Volkswagen Tera Gets ADAS Even In Base Trim: Details
Earlier this month, Volkswagen revealed the production form of its newest small SUV- the Tera. The sub-compact SUV is essentially based on the Polo that we know, and could make its India debut sometime in 2026. Upon launch, it will become the brand's most affordable SUV offering. More recently, Volkswagen showcased the Brazilian spec which gave more details of the features and technology to be expected on the production car. Now, we have had confirmation that Volkswagen will equip the Tera with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System).
Volkswagen Tera To Get Level 1 ADAS
From what we know yet, the Tera will be equipped with a level 1 ADAS suite. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) will be standard across variants. There will further be driver fatigue detection.
If the carmaker equips the India-spec with level 1 ADAS, the like of Lane Keep Assist and adaptive cruise control will not be part of the package, and the functions will be more or less limited to those mentioned above and a bunch of warnings. We will have to wait for more details on this. Globally, however, it is definitely reassuring that even the base variant is kitted with AEB. It will, however, be equipped with drum brakes at the rear. The feature can help in controlling crashes in many cases.
The Tera will have a strong focus on safety, when launched. Globally, it will be able to compete with the likes of Fiat Pulse and Renault Kardian with its safety kit. ABS, EBD, hill start assist, ISOFIX mounts, traction control and stability control will also be offered on the SUV, in addition to ADAS.
The High variant will have 'Lane Keeping Assistant' as an optional extra. It is reported to feature Active Lane Change Assistant, Multifunctional Camera, Blond Spot Detection and Parking Assist. It remains to be seen which of these would make it to the India-spec.
Volkswagen Tera: What Do We Know About It Yet?
The Tera will have a good-looking design. The key visual highlights will include a thin grille with a large Volkswagen logo, sleek LED headlamps, LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lamps), reworked front bumper, 10-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels, standard pull-type door handles, roof rails, short roof antenna, and thin side claddings. The rear stands out with its integrated spoiler, LED taillights and a prominent rear bumper.
The cabin will have similar room as the Skoda Kylaq. It will have features like a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, two trapezoidal central air-conditioning vents, automatic climate control system, digital instrument cluster, and smartphone connectivity. The cabin colourway is Black and there will be leatherette upholstery, and not likely fabric seats.
On the powertrain front, the global-spec Tera will boast the 1.0L TSI turbocharged petrol engine, just like the Kylaq. It will be capable of producing 118 bhp of power and 178 Nm of torque. Globally, the Tera will be underpinned by the a low-cost version of the MQB A0 platform ( which is essentially the MQB A0 IN). The sub-compact SUV will have a front-wheel drive (FWD) layout.
Two gearboxes aare likely to be offered- a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic (6AT). Reports also suggest that the Tera could get the more powerful 1.5L TSI EVO engine in some markets. If so, the output could jump to 150 bhp and 250 Nm.
When launched in India, the Tera could have almost the same price as the Skoda kylaq- its prime rival. Here, it will compete with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 3XO, and others.