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The 1st batch of Volkswagen Tharu units lands on our shores

The vehicle’s launch will be on September 29

Say hello to the latest crossover in Volkswagen Philippines' lineup. PHOTO FROM VOLKSWAGEN

Remember that teaser that Volkswagen Philippines posted a few weeks back, showing a new SUV? The automaker has finally confirmed that it is indeed the Tharu instead of another T-Cross. The press release includes photos of the first batch of units that supposedly arrived in the Port of Batangas last week.

Four years after an early preview at Auto Shanghai 2019, AC Motors is bringing in the SAIC-assembled “Global SUV.” While no official specifications are available at the moment, a closer look at the vehicle reveals that we will be getting two variants.

It's sporty for the SEL, and classy for the SE. PHOTOS FROM VOLKSWAGEN

The SEL is finished in Polytech Blue and Pure White, and comes with a blacked-out roof, roof rails, mirror housing, and badging. Obvious are the IQ.Light LED headlights, the absence of chrome brightwork on the bumpers, and the 18-inch three-tone wheels with red accents.

You can also see the small cameras on the wing mirrors for the 360° camera, and the windshield cutout for the ADAS systems, both of which are absent on the lower SE trim. Painted in Mangan Gray and Petroleum Blue, this variant has chrome brightwork, two-tone wheels, and basic LED headlights.

Both come with a distinctive rear LED lighting setup, which includes a light-up VW logo. Now, if the Chinese specs are accurate, the 300 TSI badge indicates that it will have a 1.5-liter turbocharged in-line-four gasoline mill mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It should put out a healthy 158hp and 250Nm.

Are you eyeing one? PHOTO FROM VOLKSWAGEN

The Tharu will be officially launched on September 29 at the Karrera Café in Filinvest City, Alabang, and the public display and test drive of the two variants will take place on September 30 and October 1.



Sam Surla

Sam used to be the youngest member of our editorial team when he was our managing editor. He specialized in photography and videography, but he also happened to like writing about cars a lot.



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