Global crossover Volkswagen Tharu completely declassified

About the Tharu model

Innovatively new in the development of Volkswagen Taru was the introduction of two engines out of three with turbocharging, as well as the MQB platform, specially created at the Volkswagen plant. The model was based on the Skoda Karoq.

Volkswagen has ambitious hopes for the Tharu, aiming for its annual production in series of 400,000 models.

The crossover received its name in honor of the Nepalese aboriginal tribe. The Tharu tribes still live today in the foothills of the Himalayas, engage in farming, hunting and stay at a great distance from the modern world of people and from the automobile industry.

According to the manufacturers, their new creation harmoniously intertwines endurance and reliability (“toughness” and “ruggedness”), and it was the rearrangement of the letters in these two words that inspired the creators of Tharu.

Development history

Volkswagen announced its plans to develop an urban crossover back in 2021.

Everything happened under the heading of secrecy, then the head of the concern said that in 2021 the world will see the best version of the car for the city in the middle segment.

Production of the Volkswagen Tharu was launched in August 2021 in China. The working name was Volks-SUV (translated as people's crossover). At the 2021 Beijing Motor Show, traditionally held at the Beijing Motor Show, Volkswagen Tharu made a splash for the first time.

Technical characteristics and engines

Using the Chinese version as an example, we can say that the new crossover from Volkswagen is equipped with two engine versions, the characteristics of which are presented in the table.

Comparative characteristics of two engine options

It is assumed that during the production of the Russian version, a 1.6 MPI naturally aspirated gasoline engine with a six-speed gearbox and a power of one hundred and ten horsepower will be added.

Dimensions and dimensions

The length of the new SUV from Volkswagen is 4453 mm. The height of the urban crossover is 1632 mm, which confirms its comfort when entering the cabin. The width of the car according to the manufacturer corresponds to 1841 mm. All parameters, with the exception of length, exactly correspond to those of the Volkswagen Tiguan.

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Technical characteristics of Volkswagen T-Roc 2018-2019

New Volkswagen models traditionally delight with an abundance of different-sized power units. The “baby” T-Rock was no exception, who was given as many as six engines. This:

• 1.0 TSI 115 hp 200 Nm;
• 1.5 TSI 150 hp, 250 Nm;
• 2.0 TSI 190 hp, 320 Nm;
• 1.6 TDI 115 hp, 250 Nm;
• 2.0 TDI 150 hp, 340 Nm;
• 2.0 TDI 190 hp, 400 Nm.

“Younger” engines 1.0 TSI and 1.6 TDI work only in conjunction with a 6-speed manual transmission and only in a front-wheel drive configuration. The top-end 190-horsepower 2.0 TSI and 2.0 TDI units are combined exclusively with the 7DSG gearbox and AWD all-wheel drive. The remaining two engines form seven modifications due to various combinations with two transmissions (6-speed manual transmission and 7DSG) and two drive options (front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive).

Versions with the 4Motion all-wheel drive chassis are equipped with an Active Control selector, which allows you to switch between four driving modes: Street, Snow, Offroad and Offroad Individual. But both owners of all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive T-Rocs will be able to change the settings of the power steering, suspension, climate control and robotic gearbox. Only the latter will have to pay extra for installing the necessary toggle switch. And it has only five positions – Comfort, Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual.

Options and basic equipment of the new crossover

Volkswagen has launched its new crossover on the Chinese market in six different trim levels.

Four versions with an engine capacity of 1.4 liters:

• Fashion Edition;
• Comfort Edition;
• Deluxe Edition.

And two different modifications with an engine capacity of two liters:

• Deluxe Edition;
• Ultimate Edition.

Common characteristics for all trim levels are:

• McPherson front suspension;
• multi-link rear suspension;
• EPS electronic steering;
• disc brakes, which are equipped with ventilation at the front.

In addition, the basic package will include:

• electronic windows on all four windows;
• height-adjustable central armrest;
• lift stabilization system;
• steering wheel is adjustable and multifunctional;
• sensors that regulate tire pressure;
• keyless engine starting system;
• parking radars are installed at the rear;
• built-in air purifier in the cabin;
• child seat latches.

In China, a Volkswagen crossover of 2021 or with minimal mileage can be bought for 170,000 yuan, which in rubles is approximately equal to 1,700,000 rubles.

