Volkswagen is working on a new small SUV model for the U.S. market, and we now know—thanks to a report from Autoblog Argentina—that it will be closely related to the vehicle you see here.

Called the Tarek in South America and the Tharu in China, this crossover is slightly smaller than the Tiguan and will receive a different name for the U.S. market.

We expect a slightly tweaked version of the Tharu/Tarek to to arrive in U.S. dealerships in 2021.

Volkswagen's SUV offensive in the U.S. will continue with a third model smaller than the Tiguan. Autoblog Argentina has reported that Volkswagen will begin building a version of the vehicle, known as the Tarek in South America and the Tharu in China, in Mexico for the North American market starting in 2021.

We previously reported that an additional VW small crossover was coming to the U.S. market and that it wouldn't be related to the T-Roc or T-Cross models sold elsewhere, which were deemed too small for our shores. Measuring 175.3 inches, the Tarek/Tharu is around 10 inches shorter than the Tiguan, making it a similar size as the Subaru Crosstrek and Jeep Compass that straddle the subcompact- and compact-crossover segments. Its rectilinear styling is similar to the Tiguan's, and its interior looks similar, too, although the smaller model probably won't have a third-row option like the one the Tiguan offers in the U.S.

Volkswagen

Based on Volkswagen's MQB architecture, the new VW SUV is likely to come standard with front-wheel drive with 4Motion all-wheel drive as an option. The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four found in the Tiguan seems like a prime candidate for its engine, but it's possible that VW will slot in a smaller turbo-four to prioritize fuel economy over performance.

With production scheduled to start in 2021, we'll have to wait a while for more U.S. details on this new model, including its new name. Whatever it's called, this latest VW crossover will likely go on sale as either a 2021 or a 2022 model.

Volkswagen

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