Volkswagen Tera: New small car SUV for South America

After days of guesswork and anticipation, Volkswagen finally announced the official name of its new entry-level SUV for Brazil and South America on Monday. The model, named Tera (in reference to the tradition of using the letter "T"), will be launched in 2025 and aims to expand the brand's share in the competitive small SUV segment, positioning it below the Nivus and T-Cross.

In this way, the new Volkswagen will act as a direct competitor overseas to the Fiat Pulse and the Renault Kardian, both of which are very successful in Brazil. Visually, the Tera is based on a new design language from Volkswagen Brasil and is inspired by the recent market launches in Europe and North America. A baby Tiguan, so to speak.

Volkswagen Tera - Teaser

Photo of the: Volkswagen

Previews and teasers have already shown that the front end will have a bumper with darkened elements to contrast with the bodywork and headlights with LED lighting (including daytime running lights in the upper section). At the rear, a black horizontal panel will connect the rear lights, and directly below it, the bumper will have silver applications. A continuous LED light strip at the rear will be omitted for cost reasons.

Preview - VW SUV A0 (Motor1.com BR)

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Source: Motor1.com

The Tera will be produced at the Taubaté plant (SP) and shares the familiar MQB A0 platform with the Polo, T-Cross, Nivus (known here as the Taigo) and Virtus models. In terms of dimensions, all indications are that it will be around four metres long - smaller than the T-Cross and Nivus - and will adopt the Polo's 2,566 mm wheelbase. By way of comparison, the Pulse and Kardian rivals measure 2,532 mm and 2,604 mm respectively.

Under the bonnet, the 1.0-litre TSI engine, which is widely used in VW models in Brazil, will be the main engine. Rumour has it that the engine will be used in the 116 PS configuration (the same as in the Polo) to differentiate it from its Nivus and T-Cross cousins, which use the more powerful 128 PS version. Transmission will be manual on entry-level versions and a 6-speed automatic on higher trims.

More models from South America:

VW Golf GTI 4.5 (2007): This facelift was only available in Brazil

The VW Polo becomes a crossover... in Brazil

Volkswagen Nivus (2025): Facelift for the Brazilian Taigo

This Brazilian hybrid SUV will use Renault's 1.0 engine

Prices will only be announced at the time of the official market launch, but you can already get a feel for the figures. The Fiat Pulse, for example, costs between 107,990 and 138,990 R$ in Brazil, while the Renault Kardian costs between 106,990 and 138,990 R$. Converted, that's between £14,000 and around £18,500.