Review

Outside

The new crossover from Volkswagen resembles a smaller copy of another brand model - Terramont/Atlas. You can note the headlights, which are similar in configuration with an intricate internal design, an aluminum radiator grille, as well as a massive front bumper with integrated fog lights.

Wedge-shaped brake light optics, coupled with a spoiler, add expressiveness to the stern, and the side body kit made of bleached plastic eliminates the risk of scratching the paintwork of the body when driving off-road.

Inside

The interior is decorated with fairly high-quality materials, is well assembled, and the driver's seat boasts a high level of ergonomics. The instrument panel with analogue main readings is easy to read under any conditions, and the on-board computer display is informative and easy to use.

On the center console, the main attention is drawn to the large touch screen of the multimedia system with detailed graphics and beautiful animation. The head unit itself interacts with cameras, navigation, and can synchronize with mobile devices, so you can’t blame it for its meager functionality.

The front seats are simple in appearance, but they can surprise you with a comfortable fit and a wide range of adjustments in the angle of the backrest or in the longitudinal plane. The second row sofa is designed for only two people - the third will complain about the convex central part of the pillow and tightness in the shoulders. It is also worth noting that there is enough space for knees only for those who are no more than 180 centimeters tall.

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Behind the wheel

Tara 2021 can be called a pretty nimble car, even if it has a 1.2 liter engine under the hood. This power unit pulls well at low and medium speeds, and the robotic gearbox quickly changes gears, allowing you to realize its capabilities to the maximum.

The 1.4-liter turbo engine completely turns the German crossover into a city lighter. Starting from a standstill is always playful and confident, and at high speeds you can count on a vigorous pick-up and quick acceleration.

However, the “robot” in this case does not work very ideally - it allows jerks during switching, which negatively affect both the smoothness of the ride and the ease of controlling the traction of the power plant in normal operating modes.

Soft but precise steering reactions allow you to clearly adhere to a given trajectory and safely probe the limits of the chassis capabilities - the latter has a very high limit, although noticeable body roll still does not provoke the Volkswagen to drive fast.

It’s much more pleasant to move steadily and enjoy the good performance of the long-travel suspension, which effortlessly works out minor road irregularities and practically does not transmit them to the riders.

Verdict: Volkswagen Taru has every chance to compete for leadership in the class of compact SUVs. It is balanced in many disciplines and attracts with its monumental exterior design. However, the differences in consumer properties from the same Skoda Karoq are minimal, while the German car costs more.

Photos of the new Volkswagen Tharu:

The Tharu compact SUV will be assembled in our country next year. The model is an analogue of the Skoda Karoq.

Information that Volkswagen intends to produce a new crossover in Russia appeared even before the premiere of the production SUV: rumors began in March 2018, and the car itself was declassified in May of the same year. The first market for the SUV was China, where it is already sold under the name Tharu; for the Middle Kingdom, cars are assembled at a local plant of the joint venture between Volkswagen and SAIC. Now, data about the upcoming Russian premiere of the model has been confirmed, and Volkswagen’s plans were revealed by the Argentine division of the brand, because the cross will be global: in addition to the Russian Federation and China, it will also be produced in Argentina and Mexico. Not long ago, the Argentine VW office held a presentation for journalists on the development of local production - it was there that a slide appeared with all the sites where the cross would be registered, the picture was published by Autoblog.

Cars assembled in Argentina will be supplied to the rest of South America, while the Mexican plant is responsible for North America. Moreover, for these regions the cross was renamed Tarek. It was assumed that the name of the Russian version would also be changed, however, judging by the slide, in our country, as in China, the cross will be called Tharu. In Russia, production will start in 2021, but where exactly - at the Kaluga VW plant or in Nizhny Novgorod at the facilities of the GAZ Group - is still unknown.

Review of VW Tharu

The new Tharu externally resembles the already proven Teramont. The laconic, discreet design of the body is suitable for drivers of any gender, and the presented color palette will please the car enthusiast who is demanding of details.

Interior

The interior contains classic colors - white and black, which are diluted by noble brown. In the sports version, brown seats are separated by a black touchpad. Expensive trim levels include leather upholstery and a virtual instrument model with a voice assistant.

The steering wheel can be adjusted to suit your needs. The armrest raises and lowers for driver comfort. The rear seat can be folded if necessary.

