The Volkswagen Tharu is is launched at the Volkswagen Cebu dealership in Cebu on October 24, 2023. CDN Digital photo | Brian J. Ochoa
CEBU, Philippines—Volkswagen Cebu introduced its small premium crossover dubbed the Tharu on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at its dealership in Cebu City.
The Volkswagen Tharu, a compact crossover, will be available in two variants, the 300 TSI DSG SE and the 300 TSI DSG SEL. In other markets, the Tharu is called the Volkswagen Taos.
The Tharu was officially launched by Volkswagen Philippines last September 29 in Alabang.
“It’s a vehicle that’s gonna bring you [from point A to point b] a little bit different. It’s going to bring you there with a little bit more stability refinement. that’s why I encourage [everyone] to have a feel of the vehicle,” said Joshua Benjamin Altarejos, chief operating officer of Volkswagen Philippines.
Altarejos also hinted that the Tharu is a glimpse of the future models of the brand.
“The Tharu is our bridge towards our next models. And it would be representative of the look of the feel of what we would plan to introduce in the next couple of months,” he added.
Size wise, the Tharu surpasses its cousin, the Volkswagen T-Cross subcompact crossover. The Tharu measures 4,458 millimeters (mm) in length, 1,841 mm in width, and 1,632 mm in height.
In terms of design, it is clear that the Tharu is a Volkswagen.
The boxy crossover sports clean and crisp straight lines throughout its monocoque body.
Its exterior is highlighted by LED headlights. The top-spec 300 TSI DSG SEL, though, offers Matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn signal functionality. These headlights are seamlessly integrated into the front grille by a light bar, which also serves as a daytime running light.
A glimpse of the front end corner of the Volkswagen Tharu. CDN Digital photo | Brian J. Ochoa
At the rear, the taillights are integrated with the tailgate garnish, featuring a red light bar. An illuminating Volkswagen badge enhances the rear end.
Under the hood, the Tharu packs a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder engine. The Turbo Stratified Injection TSI engine is found in both the SE and SEL variants.
The engine produces 158 horsepower and 250 newton meter of torque. It is transferred to the wheels using a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
/bmjo
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