Guess what? The Volkswagen Tharu, the brand's new SUV from China, has just landed in the Philippines! Volkswagen Philippines says the first batch of its latest crossover rolled onto the Port of Batangas last week.
Also Read: Volkswagen Philippines releases a teaser for the 2024 Volkswagen Tharu
The Volkswagen Tharu will be officially launched on September 29th at the Karrera Café In Filinvest City, Alabang, with public displays and test drives happening at the same venue that September 30 to October 1 weekend.
The Volkswagen Tharu is positioned as a global product by the brand. But it is assembled in and exported from China for all intents and purposes.
According to our sources, it will be equipped with Volkswagen Bluemotion Technology efficiency features. So you can expect the Tharu to have a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline mill under the hood. With a 7-speed DSG transmission, the Tharu's 160 PS and 250 Nm output should make it a decent performer. Something to note is that the engine will comply with Euro 6 emissions standards.
It will have McPherson front suspension bits and a four-link independent rear layout, so it should offer a smoother ride than most torsion beam-equipped crossovers out there. It will likely be only available in front-wheel drive configuration.
As Volkswagen Philippines mentioned, there will be two variants - the SE and SEL. Both should come with 18-inch wheels as standard, with the SEL likely to get design accents. Both will have LED headlights and taillights as well.
As with most China-sourced crossovers nowadays, a panoramic sunroof and a rear foglamp should come standard for both variants.
Other ways to differentiate the SE from the SEL are:
Spec | VW Tharu SE | VW Tharu SEL |
Drive Mode Selection | None | With |
Grille | Black with chrome | Black with illumination |
Headlight | LED | Matrix LED |
Headlight Adjustment | Dynamic | Adaptive Front Lighting System |
Cornering Light | Integrated with fog lamps | |
Roof Rail Color | Silver | Black |
Rear Spoiler | Body color | Black |
Tailgate | Electric | Handsfree function |
Exterior Ambient Lighting | None | With |
Volkswagen Philippines says the Tharu will come in four colors - Pure White, Mangan Grey, Petroleum Blue, and Polytech Blue.
Well, wouldn't you want to know?
Given its 4,458mm length, the tech infused in the Tharu, Volkswagen's brand equity, the features available, and of course, reliable information from our sources, it wouldn't be surprising if it were priced in the high one million. But just between you and us, would you consider one if it were in the 1.9 to 2 million peso price range?
Volkswagen dealerships in BGC, Greenfield Mandaluyong, Pampanga, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Cagayan de Oro are now accepting reservations. For more details, check out www.volkswagen.com.ph or send a message to the Volkswagen Philippines Facebook chat page.