Volkswagen Tharu XR: Taigun-Based SUV For China

The SAIC-Volkswagen joint venture, the Chinese division of Volkswagen (VW), recently released the initial set of official images of the Taigun-based SUV, dubbed the Tharu XR. 

The Tharu XR SUV is based on the MQB-A0 platform, which also underpins the VW Taigun and Kushaq in India.

This new SUV will also bridge the gap between the T-Cross and the bigger Tharu sold overseas. The iteration will be initially exclusive to the Chinese market. 

Dimensions

According to sources, the Volkswagen Taigun-based Tharu XR has a length of 4355mm, making it longer than the Taigun’s length of 4221mm. For those unaware, the previous version of the Tharu was 103mm longer than the new version. 

However, the wheelbase of the India-based Taigun and China-based- Tharu XR and T-Cross is the same, which stands at 2651mm. 

Design Language 

In the design department, the new Volkswagen Tharu XR incorporates a reprofiled front fascia, inspired by its elder sibling, the Tiguan L Pro. 

The design cues borrowed from the latter include aggressive and sleek LED headlights, full-width LED strips (front and rear), and bigger air intakes on the front bumper. This SUV is equipped with smoked connected taillamps and new turbine-like alloy wheels. 

The side profile of the Tharu resembles the Taigun, especially the belt line, which ends at the tip of the taillight. And, so does the roofline. By looking at the overall design language, it’s essentially a stretched and reprofiled Volkswagen Taigun. 

The model shown in the image has black inserts on some parts that seem to be the flagship variant. It should be safe to assume that this SUV will offer chrome inserts on other variants of the Volkswagen Tharu. 

Interior

The images of the Volkswagen Tharu XR’s interior haven’t been dropped. But, we expect this German SUV to have a panoramic sunroof, power front seats, ventilated front seats, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (both wireless), ambient lighting, etc. 

It is also expected to have a leatherette upholstery, a cooled glove box, footwell lighting, and auto-dimming IRVM, among others.  

For safety and convenience, it is expected to have a Level-2 ADAS, connected car technology, traction control, a 360-degree camera with front and rear parking sensors, and six airbags, to name a few. 

Please note that the variant-wise feature list will be rolled out at the launch event in China. 

Specifications 

It is confirmed that the 2024 Tharu XR will have two engine options: a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (TSI) engine. The latter produces 158bhp  and 250Nm of peak torque, while the former produces 110bhp. 

Both engines will be available in manual and automatic transmissions. 

Availability

As mentioned earlier, the Volkswagen Tharu XR will be initially limited to the Chinese market, later followed by some international markets. 

Currently, no information or hint is there from Volkswagen India for this SUV.