Volkswagen Targets SUV Market With Three Additions to Lineup
SUVs are one of the most popular types of cars. And automakers are doing their best to meet this growing demand. In fact, SUVs are such a large market that General Motors may revive the Hummer as an electric SUV. Volkswagen also recognizes the demand for SUVs. Their recent Tiguan SUV has seen a lot of success in the U.S.
Indeed, in 2018, sales for VW’s passenger cars declined by 28%. However, in the U.S., the sales of the German automaker’s SUVs exploded by 112%. America’s best-selling VW model was the Tiguan, which sold over 100,000 cars. This prompted VW to invest more in the United States’ SUV market. Soon, they’ll debut three new SUV models to meet this demand.
Tharu
The first SUV model that VW will bring to the states is the Tharu, which is currently available in China. According to Car and Driver, this vehicle will come with a name change to make it more appealing to the American market. Smaller than the Tiguan, the Tharu still has all the standard SUV features.
We won’t know the exact prices and specs for the American version until they’re revealed. But, the Tharu does come with some nice options, according to CarsLana. Namely, Tharu drivers will get to choose between a 1.2-liter 116-hp turbocharged engine or a 1.4-liter 150-hp turbocharged engine. Car and Driver also speculates that Tharu may include the Tiguan’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, but this remains to be seen.
Atlas Cross Sport
The second new Volkswagen SUV coming to the U.S. is the Atlas Cross Sport. Although the original concept of the Atlas Cross Sport included a hybrid engine, the production model won’t have one, reports CNET. Instead, the Atlas Cross Sport will include a 2.0-liter 235-hp turbocharged engine, with the option for a more powerful 3.6-liter 276-hp engine.
Although slightly smaller than VW’s Atlas SUV overall, the Cross Sport will be similar in many ways. This means the Cross Sport will only seat five passengers, rather than the Atlas’s seven people. Regardless, each person still has plenty of legroom. In regards to cargo, the Atlas Cross Sport will have less than the Atlas does.
I.D. Crozz
The third new Volkswagen SUV coming to the states is the I.D. Crozz, VW’s electric SUV. VW plans to start production on the Crozz soon, with availability for American drivers by 2020. This electric SUV can generate over 300 hp with its two electric motors. VW claims it can travel over 300 miles on a full charge.
The I.D. Crozz’s other advanced features include a fast-charging capability and an autonomous driving prototype system. However, VW clarified that its autonomous driving prototype is just that. Drivers shouldn’t expect to use it until 2025 at the earliest. With all these high-tech gadgets and features, the I.D. Crozz will compete with Tesla’s electric SUV, the Model X.
