Presenting Volkswagen’s latest compact crossover offering, the 2024 Volkswagen Tharu. Positioned above the T-Cross in size, the Tharu offers bigger interior space, slightly higher ground clearance, and a punchier turbocharged engine.
Also known as the Taos in other markets, the Tharu spans 4,458 mm in length, 1,841 mm in width, and stands at a height of 1,632 mm, all anchored to a wheelbase of 2,680 mm. Volkswagen offers the Tharu with a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. This engine generates 158 hp and 250 Nm of torque which propels the Crossover via the front wheels. In contrast to the funky T-Cross, the Tharu is much more serene in terms of color options, offered in four paint schemes: Pure White, Mangan Grey, Petroleum Blue, and Polytech Blue.
The Tharu is available in two variants: the 300 TSI DSG SE and the top-trim 300 DSG TSI SEL. Though both variants share the same powertrain, the Tharu features a different set of tech features, exterior trim, and interior trim for the two variants.
Launch
Volkswagen Philippines launched the Tharu for the Philippine market on September 29, 2023. Given its launch in the third quarter of 2023, Volkswagen's new compact crossover now belongs to the 2024 model year lineup.
At launch, Volkswagen introduced two variants of the Tharu to choose from, the 300 TSI DSG SE and the top-trim 300 DSG TSI SEL. The two variants of the Tharu came with a launch price tag of P1,808,000 for the 300 DSG TSI SE, and P1,945,000 for the range-topping 300 DSG TSI SEL. Volkswagen offers the Tharu in four captivating colors: Pure White, Mangan Grey, Petroleum Blue, and Polytech Blue.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
Propelling the Volkswagen Tharu is a 1.5-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder gasoline engine. Paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission, this powertrain generates 158 hp at 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between the 1,750 and 4,000 rpm range. Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels while stopping power is provided by ventilated front discs and solid discs at the rear.
The Tharu’s suspension setup consists of MacPherson struts up front and a four-link independent suspension at the rear. This makes the Tharu one of the few compact crossovers to offer multi-link independent suspension instead of the conventional torsion-beam rear suspension setup.
At the four corners of the Tharu are 18-inch alloy wheels with different designs depending on the variant. These wheels are wrapped in 225 mm diameter rubber with 50 series sidewalls. Exclusive to the top-trim 300 DSG TSI SEL is the choice of four drive modes: Eco, Sport, Normal, and Custom.
Chassis
Class
Compact crossover
Body Style
5-door SUV
Platform
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform
Volkswagen Group MQB A1
Powertrain
Engine
1.5 liter four cylinder gasoline engine
Power Output
158 horsepower
250 newton-meter torque
Transmission
7-Speed DSG Automatic Transmission
Technology Features
Depending on the chosen variant, the Tharu can be equipped with a different set of tech and comfort features.
The 300 DSG TSI SE for example has an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display, power-adjustable driver seat, Type A and C USB ports, a reverse camera, and an electric tailgate as part of its tech features.
The top-tier 300 DSG TSI SEL on the other hand, features the same tech features as the Tharu SE but with the addition of a much larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, power-adjustable heated front seats, electric tailgate with VW’s Virtual Pedal function, front parking sensors, and a 360-view parking camera. In addition, exclusive to the 300 DSG TSI SEL is an automatic parking function via the PLA 3.0 Intelligent Parking Assist System.
Exterior
The Tharu displays a simple, sleek, and clean exterior design. Characterized by straight-cut body lines and a wide athletic stance, the Tharu is different from most compact crossovers as it features a boxier look.
Starting at the front, the Volkswagen Tharu sports the current design language of Volkswagen’s modern lineup of cars. The headlights are geometric in shape, accentuated by the grille which covers most of the Tharu’s front fascia, the DRLs on the Tharu are a single line of LEDs that are swept upwards at the sides. Interestingly, the chrome bar on the grille seems to connect the DRLs with each other completing the whole look of the Tharu.
Below the grille is a black-colored bumper trim that sits atop the Tharu’s lower intake. The Tharu’s bumper trim gives the car an aggressive look that can even induce the pareidolia effect when looking at it straight on.
At the sides, the Tharu features tasteful, two-tone wheels, muscular wheel arches, and roof rails. When you opt for the top-trim Tharu, you’ll get red accents on the wheels, black over-fenders, and the Black package, which gives the Tharu black bumpers, a black spoiler, side mirrors, black roof rails, and a black roof.
At the back, the Tharu features wrap-around LED taillights and simple badges for the trim and nameplate down below. Further continuing the clean and simple aesthetic found in the front.
Interior
Inside, the Tharu features a modern interior complemented by high-end finishes. The interior features plush leather upholstery, soft and hard touch plastics, and contrasting trim colors providing an airy and comfortable vibe inside.
Adding to the ambiance, Volkswagen has thoughtfully included a panoramic sunroof, allowing natural light to flood the cabin when opened. Like the T-Cross, the Tharu features Volkswagen's flat-bottom steering wheel, a pleasure to hold, especially when enveloped in supple leather. Combined with the sumptuous leather seats, the cabin exudes a premium sense of comfort and refinement, a primary trait in Volkswagen’s vehicles.
Safety
The Tharu features a comprehensive suite of safety features to keep you and your passengers safe on the road, both for the prevention of accidents and for the mitigation of injury during an accident.
Standard safety features of the Tharu consist of a set of six airbags, three-point seatbelts with a force limiter and pre-tensioner, whiplash-optimized head restraints, and ISOFIX tethers. Other safety features include side assist, rear traffic alert, an electronic stabilization program, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, traction control, anti-slip regulation, an engine immobilizer, a tire pressure monitor, rear parking distance control, and a reverse camera.
The top 300 TSI DSG SEL is equipped with additional safety features which include an additional front sensor for the parking distance control feature, a 360-degree camera, and automatic parking assist via the PLA 3.0 Intelligent Parking Assist System.
Top Agents
Connect with the top Volkswagen sales agents in the Philippines. These agents have good reply speeds, process transactions quickly and have good customer reviews
Volkswagen's newest and biggest crossover at the time of filming is the Tharu, and it's prime time to review this compact crossover and tell you whether or not it's worth the money. We weigh in on the value proposition that this crossover brings, and we can tell you that it is a hoot to drive with its turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine and DSG transmission. Join us on this Behind the Wheel episode where we will tell you if this SEL trim is worth it priced at P1,945,000 Philippine Pesos.
On this episode of Walkaround, we've got a close-up first look at the 2024 Volkswagen Tharu. The 'volks' in VW Philippines thought this would be a good car to bring in. Equipped with a 1.5-l...
