Volkswagen Readying Tarek SUV to Challenge Jeep Compass
German automaker, Volkswagen is aiming to increase its global SUV line-up by introducing a range of new models. We reported earlier that Volkswagen is working on a sub-4 meter SUV, which will be positioned below the T-Cross in global line-up. The company is already selling the T-ROC SUV in international markets; however, the brand is readying a 5-seater premium SUV to challenge the Jeep Compass.
Called the Volkswagen Tarek, the new SUV is slightly bigger than the T-Cross and will measure similar to the Skoda Karoq. Czech automaker will launch the Karoq SUV in India in 2020. The Tarek will be based on the versatile MQB platform that also underpins the VW Tiguan, the Skoda Karoq, Skoda Kodiaq and the VW T-ROC.
The Volkswagen Tarek is basically the slightly revised Tharu SUV, which is currently on sale in the Chinese market. In terms of dimensions, the China-spec Tarek is 4,453mm in length, 1,841mm in width, 1,632mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,680mm. The new model is slightly shorter than the 5-seater Tiguan, but it has 3mm longer wheelbase.
The VW Tarek could also arrive in our market, though nothing official has been revealed. The company plans to launch the 7-seater Tiguan AllSpace in our market and the Tarek could take place the 5-seater Tiguan. It will challenge the likes of the Hyundai Tucson and the Skoda Karoq.
The VW Tarek will first go on sale in the Brazilian market, where it will be powered by a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine producing 148PS and 250Nm. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic. The company could also launch the all-wheel-drive variant on a later stage.
