Volkswagen Tharu now in PH

Volkswagen Philippines has unveiled the Tharu — its latest offering in the local sport utility vehicle segment.

Known as the Taos in overseas markets, the newly-launched model will be challenging the likes of the Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Corolla Cross.

Roomier compared to the T-Cross, Volkswagen Tharu is 4,458 millimeters (mm) long, 1,841 mm wide, and 1,632 mm tall and has a 2,680 mm wheelbase.

At the front, the vehicle sports a black radiator grille with chrome bar and a large Volkswagen logo as well as a brushed silver scuff plate.

To its side are the chrome door handles and a bold, sweeping body line. Giving it the crossover vibe are the black borders fitted on the wheel arches, and the doors’ lower portion that complement the 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Volkswagen Tharu’s hind comes with a rear spoiler, the linear combination lamps, fog lights, and brushed aluminum adornments on the bumpers.

Further, the Volkswagen Tharu features leather seats (combination of fabric inserts for the entry-level option) with the driver side getting a 12-way electric adjustment system with heater. Its top-tier variation gets the same amenity, while the entry level on has six-way manual-adjusted kind.

Split-folding rear seats extends the vehicle’s cargo capacity to 1,543 liters.

Moreover, the Volkswagen Tharu has an active info display (eight-inch on the SE and 10.25-inch for the SEL) and touchscreen infotainment system (eight-inch for the base model and 12-inch for top-tier option) with Apple Carplay, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity.

Volkswagen also placed 12-volt sockets or using the Type A and C USB ports at strategic areas around the crossover.

Among the myriad of driver-centric technologies include headlamps with automatic leaving home and coming home function; electric outside rearview mirror with power fold, heating, and reverse tilting functions; auto-dimming rearview mirror; and the tilt-and-telescopic multifunction steering wheel.

Furthermore, the Volkswagen Tharu’s standard safety features are the rear traffic alert, electronic stabilization program, electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, traction control, anti-slip regulation, parking distance control, reverse camera and tire pressure monitoring system. Intelligent parking assist system and area view camera have been added on the crème-de la-crème variant.

The front-wheel-drive Volkswagen Tharu is powered by a 1.5-liter Euro 6-rated turbo gasoline engine paired to a seven speed direct-shift gearbox that can deliver up to 158 horsepower and 250 Newton-meters of torque. It has four drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom).

Providing the stopping are discs brakes on all four wheels.

Retailed in two variants namely the 300 TSI DSG SE and 300 TSI DSG SEL, the Volkswagen Tharu is offered in Pure White, Mangan Grey, Petroleum Blue, and Polytech Blue body color options.

The entry-level option wears a sticker price of P1.808 million while top-spec option, P1.945 million.

Photos from Jirehl Kent Flores, Ruben Manahan IV

Also read:

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