With Volkswagen Philippines badly in need of a new model to spice up its lineup, the Tharu may be just what it needs to gain a stronger foothold in the market.

Larger than the T-Cross but smaller than the Tiguan, the five-door Tharu (“Taos” in North America) will come in two variants for the Philippine market: the 300 TSI DSG SE, and the 300 TSI DSG SEL.

The former will be priced at “around P1.8 million,” while the latter will be priced at “around P1.95 million,” according to Volkwagen’s press release.

The “300 TSI” nomenclature is indicative of a 1.5-liter turbocharged in-line-four gasoline engine rated at 158hp and 250Nm, with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sending power to the front wheels.

Volkswagen also says that it will have Matrix LED headlights with an Adaptive Front Lighting System, panoramic sunroof, virtual pedal tailgate, and Intelligent Park Assist, among other features.

With the launch set for September 29 at Karrera Café in Filinvest, Alabang, it will be followed by a weekend of public test drives from 9am to 6pm at the same location.

Volkswagen dealers are already taking reservations nationwide: Bonifacio Global City, Greenfield Mandaluyong, Pampanga, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao.