The Taos is VW’s new small SUV that will slot below the Tiguan.
The new engine is derived from the Jetta’s 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder.
Power is up, as is fuel economy.
Volkswagen’s newest SUV, the Taos, was introduced only two weeks ago. This latest effort from the German giant is proof that they are on an SUV offensive. The Taos will be delivered with a new engine that is derived and updated from the one currently available in the Jetta.
Internally known as the EA211, the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine will see its displacement grow from 1.4 litres to 1.5 litres. The number of upgrades include Volkswagen’s modified version of the Miller cycle, coated cylinder liners, a map-controlled cooling module, a high-pressure injection system as well as Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) technology. Along with its increased compression ratio, the output is of 158 horsepower (a gain of 11) and 184 lb.-ft. of torque (unchanged).
Volkswagen Taos teaser | Photo: Volkswagen
Despite the seemingly timid boost in power, the 1.5-litre is impressively fuel efficient and more responsive, according to Volkswagen. The EA211 will either power the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission or all four wheels through a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.
“While electric vehicles are stealing the headlines these days, we are continuing to make great strides with technology on our internal combustion engines,” said Johan de Nysschen, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen Group of America. “The new 1.5-liter engine in the Taos uses the latest advances in gasoline-engine design to bring outstanding fuel economy to the compact SUV segment. The Taos will provide a further proof point for the ability of the Volkswagen North American Region to deliver the right products for our market requirements.”
The all-new 2022 Volkswagen Taos is expected to arrive next summer.
Volkswagen Taos teaser | Photo: Volkswagen
