
  24. ↑ "VW Taos 2022 estreia na Rússia com motor 1.6 do Polo; será que dá conta?". Motor1.com (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  25. ↑ Шенгелия, Давид. "Российский Volkswagen Taos поступит в продажу летом — ДРАЙВ" [Russian Volkswagen Taos will go on sale in the summer]. www.drive.ru (in Russian). Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  26. ↑ "Volkswagen Launches Two New SUVs In China And One Is Called The "Powerful Family SUV", No Kidding". CarNewsChina.com. 2018-03-26. Retrieved 2020-09-27.
  27. 1 2 "VW bringt den Tharu". China-auto.news. 16 May 2018. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  28. ↑ "Volkswagen". 1k.com.ua (in Russian). 31 October 2018. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  29. ↑ Roland Hildebrandt (28 May 2018). "VW bringt den Tharu". de.motor1.com. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  30. ↑ "Official: The Volkswagen Tharu will be launched in PH on September 29". Top Gear Philippines. Summit Media. 11 September 2023. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  31. ↑ Lee, Earl (29 September 2023). "Volkswagen Philippines launches the 2024 Tharu compact crossover—Prices start at P1,808,000". AutoDeal. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  32. ↑ "2022 Volkswagen Taos Goes Electric In China With e-Tharu". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2020-11-08.
  33. ↑ "Volkswagen e-Tharu is a super cool electric crossover". Techzle. 2020-11-04. Retrieved 2020-11-08.
  34. ↑ "Especial Taos | Así es el nuevo SUV argentino con lo último en diseño y estilo de Volkswagen a nivel mundial". Todo Noticias. September 20, 2021.
  35. ↑ Ordóñez, Nicolás Ramírez (August 13, 2021). "Volkswagen Taos, a prueba: si busca un SUV familiar, esta es la opción (+VIDEO)".
  36. ↑ "Resultados oficiales de la valoración de seguridad del Volkswagen Taos + 6 Airbags 2021". LATIN NCAP - PARA AUTOS MAS SEGUROS.
  37. ↑ "2022 Volkswagen Taos 4-door SUV". IIHS-HLDI crash testing and highway safety.
  38. ↑ "Volkswagen Tharu China auto sales figures". carsalesbase.com. 2019-01-03. Retrieved 2020-12-07.
  39. ↑ "Volkswagen Taos US car sales figures". carsalesbase.com. 2021-07-07. Retrieved 2022-01-11.
  40. ↑ García, Gerardo (2022-01-08). "Los 379 autos más vendidos de México en 2021: la lista completa del ranking de ventas". Motorpasión México (in Spanish). Retrieved 2022-01-11.
  41. ↑ "Carros mais vendidos do Brasil em 2021". AUTOO (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2022-01-11.
  42. ↑ "Así fueron las ventas totales en 2021". Motor1.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-01-23.
  43. ↑ "Volkswagen of America (VWoA) reports total year 2022 sales". Volkswagen of America. 2023-01-05. Retrieved 2023-07-22.
  44. ↑ García, Gerardo (2022-01-08). "Los 371 autos más vendidos de México en 2022: el ranking completo con todos los modelos". Motorpasión México (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-01-14.
  45. ↑ "Carros mais vendidos do Brasil em 2022". AUTOO. 2022-02-03. Retrieved 2023-01-23.
  46. ↑ "Así fueron las ventas en diciembre (y totales) 2022". Motor1.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-01-23.
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