Taos & Nivus: Volkswagen takes off in South America

In South America, Volkswagen is launching the Taos, the first SUV of the brand produced in Argentina. At the same time, the in Latin America developed Nivus will come to Europe within this year. So it’s high time to take a closer look at both vehicles.

The Volkswagen Nivus in red, the Volkswagen Taos in the light Mojave color

Since 2017, the largest product offensive in the history of the Volkswagen brand has been underway in South America. The launch of the two models, the Taos and Nivus, are the highlights so far. Just in time for its 40^th anniversary in Argentina, the company is opening a new chapter with the Volkswagen Taos: The first sports utility vehicle of the brand produced in Argentina recently celebrated its world premiere. This is Volkswagen’s response to the fast-growing SUV segment in the region, and at the same time strengthens the global SUV offensive.

Unlike the namesake model for North America, which is built in Puebla, Mexico, Volkswagen produces the Taos for South America at its plant in General Pacheco near Buenos Aires. The company invested US$650 million (€535 million) to modernize the plant, including a sustainable paint line. It will enable energy savings of 75 percent, and water consumption can be reduced by as much as 85 percent. In addition, hardly any pollutants are released into the air.

The development of the Volkswagen Taos, which will be launched in Latin America from the second quarter of 2021, focused on three aspects: high-quality technology, and innovative design and top safety. Volkswagen has thus relied on a successful formula that was already applied to the Volkswagen Nivus. The Nivus is also a first: Following successful market launches in Brazil and Argentina, the A0 CUV will be the first Volkswagen developed in Latin America to be launched in Europe in 2021. However, it will be modified for the European market and produced in Europe.

Volkswagen Nivus – Das Design

Powerful and elegant: The Volkswagen Nivus defines a new market segment

The design of the Nivus combines SUV elements and sports coupe lines. One of the design highlights is the fast and flowing slope of the C-pillar. This results in the special coupe profile of the Nivus. “Its proportions define an athletic and modern character,” emphasizes José Carlos Pavone, head of Volkswagen’s design department for Latin America.

Pavone drew the first sketches of the new model about four years ago. The front end of the Nivus bears the typical Volkswagen design. “The headlights are joined by a very dominant grille and the distinctive lines of the hood, which define the car’s rugged character.”

Part of the SUV offensive: The Nivus comes with LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED fog lights

Good figure: The spoiler on the roof of the Nivus provides a stretching effect

Volkswagen Nivus – The interior

Built on the Modular Transverse Toolkit, the Nivus offers an interior that is comfortable even for five occupants. The trunk can be opened using one of the virtual buttons from VW Play, the brand-new infotainment system. Speaking of the trunk: With a capacity of 415 liters, the Nivus offers plenty of space.

Volkswagen Nivus – Digital Control Center

The multimedia unit, developed in Brazil, has an intuitive user interface. With an extremely high-resolution 10-inch screen, touch-sensitive, scratch-resistant and virtual buttons, it not only offers modern connectivity, but also enables a range of other services and streaming. The 10-inch screen and the digital 10,25-inch Active Info Display on the driver’s side act as a large digital island in the dashboard of the Nivus. Practical yet safe: The digital cockpit can be operated via the steering wheel.

Intuitive usable: Information and entertainment in the Volkswagen Nivus

Volkswagen Nivus – Special engine

A special feature on the Brazilian market are the flexible-fuel engines, which run with gasoline, ethanol or the mixture of both fuels in any proportion. The Nivus is equipped with a flex-fuel 1,0L three-cylinder 200 TSI that offers 128 PS (94 kW) of power. The badge “200” is a reference to the high torque, 200 Nm, when running on ethanol. In conjunction with the six-speed automatic transmission, this ensures relatively low fuel consumption.

Volkswagen Taos – The design

Uncompromising: The Volkswagen Taos looks powerful and dynamic

The design of the Volkswagen Taos can be described in one word: uncompromising. The square wheel arches stand out on the sides, conveying a sense of strength. The silhouette is typical of an SUV, while at the same time the precise lines give it an elegant appearance.

The front of the Volkswagen Taos is raised, the lines angular

Volkswagen Taos – Interior view

Its large interior makes the Taos an ideal vehicle for the family. As in the Nivus, there are two large screens in the cockpit for the VW Play multimedia platform. The system offers a wide range of information, entertainment and connectivity. Together with the 10-color ambient lighting, occupants can look forward to an interior atmosphere that is unique. The ‘soft touch’ materials and leather inserts on dashboard and door panels complement the premise of sophistication. A storage compartment for inductive smartphone charging is also on board.