VW is bringing the Tarok pickup concept at the New
York Auto Show to “gauge market reaction”, testing the waters for compact pickup truck. In some ways, a production
version of the VW Tarok could prove to be a modern-day Subaru Brat for the US
market, although the German car maker admits that there are currently no plans
of launching it here just yet.
The VW Tarok concept made its world debut at the Sao
Paolo International Motor Show, previewing a unibody pickup truck based on the
company’s widely used MQB platform. The concept measures 4,914 mm long, yet it can carry loads up to 1,859 mm long, thanks to its
innovative bed design that enables it to extend into the cab.
The compact Tarok is one of the largest MQB-based VW
models, alongside the Atlas, featuring a 2,989 mm long wheelbase
and pretty short overhangs. The bed offers a truly versatile floor space, which
can be enlarged by not only opening the tailgate but also folding down the
bottom of the cab’s rear panel. Payload is 1,030 kg.
Power comes from VW’s 1.4-liter TSI engine,
producing 147 hp and paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and
permanent 4Motion all-wheel drive. The latter can be adjusted via the 4Motion
Active Control, a rotary knob used to activate four higher-level models
(“Onroad”, “Snow”, “Offroad and “Custom Offroad”) and different pop-up menus.
The interior is pure VW, featuring a digital
instrument cluster and a glass-covered 9.2-inch infotainment system, as well as
a removable speaker in the center console that can be individually connected to
a smartphone via Bluetooth.
Does USA need a compact unibody pickup truck like
the VW Tarok? You’ll be the judge of that.
Whatever the outcome, Brazil is set to get a production version of the
Tarok pretty soon.
