Volkswagen Tharu has increased dimensions than the Skoda Karoq and will be offered in two engine options; could enter emerging markets eventually
Volkswagen has introduced a new SUV for the Chinese market where the spacious vehicles get a certain nod among the discerning customers. Global automakers have been developing China-specific models over the years and the strategy has worked a treat, as long-wheelbase versions compared to the rest of the world have been a huge hit across the board.
The German manufacturer has utilised the expandable portfolio of its Volkswagen Group models and unveiled a new SUV christened as Tharu. It is the road-going version of the VW Powerful Family SUV concept that made its world premiere in March. Or straightway, the Tharu can be described as a rebadged version of the Skoda’s successful Karoq – the smallest SUV currently available from the Czech brand.
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The Volkswagen Tharu will go on sale in the next quarter of this year in China and it has an exterior presence similar to the Teramont SUV which is indeed called as Atlas in the People’s Republic. Ahead of the arrival, its official images have been leaked online. It measures 4,453 mm long, 1,841 mm wide and 1,632 mm tall and features a wheelbase of 2,688 mm.
Comparitively, the Tharu SUV is 71 mm longer, 27 mm wider and has 50 mm more wheelbase than the Karoq. It comes powered by a couple of fuel-efficient turbocharged small capacity engine options. They are 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre units good enough to generate a maximum power output of 116 horsepower and 150 horsepower respectively.
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With no manual gearbox on offer, the Tharu can be had with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The compact SUV is expected to make official debut in the coming months and will be manufactured under the Shanghai-Volkswagen joint venture that is already responsible for the latest Grand Lavida. Volkswagen could observe its market response in China and introduce the model in South American markets as well.
Volkswagen Tharu Images
Source: FerDfanpage