Technically, it's the VW Tharu that's seen in these spy shots, but in North America, it's called the Taos

The Volkswagen Tharu was launched in China in late 2018 to capitalize on the ever-increasing demand for SUVs. Built by Shanghai Volkswagen, and by FAW-Volkswagen as the Tayron, it is also available as an EV called the eTharu in its home market. The vehicle seen here is a facelifted Tharu which should go on sale in China by early 2023.

Here in North America, it’s called the Volkswagen Taos and it arrived barely over a year ago for the 2022 model year, but has so far proven to be a popular choice with small SUV buyers. If anything, it will handily outsell the compact Volkswagen Golf which it is meant to replace. Its styling, pleasing drive, and relative spaciousness make it a great choice when shopping for a first SUV.

You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.

Undeniably, the Tharu and Taos are identical twins, though it’s unlikely we will see an updated Taos so soon after its release. However, it’s still a peek at what’s to come. There’s a good chance the Taos.5, possibly for the 2024 model year, will inherit the same new front and rear bumpers, slightly updated front grille, as well as revised headlights and taillights.

The Tharu seen in the pictures is a 280 TSI meaning it is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine driving the front wheels, built by Shanghai Volkswagen. Our Taos gets its mojo from a boosted 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine that sends power to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic or to VW’s 4MOTION AWD system through a seven-speed automatic DSG transmission; the Taos that North America receives is built in Mexico.

As for the Chinese eTharu, we don’t expect to see an e-Taos ever. Although both the Tharu and Taos are assembled on VW’s current MQB platform, the eTharu uses the now-deceased e-Golf’s electric motor. Furthermore, VW’s current EV efforts are concentrated on the MEB platform.

Sign up to receive Driving.ca's Blind-Spot Monitor newsletter on Wednesdays and Saturdays

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Driving.ca's Blind-Spot Monitor will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

Known as the Rogue Sport to Americans, it's being dropped there after the 2022 models run out

It's not the 326 hp we'd expected, but the hot hatch’s turbo 2.0L four-cylinder does make 310 lb-ft of torque

The recall covers 2015-2017 model year Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles

Nissan's already out of the picture, and it looks like Ford and Mercedes-Benz will soon do the same

Good looks, delightful driving, and nothing but sky over your head

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.

365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4

© 2022 Driving, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited.

This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Edit your picks to remove vehicles if you want to add different ones.

You can only add up to 5 vehicles to your picks.