The last time we’ve heard from Volkswagen Philippines was when they brought in the T-Cross to compete in the subcompact crossover segment. It’s been two years since and now, they unveiled something for those with a more delicate taste.
The Volkswagen Tharu arrives in the Philippines with a starting price of PHP 1,808,000 for the SE trim. It’s a compact crossover that’s set to take attention away from other premium offerings in the segment like the Peugeot 3008, Honda HR-V RS, and Mazda CX-30.
In terms of design, the Volkswagen Tharu builds on where the T-Cross stopped. Their styling have a lot of similarities, but the Tharu takes them further. For example, the simple line that runs across the grille of the T-Cross from its logo is now a DRL in the Tharu. The headlights have the same shape but the Tharu Matrix LED appointment, giving it a two layer look.
At the side are similar simple character lines from the headlight to the taillight, with the Tharu getting a thicker cladding. It also differentiates itself by having flat silver accents on the skirts. There are also 18-inch alloy wheels for both trims but the upper one has red accents on its spokes.
The rear of the Tharu isn’t as T-Cross as the front. It instantly stands out with its lightbar taillight assembly, the lit Volkswagen logo at the center of the tailgate, and the flat silver diffuser on the bumper. The contours are also bigger here, giving the Tharu a more muscular rear end. Both variants of the Tharu will get a panoramic sunroof and powered tailgate, though the upper SEL trim has a ‘Virtual Pedal 2.0 Easy Open and Close’ feature.
Inside is an interior with a mix and match color motif depending on the trim level and exterior color. The entry level SE has Deep Blue/Light Grey with Copper Accent for all colors. The upper SEL has Deep Blue/Light Grey with Red Accent for Pure White and Mangan Grey colors, while the Polytech Blue has a Deep Blue/Pine Green with Silver accent interior theme.
Upholstery is pure leather for the upper trim while the lower one has fabric inserts. A 12-way powered seat is standard for the driver, with the SEL trim getting it also for the front passenger and making both heated. The SE has an 8-inch screen for its gauge cluster and touchscreen while the SEL has a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and 12-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, no Android Auto.
Other amenities include Type-C ports in both rows, wireless charger, touch-controls on the steering wheel, Cruise Control with Speed Limiter, and Dual Zone Climate Control with Rear Air Vents.
Safety is covered by 6 Airbags, Rear Traffic Alert, Electronic Stabilization Program, Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold, Traction Control System, Rear Sensors, and Tire Pressure Monitor. The SEL trim gets additional front sensors, Intelligent Parking Assist System, and 360-camera system.
Powering the Volkswagen Tharu is a 1.5L turbocharged engine that makes 160PS and 250 Nm of torque, paired to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. It remains to be seen if this powermill is as efficient as they claim to be.
The Volkswagen Tharu is available in only two variants that starts at PHP 1,808,000 and tops at PHP 1,945,000. Visit your nearest Volkswagen dealership to see the Tharu in the metal.