Small pickups are getting more and more popular, even in parts of the world where large BoF vehicles dominate. As one of the world’s biggest carmakers, VW is perfectly aware of this state, so it’s no wonder that they have finally decided to put such a vehicle in production. From what we know so far, the new model should arrive already in the next year, as the 2023 VW Tarok.
The first time VW presented Tarok was four years ago. At the time, it was a concept pickup, which was supposed to arrive in South America soon after. However, the plans were compromised due to the COVID-19 outbreak and it looks like the German manufacturer is finally about to materialize this idea.
Moreover, it looks like the production model will be offered in the wider market. Besides South America, there is a big chance to see it in the U.S. as well. After all, there are already a few small unibody pickups on this market, the likes of Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.
2023 VW Tarok Design
Although the concept was presented four years ago, it looks like not many things are about to change in the production model. From what we know so far, the mechanical aspect of the vehicle won’t change much. We are about to see a unibody pickup that rides on the company’s familiar MQB platform, which underpins a variety of passenger cars, including VW Golf and Atlas. This means the new pickup will feature a transversally-mounted engine and front-wheel-drive-biased drivetrain, with the optional Haldex differential.
In terms of size, we expect similar proportions to the concept. The latest reports suggest the same wheelbase, which would go around 117.1 inches. For comparison, that’s a little bit shorter compared to the aforementioned rivals from Ford and Hyundai.
In terms of styling, we don’t expect significant differences compared to the concept version. The overall aesthetical approach should be pretty much the same, though there’s a chance to see a few modifications since four years have passed since the concept.
Interior
Considering the company’s conservative design approach, the interior shouldn’t be much different compared to the concept. We could on a very similar dashboard design, which comes with VW’s typical approach. This means a conservative design, in a combination with fine materials and good build quality. Furthermore, we count on lots of tech features, including the company’s latest infotainment system, digital instrument cluster etc.
We presume that the double-cab layout will be the only body style on offer. So, you may count on two rows of seats and we expect that both of them will be able to accommodate adult passengers with ease. The cargo bed should be decently sized as well, probably between 4 and 4.5 feet.
2023 VW Tarok Engines
As we’ve just mentioned, Tarok’s primary market will be South America. For that part of the world, we expect some changes compared to the concept version. Namely, the concept featured a 1.4-liter turbo-four with around 147 horsepower. Meanwhile, the company introduced a new 1.5-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 150 horsepower. Despite the similar power, it offers more torque and better fuel economy. It should come with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the automatic gearbox could be offered as well.
On the other hand, the North American model would come with something bigger and more capable. We are thinking of a 2.0-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. That’s the same engine that powers the Tiguan, so we also expect to see the same 8-speed automatic transmission. The U.S. model could easily come standard with all-wheel drive, with the well-known and proven Haldex differential.
2023 VW Tarok Release Date and Price
We believe that the 2023 VW Tarok could arrive already in the first half of the next year. If it arrives in North America, we presume that base versions would cost somewhere between 20.000 and 25.000 dollars.