Nestled in northern New Mexico’s high desert, the city of Taos will go into the 2022 model year with two vehicles named after it. Volkswagen unveiled its Taos, a sub-Tiguan crossover, earlier in 2021, as well as an Italian heavy-duty truck manufacturer named Bremach intends to make use of the name on the variant from the Russian-built UAZ Patriot.
Bremach isn’t a family group name, even just in Italy. It declared bankruptcy in 2021, but its American division somewhat miraculously survived and it has been collaborating with UAZ since. Both companies are eyeing a share of the lucrative off-roader market in the usa. Rather than aim for the segment’s highest echelons, they’ll disembark here having a pair of rugged, body-on-frame models that have proven their mettle globally.
With 8.26 inches of ground clearance, a 35-degree approach angle, and also the ability to drive through nearly 20 inches water without modifications, the Taos is marketed like a stout, old-school family hauler. It’s reasonably common in rural Russia, where it’s notably utilized by the military, and it’s not a rare sight in lots of Eastern European countries. Time will inform if Siberia-tested means America-approved, however.
Visually, the Taos hasn’t changed significantly since its introduction in 2005, and modifications made for its American launch are largely limited to market-specific emblems. Inside, it appears as though it’s built with much nicer materials than the model sold overseas, and it’s better equipped. It is presented as a premium SUV, in the end.
Power for that Taos comes from a 150-horsepower 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. It spins the four wheels via a General Motors-sourced six-speed automatic transmission along with a two-speed transfer case, though a manual transmission will be added to the list of options (pricing hasn’t been set yet). Bremach highlights most of the SUV’s computer electronics and safety systems are supplied by Germany’s Bosch. Final assembly will take place in a facility located near Los Angeles, however it seems like most of the parts is going to be imported from abroad.
Bremach charges you $26,405 for that 2022 Taos. Gaining a steady foothold within our marketplace is easier said than done, and the firm plans to provide a five-year, 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty as well as a 10-year, 120,000-mile powertrain warranty to provide buyers peace of mind. Franchised dealers will distribute the off-roader over the United States, and deliveries must start at some point in 2021. Motorists who wish to secure an early build slot can reserve the SUV by sending the company a refundable $100 deposit via its official website.
For the money, buyers will get 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery, heated front and back seats, a seven-inch touchscreen for that infotainment system, along with an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot. An electronic rear locking differential provided by Eaton is optional, and owners can change the SUV by adding a wide array of accessories.
Want a truck? Bremach has your back, too. It will to produce pickup named Brio that’s based on the Taos and priced at $27,882. More information (including availability) about the model is going to be released in 2021.
