Meet Volkswagen's most economical SUV yet and a bid to invade the compact SUV space with an exciting and feature-rich product Called the Volkswagen Tera, the upcoming SUV is based on the same MQB A0 architecture as the Skoda Kylaq, which means it will deliver a perfect blend of performance, space and modern design. Camouflaged and undisguised spy shots of the SUV have already surfaced, and they reveal bold styling in line with Volkswagen’s new design language.
The SUV will most likely be offered with a 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine making around 116bhp and available in both manual and automatic forms. Expected to be priced from around Rs 10 lakh, Volkswagen is targeting the budget-conscious customer looking for premium styling and a trusted brand name. The official reveal is nearly here—might this be the most exciting compact SUV of 2025? Let’s find out!
Claimed to be Volkswagen's play for the affordable SUV game, the Tera is a strong competitor, with stylish looks, modern features, and old-school Volkswagen driving dynamics expected to come at a starting price of around Rs 10 lakh. Volkswagen has now announced when the Tera will finally be shown to the world—March 2, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It’s important because the Tera has been fully designed, developed, and manufactured by Volkswagen’s Brazilian engineering and design teams. The company has already offered teaser shots of the SUV while it was spotted at one of Brazil’s most colorful cultural extravaganzas a tease that's heated anticipation for the debut, which seems so close now.
Though Brazil will be the first to get the Tera, the chances of the vehicle coming to India this year are less. Expected to be introduced in mid-2026. This delay can be attributed to the localization process; the automaker is bound to adapt such SUVs for Indian use and price them aggressively. Priced competitively, styled boldly, and backed by VW’s reputation for quality, the Tera is well-positioned to become a formidable player in the compact SUV segment. The Tera is shaping up to be one of the most eagerly awaited Volkswagen debuts in years, and whether it takes the budget SUV world by storm or not, we'll stick around to find out.
The Tera's exterior styling takes cues from VW's larger SUVs and it features a width-across-skin radiator grille featuring a central VW logo and LED headlights. Flanked by sharp, angled side vents, this new front bumper shows off an oversized central air intake, providing a hearty and sporty look.
From the back, the Tera features clear lens LED tail lamps linked through a black plastic motto, along with a hefty rear bumper with a cladding and skid plate, giving the SUV a rugged look. Moreover, Inside the Tera, there's a stylish and practical cabin layout. It has a free-standing infotainment screen, center-mounted air vents, and touch-based HVAC controls that mirror Volkswagen's current design language.
The cheapest Volkswagen SUV is Coming Next Month!, but its price won't compromise with its amazing features. The Volkswagen Tera is loaded with features and is expected to be seriously competitive in the compact SUV market. It features ventilated seats, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a fully digital instrument cluster for the premium in-cabin experience. An electric sunroof increases the sense of space, and ambient lighting enhances the cabin’s atmosphere. For comfort, it sports wireless charging, automatic climate control, and connected car tech. Safety is a priority, with multiple airbags, electronic stability control as well as an ADAS package that includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Using MQB A0 architecture, details like the Skoda Kylaq that we will see in the image above, practicality meets modern times with the Tera.
The Volkswagen Tera is powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which is a tried and tested motor that has been popular for straddling the delicate line between performance and efficiency. This engine now makes 116 bhp and 178 Nm of peak torque, which translates to a seamless yet active driving experience perfect for zipping about town or some highway cruising. Volkswagen is providing two gearshift options for the Tera to serve a variety of drivability, including a 6-speed manual gearbox for enthusiastic drivers and a 6-speed automatic for stop-and-go.
The 1.0L TSI will be the offered engine up to launch, though there is speculation that a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine, as seen in the Volkswagen Taigun, might be launched in the higher trim models. If released, this unit would produce 150 hp and 250 NM of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission for a sportier drive.
The Tera will likely start from around Rs. 10 lakh in India, placing it in the compact SUV segment. Though the price remains unconfirmed, the Tera hopes to provide an affordable entry into Volkswagen's SUV line-up. The pricing structure is aggressive and value-for-money in its home country of Brazil, giving the SUV an edge as a budget-friendly option in the segment.
Get ready to meet the Volkswagen Tera next month; It will be a great push from the brand in the compact SUV segment. Regardless, with its great design, contemporary feature list, and frugal turbo-petrol motor, we expect the Tera to go up against some stiff competition in the segment. Its first launch will happen in Brazil, but we expect Volkswagen to bring it to India by the middle of 2026 which will unlock an exciting new option for Indian buyers in the budget SUV space. Starting from what should be a competitive price in the range of Rs. 10 lakh, the Tera isn't just another entry-level option; it promises to deliver features of a far bigger premium offering, bringing Volkswagen's quality and performance closer than ever to the masses.
A regular foot soldier with German Engineering, great features, a fuel-efficient engine, and an affordable price tag all combined together will make it a perfect fit.
Interestingly, official pricing has yet to be released, but it is predicted that the Tera will enter the Indian market at a starting price of around Rs. 10 lakh, making it the most affordable SUV in the VW line-up.
Powering the Tera will be a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that generates 116 hp and 178 Nm of peak torque. It will be available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Higher variants may offer a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol option delivering 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission.
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