Overview of the Volkswagen Tera
Volkswagen is developing an exciting new small SUV called the Tera, primarily intended for the South American market. However, there’s a good chance it will also make its way to India, where it could be available as a compact, sub-4-meter vehicle. Recent spy shots show the Tera almost entirely undisguised, revealing its design during winter testing in Sweden.
Design and Features
Modern and Sporty Exterior
The Tera will be positioned below the existing models like the Nivus (known as Taigo) and T-Cross (Taigun) in South America. It is built on the MQB A0 platform, the same base used for the Nivus and T-Cross.
Front Design: The Tera features a sleek and contemporary front end. It has stylish headlights and a narrow upper grille that give it a modern look. The prominent lower air intake and sporty bumper enhance its sporty appeal. Notably, the final production version might differ in appearance from the prototype seen during testing.
Side Profile: The side view is dynamic, showcasing a sloping roofline, an upswept beltline, elegant windows, and strong shoulder lines that contribute to its SUV characteristics. Roof rails and black lower body cladding further underline its rugged style. However, the broad C-pillars may restrict visibility, which could make parking slightly challenging.
- Rear Appearance: At the rear, the Tera continues its athletic theme, characterized by a steeply slanted rear windshield and eye-catching faux skid plate. While the tail lights are covered, it is expected that the production model will contain two-part clusters, with one main segment on each side, and a second section that ties both sides together across the tailgate.
Engine and Performance
Volkswagen plans to equip the Tera with a robust 1.0-liter TSI flex-fuel engine, which has varying outputs depending on the fuel used. Here’s what we know:
- Petrol Mode: Produces 109 CV (107 horsepower) with a torque of 20.4 kgf.m.
- Ethanol Mode: Generates 116 CV (114 horsepower) with a torque of 16.8 kgf.m (165 Nm).
Potential buyers will have options between a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission for added convenience and driving comfort.
Future Plans and Indian Market
In India, the Tera is expected to be launched around 2026. It may be equipped with a similar engine to the Skoda Kylaq, offering around 85 kW (114 horsepower) and 178 Nm of torque from the same 1.0-liter TSI petrol engine. The Indian variant will be constructed on the more affordable MQB A0 IN platform rather than the global MQB A0 platform.
Anticipated Features
Compact Size: As a sub-4-meter model, the Tera will cater to India’s compact SUV segment, popular among urban consumers.
- Driving Options: The choice of manual and automatic gearboxes will increase its appeal to a broader range of customers.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Tera has generated considerable excitement as it progresses toward launch. Its stylish design, combined with modern technology and potential flexibility in engine options, makes it a strong contender in the small SUV market. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the Tera performs, especially if it makes its way to India. With its refreshing design and engine efficiency, it could capture the interests of both SUV enthusiasts and everyday drivers looking for practicality and style in one package.
Overall, the Volkswagen Tera promises to be an intriguing addition to the compact SUV lineup, offering a blend of performance, style, and affordability. As we await its official debut, car enthusiasts and potential buyers alike will be keen to learn more about this upcoming model as its launch date approaches.
