Volkswagen is apparently bringing another SUV to North America. It’s called the Tarek; it’s slightly smaller than the Tiguan, so meant to challenge the likes of the Subaru Crosstrek, Honda HR-V and Kia Soul; it’s already on sale in China as the Tharu (pictured above); and its new North American presence is probably not supposed to be public knowledge just yet. The news was revealed by Volkswagen of Argentina, who outlined the Tarek’s future during a press announcement covering new investments at a local factory. Whether this was an intentional world-first announcement or not is a little hazy (probably not), but either way Autoblog Argentina was able to get its hands on this image of the distribution map, showing the Tarek’s migration from China where it exists as the Tharu, to Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. Volkswagen has yet to announce any official information about the North American Tarek, including what powertrain it’ll get, but in China, the brand builds the front-wheel drive Tharu on its MQB architecture. It carries a 1.2-, 1.4- or 2.0-litre turbo engine making 116, 150 and 186 horsepower respectively, all of which are tied to a seven-speed DSG transmission. The Tharu measures 175.3 inches long, 72.5 inches wide and 64.3 inches tall, with a 105.5-inch wheelbase. Comparatively, the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan is 185.1 inches long, 72.4 inches wide and 66.3 inches tall, with a 109.8-inch wheelbase. Will the Tarek look and behave like the Tharu, or will Volkswagen somehow distinguish it before its journey West? We promise you’ll know as soon as we
Origin: Volkswagen to introduce compact SUV, Tarek, to North America
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Lexus plots new entry-level compact for 2021
Lexus is developing a new entry-level compact model to replace the ageing CT 200h, according to the firm’s European boss. Plans to release a model that is smaller in size than the new UX SUV were confirmed by Pascal Ruch at the 2019 Geneva motor show, after UK boss Ewan Shepherd first hinted at such a car earlier this year. Despite being introduced back in 2011, the CT 200h is set to remain on sale for another two years. The new model is therefore expected to arrive in 2021 and will almost certainly be based on Toyota’s new TNGA platform, which should offer significantly better interior packaging than today’s car. What’s not clear yet, however, is whether Lexus will retain the CT 200h’s hatchback bodystyle or move to something more crossover-shaped. We know it will be offered with some form of electrification, and it’s possible that such a car could be Lexus’s long-awaited first EV. Ruch also claimed that Lexus is well-placed for the upcoming hybrid revolution, while at the same time revealing that petrol-electric models remain a significant minority of the brand’s global output. Despite Lexus being known in Europe as a hybrid brand, Ruch said that only 182,000 of its record global 2018 sales of 698,000 vehicles were petrol-electric. One reason for that was some restrictions on battery supply; another is that the big US market has a Lexus hybrid share of just 10%. The longer-term plan is for Lexus to move to a 50% hybrid production share globally, Ruch added. Europe is the biggest market for Lexus hybrid models, with petrol-electric cars accounting for more than 75% of the 76,000 sales. In the UK, Lexus sales are nearly 100% hybrid. The plan is for European sales to continue five years of growth and expand to 90,000 units in 2019 – assisted by the new UX compact crossover – and then 100,000 units in 2020. “Europe has a great strategic importance for Lexus because it’s seen as a leading region for technology and design,” Ruch said. “Our hybrid sales are highest in Europe, China and Japan will electrify (internal combustion engines) and the wider US market is really now starting with hybrids.” Ruch told Autocar that the Toyota group was leading the European market in terms of fleet CO2 and was “well on the way” to meeting the upcoming 2020/21 EU CO2 regulations. “We will be focusing on a core strategy of plug-in hybrids, some EVs and, eventually, fuel cell vehicles,” he said. Indeed, new figures from automotive analyst Jato Dynamics show that the Toyota brand posted a fleet average of 99g/km CO2 in 2018, beaten only by Tesla and Smart
Origin: Lexus plots new entry-level compact for 2021
2020 Corsair brings Lincoln’s new mojo to the compact crossover segment
What is it? An all-new SUV that is, in Lincoln’s own words, a “sanctuary with a visually soothing design, hand-selected materials and refinements in sound characteristics.” Why does it matter? Well, Lincoln is a subsidiary of Ford, the company that’s promising to produce nothing but SUVs and trucks. In other words, SUV development is important to Ford’s fiscal health, which means the Corsair better be, as Joy Falotico, Lincoln’s president claims, “artistically crafted, expertly designed and infused with our unwavering attention and commitment to detail.” To that end, the Corsair does excel in the details; the dashboard is double-walled to reduce cabin noise, a 14-speaker Revel audio system to increase it, and six unique orchestral chimes alert the driver to unbuckled seat belts, open fuel door and more. Wi-Fi is also standard. Power for the compact luxury ute comes from a choice of two small turbocharged fours, the first a 230-horsepower variant of Ford’s trusty 2.0-litre with 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet. Those looking for Mustang-like power can upgrade to the 280-hp 2.3L version that also boasts 310 pound-feet of torque. Both are mated to 8-speed autoboxes. There’s no mention of the hybrid version that was rumoured to be also released at the show. Lincoln’s intelligent all-wheel-drive is standard with both engines and seamlessly switches between front- and all-wheel-drive according to road conditions. The drive can be further customized with five of Lincoln’s signature drive modes – Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions and Conserve, the last four just Millennial newspeak for “sport,” “rain,” “off-road” and “Eco.” On the technology front, Corsair incorporates the Lincoln Way phone-as-key app, which means that Corsair owners can lock and unlock, open the liftgate and start the engine with their smartphone. Lincoln Way allows drivers to gain entry to their Corsair and it triggers a personal profile that can automatically adjust up to 80 features to the owner’s preference. Not only will the cabin be warm on cold winter mornings, your favourite music will be playing to perk up your morning commute. When will we get it? This fall. Should you buy it? The Escape on which the Corsair is based is all-new and is getting rave reviews. This latest Lincoln is also continuing the company’s latest run of comely sport utes. It’s entering a truly crowded field and competing against the likes of BMW and Audi. If you like cheering for the underdog, you should give the Corsair a
Origin: 2020 Corsair brings Lincoln’s new mojo to the compact crossover segment
Renault launches KZE compact EV at Shanghai
Renault launches K-ZE compact EV at Shanghai The latest Renault is the sixth EV to join the range Renault has launched the K-ZE pure-electric compact crossover at the Shanghai Auto Show, which will help drive expansion in the important Chinese EV market, but could come to Europe in due course. The K-ZE is smaller than a Zoe, and roughly the same size as a Twingo in crossover form. Technical specifications are not yet confirmed, but the concept version showcased at the Paris Motor Show last year had an NEDC range of 155 miles on a single charge. Judging by the footprint and low-cost targets, a large battery would be out of the question, so a WLTP range of around 120-130 miles would be a reasonable estimate. Charging times have been quoted at 50 minutes for a 0-80% fast charge, or four hours for a slow 0-100% charge. Connected EV systems will be available via an app, and Renault has fitted PM2.5 sensors and an air quality control system to improve the cabin environment. Aimed specifically at the Chinese market, the K-ZE has been designed to ‘high European quality standards’ and it would not be a surprise if the model made it to Europe at some stage.
Origin: Renault launches KZE compact EV at Shanghai
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