Volkswagen Expands SUV Lineup In China With New Tharu XR

New models continue to grow the Chinese market for Volkswagen SUVs. The SAIC Volkswagen joint venture's new SUV, the Tharu XR, aims to bridge the gap between the slightly smaller T-Cross and the larger Tharu.

To begin with, it shares a profile line with the Volkswagen T-Cross, the Volkswagen Taigun, and the twin Indian Skoda Kushaqs. Conversely, the front end underwent a complete redesign to emulate the crisp LEDs and massive bumper intakes of the larger Tiguan L Pro.

In the rear, there are distinctive taillights with a smoked coating. Both a black and a chrome version with exterior highlights will be available from the manufacturer. The width of the VW Tharu XR is 69.4 inches, the height is 63.2 inches, and the length is 171.5 inches.

Both the Chinese-spec T-Cross and the Indian-spec Taigun share a wheelbase of 2,651 mm (104.4 inches) on the MQB A0 platform. At its core, the Volkswagen Tharu XR will be available with two 1.5-liter gasoline engines. With 158 horsepower (118 kW or 160 PS) and 250 Newton-meters (184 lb-ft) of torque, the more powerful turbocharged variant powers the front axle, most likely with the help of a DSG automatic gearbox.

SAIC Volkswagen will soon announce additional information on the Tharu XR. It is anticipated that the new model will be priced more than the T-Cross's beginning price of ¥115,900 ($15,971) and lower than the Tharu's ¥158,600 ($21,855) when it arrives in China.