A few months back, we spoke about the Volkswagen Taos small crossover right here in these pages, but that probably got lost in all the hubbub surrounding the reveal of the ID.4 electric CUV (see that story here), which happened around the same time.
Well, once again both vehicles are in the news: the ID.4 for winning World Car of the Year, and the Taos because VW has now released info on both the Canadian trims and pricing of their upcoming gas-powered (I guess we have to make that distinction now) crossover.
As is VW’s way these days, it will be available in three trims in Canada: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline.
They all have the same 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder good for 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque fed through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to either the front wheels or all four, as the model will be available – even in Canada – with front- or all-wheel-drive. Size-wise, meanwhile, the Taos slots just below the Tiguan in the VW line-up.
All Taos models get LED headlights and taillights, push-button start, heated front seats and 17-inch wheels as standard on base Trendline models, which starts at $26,695. Inside, the Trendline also gets a digital gauge display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, engine start/stop system and rear-view camera. If you want AWD, the Trendline will cost you $29,195.
Upgrading to the $32,395 Comfortline adds AWD as standard as well as autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, satellite radio and dual-zone climate control. The only option is a $1,500 package that adds 18” wheels and panoramic sunroof.
Finally, the top-spec $36,695 Highline model adds standard 18”, adaptive swiveling LED headlights, ventilated front seats, leather seats, eight-speaker premium audio, sunroof and 10-colour ambient lighting. $1,000 adds a comprehensive suite of driver aids including road sign recognition, lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control. 19” wheels are also an additional $500 charge. It’s also on Highline models that you get an illuminated LED light bar within the grille, a detail borrowed from the Atlas Cross Sport.
That’s all well and good, but it is surprising that you have to add an option package to get lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise, even on the top trim; those are features that you tend to see slightly further down the range from other manufacturers in this segment.
Either way; the Taos looks the part, is well-sized and offers enough power and does come with great gear if you’re willing to foot the bill. We know VW knows how to churn out some proper crossovers and SUVs; we’re looking forward to laying eyes on this one.
Watch this space for full drive-impressions soon.