Exterior

The already recognizable body, familiar to crossovers from the German concern, in this case will be supplemented with LED brake lights and headlights. The exterior mirrors are electronically adjustable, heated and repeater.

The rear part of the body, where the luggage compartment is located, is designed in an interesting way. The body in this place is bent at an angle and adds style to the overall appearance of the car.

Competitors and similar models

When the latest news in Russia announced the imminent start of assembly of a new SUV from Volkswagen, comparisons immediately began. In terms of external characteristics and some parameters of dimensions and technical equipment, VW Tharu is compared with the following cars:

• Nissan Qashqai;
• Skoda Karoq;
• Hyundai Creta;
• Geely Atlas;
• Ford EcoSport;
• Renault Captur;
• Nissan Terrano;
• Mitsubishi Outlander.

How acceptable this comparison is, and what characteristics should you choose a vehicle for, is a matter of personal preference.

Prices: who is more expensive?

The most important thing about the car has not yet been said: the launch of sales is scheduled for closer to the end of summer, and prices will be announced at the same time. Skoda Karoq now starts at 1,529,000 rubles. Due to a more generous set of options, the Taos should be slightly more expensive. This will scare away those who look at the numbers in the price list, but the description of the configuration will tell discerning potential buyers what they are overpaying for.

The trunk will have about 420 liters with all-wheel drive and 500 liters with a front-wheel drive car. An interesting (and unexpected) fact is the re-rolling of the Chinese brand Linglong.

The trunk will have about 420 liters with all-wheel drive and 500 liters with a front-wheel drive car. An interesting (and unexpected) fact is the re-rolling of the Chinese brand Linglong.

Expected release date and localization in Russia

Back in 2021, Volkswagen announced that Taru would not be represented on the Western European market. The plant, located in China, assembles the German crossover for the Asian car market.

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The Tharu will arrive in the US from Volkswagen's Mexican plant, while the plant located in Argentina will supply production of the new urban crossover to South America.

For the needs of Eastern Europe and Russia, Tara will begin to be assembled at Volkswagen’s Kaluga plant in 2021. Unfortunately, the exact release date of the first installment is not known, and it remains to follow the latest news.

Competitors

Tharu's list of competitors includes:

The Skoda Karoq, which entered the market not so long ago, has gained high popularity among consumers due to its compact dimensions, but at the same time good utility and comfort. But soon another SUV from the Volkswagen Group will be added to it in the form of the VW Tharu. This time the emphasis is on technological equipment, high quality workmanship and functionality, although the price should remain within reason. What exactly is remarkable about the new product?

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The presentation of the serial Volkswagen Tharu took place in May 2018. The newest crossover on the German brand's hierarchical ladder will be located one step below the mid-size Tiguan, but will be on par with the T-Roc SUV - the cars will be distributed across different markets and each of them will offer the buyer its own unique advantages.

The harbinger of the new product was the conceptual prototype of the Powerful Family SUV, which was shown to the public as part of an exhibition in Beijing, which opened in March of this year.

The external design from the concept to the serial variation of the model migrated almost unchanged; as for the interior, it received a high center console and a classic instrument panel layout that does not become outdated and does not go out of fashion.

The equipment list of the newest SUV includes:

• Head optics with LED elements.
• Fog lights.
• A system of all-round video cameras or a stern view camera.
• Hatch with panoramic design.
• Air conditioning or climate control system.
• Multimedia and entertainment complex with a nine-inch touchscreen.
• Navigation system.
• Leather interior trim.
• Heated front seats.
• Multifunction steering wheel with leather braid.
• Cruise control.
• Exchange rate stabilization system.
• Alloy wheels, sizes ranging from 16 to 18 inches.
• Power windows for front and rear doors.

The car will enter the Chinese market this fall. The starting price of Volkswagen Tharu 2019-2020 will be 145 thousand yuan.

Pros and cons of the new SUV from Volkswagen

The advantages of an urban, maneuverable SUV of German origin include:

• powerful engine with turbo;
• economical fuel consumption;
• compactness;
• manufacturability;
• great attention to safety;
• expanded choice of configurations;
• the basic package is already quite complete, there is no need to immediately purchase additional options;
• laconic and pleasant design.

The disadvantages include the following points:

• high price relative to the segment;
• turbo engine reliability and maintenance.

In the Russian auto market, Tharu’s competitiveness is still difficult to predict, despite the ambitious plans of the German concern.