mmarshall

Well, VW is the latest automaker to jump on the small subcompact crossover bandwagon.

I'm going to send a copy of this to a couple I am close friends with in Sweden. She likes the VW Tiguan, and is seriously considering it, but I think she may find this an even better ideal size for everyday needs, assume that she and her husband can actually fit in it...they are both 6-footers.

https://www.caranddriver.com/volkswagen/taos



VOLKSWAGEN

2021 Volkswagen Taos

What We Know So Far
STARTING AT
$22,000 EST.

Overview

Volkswagen has an answer for shoppers clamoring for affordable crossovers and SUVs, and it's a new subcompact entry called the Taos. Measuring smaller than the compact VW Tiguan, the Taos will compete against diminutive rivals such as the upcoming Chevy Trailblazer and Hyundai Venue. That should lead to a fuel-conscious four-cylinder engine and available all-wheel drive. It should also offer all the latest driver-assistance tech and infotainment features that consumers crave. There's still a lot left to know about the 2021 Taos, but the new small SUV will be unveiled this fall.

What's New for 2021?

We know that VW is bringing a new small SUV to America and that it will be called Taos. It will eventually reach U.S. dealerships in 2021. It'll likely have dimensions similar to its corporate counterpart, the luxury-subcompact Audi Q3, and share mechanical equipment with the size-up Tiguan.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2021 Taos will duke it out with other subcompact crossovers that start in the low $20,000 range. While we expect the cheapest model to begin at about $22,000, that price is purely speculative since VW hasn't released any official information. As with most other models in the company's portfolio, the lineup will probably follow the S, SE, SEL, and R-Line naming structure.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

While we don't know for sure what will be under the Taos's hood, we can almost guarantee it'll be a turbocharged four-cylinder. A version of the 184-hp 2.0-liter that powers the larger Tiguan could potentially be the answer. The 147-hp 1.4-liter found on the VW Jetta is another possibility. However, the latter would have to be retrofitted to offer all-wheel drive, which could be optional along with the standard front-wheel drive. An eight-speed automatic will most likely be the sole transmission choice.

MORE ON THE VOLKSWAGEN TAREK



This Is Volkswagen's New Small SUV for America

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Since we don't even know what engine will power the upcoming Taos, the EPA obviously hasn't released any fuel-economy ratings. Once those estimates are reported—and we have a chance to test one—we'll evaluate its real-world mpg on our 200-mile highway test route.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Based on photos of the overseas version—called the Tharu—the interior of the American version should be familiar compared with other VW models sold here. That includes an understated design and quality materials that imitate but can't replicate what's found in its apparent upmarket equivalent, the Q3. Since both two-row subcompacts share the same platform, it seems likely that the VW version will have similar passenger space and cargo volume to the Audi. The Taos should also have no shortage of standard and optional interior features such as ambient lighting, a fully digital gauge cluster, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a heated steering wheel, and more.

VOLKSWAGEN

Infotainment and Connectivity

We expect every Taos to have a slick-looking touchscreen infotainment system that closely aligns with the Car-Net interface currently found on other VW models. That likely means Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot are standard. An upgraded audio system and wireless phone charging should be on the roster of optional features.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 Taos hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). While we're not sure what equipment will be standard and what will be optional, we expect VW's subcompact crossover to offer a wide range of driver-assistance technology.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Volkswagen currently provides an above-average limited warranty and below-average powertrain coverage. However, the company does include complimentary scheduled maintenance that aligns with Toyota.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 2 years or 20,000 miles

Toys4RJill

Consumers want these types of vehicles over sedans

mmarshall

They want both.

Toys4RJill

You bought a crossover.

mmarshall

So? First, one cannot drive two vehicles at once. Second, that doesn't mean that people don't buy sedans any more....in fact, VW itself still sells a number of them in the Jetta, Passat, and Arteon lines.

And, BTW, this is not my first crossover. If you remember, I had an Outback for almost six years....although I'll admit that the Outback, mechanically, was closer to the Subaru Legacy sedan than the Encore GX is to any Buick sedan.

Back on topic, I like the shape and looks of the Taos...it has that typical VW squared-off SUV styling that does a lot for interior space-efficiency and outward visibility.

