The Tenet T4 crossover received an extended version in Russia: what has changed with the T4L

The Russian brand Tenet presented an extended T4L crossover with an extended wheelbase, a more spacious interior and a trunk of up to 1,500 liters; assembly will be carried out in Kaluga.

Extended Tenet T4L: why is it needed

The Russian brand Tenet presented a new modification of the already familiar T4 crossover - the T4L version with an extended body and an extended wheelbase. The main emphasis is on practicality: the space in the cabin has become noticeably larger, the trunk has become more spacious, and the list of equipment has been expanded.

The dimensions of the Tenet T4L are 4506x1828x1701 mm with a wheelbase of 2650 mm. Compared to the standard T4, the length has increased by 186 mm and the distance between the axles by 40 mm, which directly adds space for rear passengers and cargo. Dates for the start of sales have not yet been announced, but the model is already being prepared for launch on the market as a more family-friendly option in the line.

More spacious interior and trunk

Increasing the dimensions allowed us to seriously improve the practical part. The Tenet T4L's trunk volume has increased by 135 liters and is now 475 liters with the second row backrest up and up to 1,500 liters with the seats folded down. This is already the level of many crossovers of a higher class and a noticeable argument for those who often travel or transport large items.

In terms of design, the T4L generally repeats the regular T4, but visually (with the exception of the front part) it is close to the crossovers of the Chery Tiggo 7 family, with which it also coincides in size. Thus, the model remains compact on the outside, but offers more generous interior space by segment standards.

Engine, gearbox and fuel consumption

Technically, Tenet T4L has retained the proven powertrain from the standard version. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbo engine with a power of 147 hp. and with a torque of 210 Nm. It is paired with a six-speed preselective robotic gearbox with two “wet” clutches, designed to transmit up to 260 Nm.

According to official data, the minimum fuel consumption on the highway for the T4L is 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers, which is comparable to the performance of compact front-wheel drive crossovers with a similar engine. The all-wheel drive format has not yet been announced: the T4L is positioned as a rational city and family car with an emphasis on efficiency and comfort, rather than off-road.

Equipment and electronic systems

The equipment list of the extended version meets expectations in the class and partially exceeds the standard T4. The basic set includes:
- four airbags - front and side for the front seats;
- 18‑inch wheels;
- media system with two 10.25-inch displays, six speakers and all-round cameras;
- independent suspension front and rear.

Dual-zone climate control is controlled via a separate 8‑inch touch panel. Additionally, heating is announced (including seats and, according to the manufacturer, a number of external zones) and a telematics system that allows you to remotely control a number of vehicle functions through a mobile application - from starting the engine to monitoring certain parameters.

Production in Kaluga and local motors

The assembly of Tenet T4L will be carried out at the AGR group plant in Kaluga, on the basis of a former Volkswagen plant, and a full cycle with anti-corrosion treatment of the body is announced. Locally produced turbo engines will also be used here: at the end of April, AGR launched production of a line of engines with power from 147 to 249 hp. for cars of Tenet and Jeland brands.

The Kaluga Engine Plant has already mastered the production of gasoline units with a volume of 1.5 liters (147 hp), 1.6 liters (150 and 197 hp) and 2.0 liters (197–249 hp), and the enterprise’s capacity is initially designed for 150 thousand engines per year with the prospect of doubling the volume. For Tenet T4L, this means stable supplies of power units and a higher level of localization, which is important both in terms of price and participation in Russian auto industry support programs.