Unveiled a day after the Atlas Cross Sport, the Tanoak previews Volkswagen’s likely entrant into the lucrative US market pick-up segment, and, aside from the Honda Ridgeline, one of the few pick-ups to ride on a unibody platform, in this case, the same MQB setup underpinning the Atlas.
Taking its name from a type of tree found on the US Pacific Coast, the Tanoak measures 5 438 mm in overall length, 401 mm longer than the Atlas, with a wheelbase of 3 258 mm, a height of 1 844 mm and width of 2 029 mm.
Classified as a mid-sized pick-up and therefore rivalling the likes of the Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger and ageing Nissan Frontier (Navara) in the States, the Tanoak, according to Volkswagen, boasts a ground clearance of 248 mm and cargo bed that measures 1.6 m meters long and 1.4 m wide.
Despite its Atlas underpinnings, only parts of the SUV’s design has been incorporated in the Tanoak, namely the LED daytime running lights and (slightly reshaped) front bumper. Redesigned from the B-pillar though, the Tanoak features a raised bonnet, underbody protection, a centrally mounted winch, plastic wheel arch extensions and rear door handles integrated into the C-pillar.
Riding on high gloss 20-inch alloy wheels, the rear end adopts a similar appearance to that of the concept Mercedes-Benz X-class, in the form of a wraparound red LED stripe encircling the centrally mounted Volkswagen logo.
Able to seat five, the interior is less dramatic and mirrors that of the Atlas, although the touchscreen infotainment system and Active Info Display are lifted from the Cross Sport. Unique though is the ambient lighting integrated into the instrument cluster and roofline that turns yellow or blue at night depending on whether Off-road or City modes have been chosen.
Unchanged from the Atlas is the 3.6-litre VR6 petrol engine that produces 206kW/360Nm of torque, connected to an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox with drive going to all four wheels via a 4Motion all-wheel wheel system. Although claimed to dispatch the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint in 8.5 seconds, no top speed figure was revealed.
At present, the Tanoak merely serves as a study to gauge public reaction, but if it does get the green light for production approval, expect it to be built alongside the Atlas, Passat and Atlas Cross Sport at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga Plant in Tennessee.
Like the Cross Sport, the Tanoak has been classified as an American market focused model, meaning it will only be sold in North America and unlikely to make it to South Africa as it will clash with the Amarok.
