First Drive: Volkswagen Tharu SEL

Volkswagen Philippines invited us to test the all-new Volkswagen Tharu on a pocket media drive. It’s the latest crossover to join the brand’s local lineup of vehicles with timeless styling and great features. The media drive would take us from Bonifacio Global City to Batangas to test the Tharu on mountain roads and highway conditions. There was only one variant available on the media drive, which was the top-spec SEL variant. Along the way, we also stopped at Chosen Children Village.

More than just a bigger T-Cross

While the Volkswagen Tharu and the Volkswagen T-Cross share some similar design cues, the former is larger than the other. It’s a substantial size difference that translates to an even bigger space in the interior of the Tharu. However, like the T-Cross, the Tharu gives off a more executive and mature vibe that is a step up from those who want an SUV bigger and more spacious than its smaller counterpart. It looks premium yet subtle and stands out in a sea of traffic.

Premium interior

Space is generous inside the Tharu, with plenty of leg and headroom to spare for its occupants. You can tell the materials are of a different class than the T-Cross, with better construction and a better feel. The seats are comfortable and soft, which is excellent for those who prioritize comfort over everything else. It also helps that the suspension of the Tharu is set on the soft side, quickly absorbing any bumps or road imperfections. It’s a great place to be, especially with its NVH being on the quiet side with minimal wind, tire, and road noise entering the cabin, even at highway speeds. 

Drive it to appreciate it.

Its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine may not seem as powerful on paper, especially compared to other Chinese car options. It’s a different story in practice, as the crossover didn’t feel lacking. The tuning of the engine, plus its willingness to rev quickly paired with the DSG, made the motor feel more potent than it was. For context, the Tharu pushes out 158 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, which you will feel every bit thanks to its excellent transmission and engine tuning. It may not be the most powerful SUV in its segment, but it gets the job done with its smooth power delivery and quick shifts.

It’s hard to explain in words just how good the car is, but it’s something you need to drive to appreciate, especially if you are coming from a naturally aspirated vehicle. There is something in the way the Tharu was tuned that fits its premium orientation. We didn’t get to correctly measure our fuel economy figures as we made frequent stops and were trying to figure out how the Tharu would handle on mountain roads and the highway. However, if we were to give you a rough estimate based on the figures we saw on the trip computer, the SUV was doing around 11km/L during our trip.

Just who is the Tharu for?

While the Tharu isn’t as sporty as its competitors, its target market is those in the 30s to 40s who want a comfortable daily vehicle. It shows that Volkswagen intends to target an older audience who wants a simple, timeless car that just does the job. It isn’t a flashy car, but it shows subtle wealth. The SUV is priced at Php 1,808,000 to Php 1,945,000, so it commands a certain level of respect. It’s a “for those who know” kind of car, as it blends in and stands out simultaneously.

A drive with a purpose

The media drive wasn’t just to test out the Volkswagen Tharu. It had an alternative purpose, with the highlight being the Chosen Children Village. It’s a community built around caring for abandoned children’s needs. They take care of children with autism, cerebral palsy, and other conditions that would make finding homes for them difficult. The compound is large, has plenty of space for the kids to roam around, and even features its own farm and garden. 

As the facility relies upon sponsorships and donations, Volkswagen Philippines donated supplies on our behalf. It was a heartwarming experience knowing that these kids are being well taken care of and are even being given jobs around the facility to help take care of others. The facility showcased a labor of love that will need your support.

For a more mature buyer

The Volkswagen Tharu media drive was an excellent opportunity to test the brand’s latest vehicle. The SUV is for a more mature buyer who prioritizes someone who wants comfort and convenience above everything else. While the Tharu isn’t as sporty or powerful as its competitors, it doesn’t feel down on power and can keep up with its rivals. It has the right amount of technology featuring advanced driver assist systems, a massive infotainment system, and, of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The SUV is also easy to drive with its cameras and sensors that make it easy to park. It also has a generous amount of trunk space, and the cabin is spacious. It’s truly a car that you need to drive to appreciate.