⁠Volkswagen Taigun-based Tharu XR SUV Globally Revealed, India Launch Soon?

Volkswagen has revealed the Tharu XR SUV in the initial set of official images. As a part of the SAIC-Volkswagen joint venture in China, the Volkswagen Tharu XR is a new machine with its sights set on bridging the gap between the smaller T-Cross and the bigger Tharu sold in some global markets. The model will be initially limited to the Chinese market. 

While the new Volkswagen Tharu XR is based on the same MQB A0 platform as the Taigun available in India, the former measures 4,355mm in length, making it a tad longer than the latter. However, the wheelbase of the Tharu XR remains the same as the India-spec Taigun's and the Chinese-spec T-Cross', which is 2,651mm. In comparison, the older Volkswagen Tharu is 103mm longer than the new Tharu XR.

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Design-wise, the Tharu XR gets a redesigned front fascia compared to the Taigun, Kushaq, and T-Cross. Inspired by the larger Tiguan L Pro, the Tharu XR features sharp headlights, a full-width LED strip, and huge air intakes on the bumper. It also comes with smoked, connected taillamps and new alloy wheels. However, the sculpted character line on the side is the same as the one on the T-Cross, Taigun, and Kushaq. Two versions of the Tharu XR are expected to be offered: one with chrome accents and another with blacked-out elements on the outside. 

⁠Volkswagen Tharu XR: Interior

Interior details are under wraps. But, one can expect a panoramic sunroof, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, powered front seats, electric ORVMs (outside rearview mirrors), cruise control, and a wireless phone charger. For safety, the car could offer electronic stability control (ESC), rear traffic alert, traction control, and a reverse camera. 

⁠Volkswagen Tharu XR: Powertrain

Under the hood, the new ⁠Volkswagen Tharu XR will get two engine options: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated gasoline and a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine. The latter churns out 158bhp and 250Nm of peak torque, while the less powerful makes 110bhp. A 7-speed DSG automatic transmission is expected to be offered with the more potent turbocharged engine.

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There is no word on Volkswagen bringing the new Tharu XR to our market; it is the China-specific SUV for now.