Volkswagen showcased the refreshed Tao model for the first time this week, bringing more features and a modernized engine lineup. The new model features a sleeker front grille design, which gives the vehicle a completely different appearance compared to the previous Tao model. Despite the presence of many plastic parts on the front, Volkswagen aims to make the Tao resemble the ID.4 series. Volkswagen stated that the real reason for abandoning the large grille was to enhance the visibility of the lighting strip that runs across the width of the vehicle.
A spokesperson for Volkswagen said, "Designers needed to find a nice way to integrate the lighting lines, and previously in the Tao, we just incorporated them into the grille." The updated Tao is not the first Volkswagen vehicle to feature a slim grille design. The company introduced the eighth-generation Golf (Mk8) in 2020 with a similar slim grille design, akin to the ID.3 electric models. Since then, other Volkswagen models have followed this trend, including the new Jetta, ID.4, ID.5, Tiguan, and the European-spec Passat.
The spokesperson elaborated, "In the past, Volkswagen was really known for the grille with three chrome lines, but now we are moving away from that because customers want more modern designs. You will see this come with all the new cars that will be launched this year."
These cars include the new Tiguan, which this time will not be an extended version of the European Tiguan, but a version of the Chinese sporty SUV Tyron dressed with Tiguan badges. In a strange development, Europe will sell the same model as the American Tiguan alongside the European version.
The same applies to the upcoming 2026 Atlas, which will be sold in Europe as the Teramont Pro. It is expected to be a carbon copy of the North American Atlas, just like the current Atlas and Teramont are twins. This is not the first time Volkswagen has strayed from traditional front grille designs.
Adrian is an Editor. Psychology graduate with over 4 years in the automotive industry, 3 in front of the camera. Occasionally seen at his family owned tyre shop. He will only buy cars that pass the big bottle test.
