Volkswagen has taken the wraps off its new Tarok concept at the São Paulo International Motor Show, with the show vehicle previewing a fresh-faced baby double-cab bakkie set to be positioned just below the Amarok.
The all-wheel-drive pick-up rides on the VW Group’s MQB platform, measures around five metres long (for context, the Amarok is 5 254 mm in length) and has a maximum load of “around one tonne”. That makes it quite a bit larger than, for example, Renault’s Duster Oroch (4 693 mm long).
VW says “it is certain” that a production version of the Tarok concept will soon be offered in Brazil “with barely any changes”. The brand furthermore adds the bakkie also “has the potential to boost Volkswagen’s model range in other global markets”.
The Wolfsburg-based brand says the unibody concept features a “large variable loading area”, which can be extended thanks to a folding rear panel. The floor space can be lengthened by opening the tailgate or using a mechanism that allows the bottom of the passenger cab rear panel to be folded down (you essentially temporarily sacrifice the rear seats).
Inside, you’ll find a colour-coded crossbar in Cypress Metallic that stretches across the entire facia and surrounds a glass-covered infotainment system, digital air-conditioning controls and digital cockpit.
The Tarok concept is powered by a 1,4-litre four-cylinder TSI engine churning out 110 kW and mated to all four corners (4Motion permanent all-wheel drive is offered) via a six-speed automatic transmission. Production models, though, will start out with a 2,0-litre turbodiesel unit also worth 110 kW.
“With its striking targa-inspired roof bar, charismatic front end, three-dimensional LED lighting strip in the rear, and powerful yet stylish side panels, the Tarok concept’s expressive design makes it the first pick-up to combine the stylistic elements of an urban SUV with an authentic off-road design,” said Klaus Bischoff, head designer at Volkswagen. “The Tarok’s DNA adds an exhilarating dynamic to the segment.”
The Tarok concept follows the Atlas Tanoak concept, a unibody pick-up revealed at the New York International Auto Show in March 2018.