Toys4RJill

I have always liked VW styling.

mmarshall

The official revaling will be on October 13. Here's the official Press Release, contained in this link:

https://www.motor1.com/news/444488/v...sover-name/New compact SUV to be called Volkswagen Taos
Sep 17, 2020


Taos SUV designed specifically for the North American Region, and the name was chosen to resonate with American customers

Slots under Tiguan in the Volkswagen lineup

Second proof point of Volkswagen’s doubling-up strategy for SUVs

Official reveal on 10.13.20

Herndon, VA — Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced the name for its new compact SUV today—the Volkswagen Taos. The Taos model was designed specifically for the North American Region and, as such, the name was chosen to resonate with American customers.

“We’re thrilled to announce the name for the newest member of the Volkswagen family,” said Hein Schafer, Senior Vice President for Product Marketing and Strategy, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “It was important to choose a name that really embodied the nature of the car and the town of Taos, New Mexico was a perfect fit. It’s a small city that offers big things—from outdoor adventure to arts and design and great cuisine.”

“We are excited that Volkswagen has named their sport utility vehicle after the town of Taos,” said Taos Mayor Dan Barrone. “It’s a great opportunity for our community to share its rich history and culture alongside Volkswagen with its unique and rich history and culture.”

The town of Taos is home to 6,000 people, and boasts a 400-year history and a 1,000-year-old Native American community just a few miles from the center of town. It’s notable for its artist community, world-class ski resort, and stunning landscapes, including vast plains, the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and the spectacular Rio Grande Gorge.

Incidentally, Taos was also home to John Muir, an engineer turned mechanic, and author of “How To Keep Your Volkswagen Alive: A Manual of Step-by-Step procedures for the Compleat Idiot.” First published in 1969, and illustrated by local artist Peter Aschwanden, this counter-culture guide to Volkswagen repairs quickly developed a popular following. The book, started in Muir’s Taos shop, has helped keep countless VW models running, from Beetles and Buses to Type 3 and Type 4 models.

The Volkswagen Taos will slot under the Tiguan, and is the second proof point of Volkswagen’s doubling-up SUV strategy following the launch of Atlas Cross Sport earlier this year. The vehicle will offer great value, excellent fuel economy, and great packaging, as well as advanced infotainment and driver-assistance features. The official reveal will take place next month, on October 13.



About Volkswagen
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America and a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, with headquarters in Herndon, Virginia. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Arteon, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Golf, Golf GTI, Jetta, Jetta GLI, Passat, and Tiguan vehicles through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.



“VW”, “Volkswagen”, all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

mmarshall

I haven't posted any videos yet on the Taos because the few that are currently available are either a waste of time watching (nothing but music and hype), don't show much of anything of the vehicle itself, or show the slightly different Skoda version that will only be sold in Europe. (Skoda is owned by VW). One thing that is known, though, is that the Taos will be built in the old Puebla, Mexico plant that produced VW Beetles for decades...it is going to be re-tooled for the Taos.

I suspect, as we get closer to intro-day (and after) credible videos will then be available. In the meantime, if anyone runs across a credible video, share it with us.

Toys4RJill

I thought manufacturing was gonna reshore to the USA or Canada.

VW is a huge auto producer in Mexico.

mmarshall

https://mexico-now.com/volkswagen-wi...aos-in-puebla/

With the Taos, I'm not going to make the usual rants and arguments I often make about automakers not building in the U.S., with the UAW. That's because, while there is a VW of America division (actually HQ'ed just a few miles from my house, in Herndon, VA), technically, it is a German company, and, IMO, has no legal or moral responsibility to hire U.S. or Canadian workers. With Ford and GM, of course, it's a different story.

Toys4RJill

​​​​​​​

$15 a day is what the VW makers make. Astonishing!!!!

NAFTA destroyed US auto-manufacturing.... Toyota is making some of their Tacoma’s there which is unfortunate and GM and Toyota build close to the border to take an advantage of Mexican built parts....

There was a time when things were so much better...

mmarshall

In general, though, that $15 (equivalent) will go a lot further in Mexico than it would in most places in the U.S. or Canada. Mexico has a much cheaper cost of living....if you don't have to end up bribing everyone LOL.

Well, no argument there. It certainly didn't help.

pbm317

Livestream of the official reveal is tonight at 6PM Eastern.

Toys4RJill

That is just not acceptable by VW

bagwell

I like it!!!! ...but 158hp is too weak IMO.