Less than a month since the last Volkswagen Beetle rolled out of its production line at the brand’s assembly plant in Puebla, Mexico, it has already unveiled the design of the model’s replacement in the U.S market.
Of course, it’s a crossover, albeit a compact type.
Volkswagen of Mexico CEO Steffen Reiche recently confirmed that the company will release a small crossover, which it is temporarily referring to as the Tarek. The new model will be developed at the same Mexican plant in Puebla in 2020 and will be released for the 2021 model year.
When it arrives in dealerships in the U.S., the crossover described as a “beefed-up version” of Volkswagen China’s Tharu, will be positioned just below the Tiguan.
“We’ll adapt the Chinese model for this market,” Reiche said. “Our version will be the stronger one, the rougher one compare to the Chinese one.”
The China-exclusive Tharu has a wheelbase that measures 105.5 inches long, is 72.5 inches wide, and is 64.3 inches tall. But it is still yet to be confirmed if the American version of the crossover will indeed get a bigger frame and more aggressive styling as Reiche claims.
The compact crossover is currently being offered with three engine options in China – a 1.2-liter that makes 116 horsepower, a 1.4-liter turbo that makes 150 horsepower, and a 2.0-liter turbo with 186 horsepower – each paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. However, the powertrain for the upcoming U.S. version still hasn’t been identified. And although the Tharu is only available with front-wheel drive in China, it is likely getting an all-wheel drive option for the American market.
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