Volkswagen’s most affordable and compact SUV, the Tera, turned heads at the Rio de Janeiro Samba School Parade. This smallest SUV from Volkswagen measures just 4 meters long and aims to disrupt the entry-level market.
The baby Tiguan houses a powerful 1.0-liter TSI three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 116.38 HP and 178 Nm of torque. The Tera has modern features like all-LED lighting, a 10-inch digital driver’s display and touch-enabled climate control.
The new SUV will slot below the Nivus and T-Cross in Volkswagen’s lineup. Brazilian customers can expect to see it on their roads by May 2025, while Indian buyers might get their hands on it in early 2026. The price point could be slightly higher than Skoda Kylaq’s range of Rs 7.89 lakh to Rs 14.40 lakh.
First Look at the Baby Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tera’s design draws heavily from its larger sibling, the Tiguan. A slim honeycomb grille with a prominent VW badge dominates the front fascia, while sleek LED headlights blend naturally with distinctive daytime running lights in the upper section.
Dark elements on the aggressive front bumper create a striking contrast against the bodywork and include two purposeful air dams. The Tera’s sporty character shines through its sculpted fenders and dynamic beltline, which the 10-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels help boost. An athletic silhouette emerges from the sloping roofline and black-finished roof rails that catch everyone’s eye.
Volkswagen’s designers chose a clean, minimalist approach for the rear. LED taillights connect through a black horizontal panel, and the lower bumper features silver applications that add a premium feel. The Tera keeps a budget-friendly yet sophisticated rear design instead of following the current trend of continuous LED light strips found in pricier models.
The cabin combines practicality with modern technology. A freestanding 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system stands at the dashboard’s center. The interior stays user-focused with physical buttons on the steering wheel and climate control panel – a smart choice that puts user-friendly operation ahead of endless touchscreen menus.
The Tera’s interior quality surpasses what you’d expect at this price point. An all-black theme runs throughout the cabin that goes together with brushed silver elements and high-gloss black accents. Higher-spec trims feature leatherette upholstery that elevates the overall atmosphere.
The Tera spans approximately four meters in length and uses the Polo platform’s 2,566mm wheelbase. These dimensions, paired with smart packaging, create an SUV that maintains a proper presence despite its compact size.
Performance and Efficiency
The Volkswagen Tera packs a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that balances performance and efficiency perfectly. This compact engine puts out 114 bhp with a strong torque of 178 Nm, giving you quick acceleration whenever you need it.
You get two transmission choices that match different driving priorities. The options include a smooth 6-speed manual gearbox and a convenient 7-speed DCT automatic transmission. Each has its advantages – the manual gives you more control while the automatic makes city driving a breeze.
The Tera uses an economical version of the MQB A0 platform with front-wheel-drive only. This design keeps production costs down and helps save fuel. The car’s lighter weight without all-wheel-drive improves its performance too.
MacPherson struts in front and a multilink setup at the rear create a balanced ride quality. The car handles well on both city streets and highways. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver through urban traffic.
Safety comes standard with six to eight airbags based on the trim level. The SUV includes active safety systems like ABS with EBD, traction control, and ESP. Parents will appreciate the standard ISOFIX child seat mounting points.
The engine’s bi-fuel capability adds flexibility since it runs on both gasoline and ethanol. This feature lets owners choose the most cost-effective fuel option depending on local prices.
The three-cylinder engine runs smoothly at any speed. Power delivery feels natural and works great for daily driving. The mix of moderate power and light construction makes this car responsive and agile around town.
Tech Features Worth Noting
The Volkswagen Tera’s cabin combines modern technology with practical usability. A free-standing 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system naturally connects to the 10-inch digital instrument cluster. The multi-layered dashboard shares design elements with its Czech cousin, the Skoda Kylaq.
VW Play Connect system powers both the infotainment and instrumentation displays to provide complete connectivity options. Volkswagen made a smart choice by keeping physical buttons on the steering wheel and climate control panel, even as touchscreens dominate vehicle interfaces. This balanced approach blends modern technology with easy-to-use controls.
Ambient lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere in the cabin. A wireless charging pad makes smartphone charging simple without cables. The automatic climate control system features touch-sensitive controls similar to the Arteon’s design.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite leads the safety features. The package has essential features like cruise control and electronic stability control. Multiple airbags offer complete protection for occupants, showing Volkswagen’s steadfast dedication to passenger safety.
The infotainment system connects with smartphones naturally. Drivers can access their favorite apps and music through the vehicle’s interface. A push-button start/stop function makes daily driving more convenient. The mechanical handbrake lever provides direct control, unlike an electronic parking brake.
Automatic transmission models use the same gear shifter design found in the Skoda Kylaq. Steering wheel controls give quick access to key functions while keeping hands on the wheel. The touch-enabled climate panel maintains a modern look with easy temperature adjustments.
Digital displays blend with physical controls and advanced safety features. This thoughtful mix of technology creates a space that works well for tech-savvy users and traditional control enthusiasts. The Tera’s cabin proves comfortable and practical for everyday driving.
Conclusion
The Tera stands out from its competitors with a smart combination of digital displays and physical controls, unlike others that rely completely on touchscreens. The price remains reasonable without sacrificing key features, even though some buyers might want more power or all-wheel drive capability.
Volkswagen has successfully created an entry-level SUV that maintains premium quality. The Tera’s solid construction, balanced performance, and complete safety features make it a compelling choice in the compact SUV segment. Brazilian customers will see the Tera first in May 2025, while India’s launch is scheduled for early 2026.