Volkswagen has launched the Tera, a subcompact SUV for the Brazilian market. The model would potentially be the Volkswagen-branded sibling of the Skoda Kylaq in India. Based on a design language related to the new Tiguan, the Tera features a new and dynamic look.
Exterior and Design Features
Volkswagen has designed the Tera with an imposing yet streamlined design. The SUV sports a thin grille with a huge VW badge in the middle. Sweptback headlamps with LED daytime running lights add to the bold front face of the car. The bumper has an oversized intake, sharp-angle side vents, and under-edge cladding for a hunky stance.
From the side, the Tera boasts dramatic wheel arches and body cladding that runs along the door sills. The roofline slants inward, tapering towards the rear, with a raked C-pillar, roof-mounted spoiler, and sculpted haunches adding to the car’s aerodynamic look without sacrificing an aggressive SUV stance.
At the back, the Tera has LED taillamps with a transparent lens design. Black plastic trim bridges the taillamps, creating depth to the tailgate. The bumper incorporates aggressive cladding and a skid plate, further accentuating the vehicle’s off-road-capable nature.
Interior Layout and Features
The Tera’s cabin takes its cue from the Indian-spec Skoda Kylaq. The interior has been designed by Volkswagen with a layered dashboard that accommodates a free-standing touchscreen infotainment unit. The range-topping version gets a digital instrument cluster, giving the driving experience a touch of modernity.
The central vents for air-conditioning are located under the infotainment module, and side vents take the shape of vertically oriented rectangles in the same fashion as the Kylaq. Touch-sensitive controls for climate tuning have also been provided by Volkswagen, following the trend of incorporating more technology-friendly elements in its latest models.
Powertrain and Performance Expectations
Volkswagen has engineered the Tera on the MQB A0 platform to provide a solid base for performance and handling. The SUV will have a 1.0-liter TSI turbo-petrol engine with an automatic transmission option. Volkswagen also intends to launch a flex-fuel model for markets that prefer fuel alternatives based on ethanol.
The Tera will be fitted with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The presence of a camera module at the top of the windshield suggests features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking.
Market Positioning and Size Comparison
Volkswagen has not revealed the actual size of the Tera. But according to reports, it will slot between the VW Polo and the T-Cross/Nivus SUVs in Brazil. Measuring approximately four meters in length, the Tera might be in the compact SUV segment.
Will Volkswagen Launch the Tera in India?
The German carmaker Volkswagen earlier refuted plans to foray into India’s subcompact SUV space. Nonetheless, the design and specification of the Tera fit the increasing popularity of compact, feature-packed SUVs in the nation. The model may turn out to be a strategic push, which could be Volkswagen’s entrant in the strongly competitive sub-four-meter SUV space.
With the growing demand for small SUVs in India, the Volkswagen Tera may become a tough competitor to current models. If introduced, it could pose a threat to Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, and Maruti Suzuki Brezza.
Conclusion: A Promising Entry-Level SUV
The Volkswagen Tera introduces a thrilling mix of contemporary design, technology, and performance. Its similarity to the Skoda Kylaq makes it a likely candidate for an India launch. Although Volkswagen has not made any official announcements, the Tera’s launch indicates the brand’s changing strategy in emerging markets. If launched in India, it may be a game-changer in the compact SUV segment.
