Volkswagen Tharu images leaked ahead of its unveiling in China

MANILA: We all know that Volkswagen is working on a new SUV for many different markets. If you are intrigued to know more about the SUV, you won’t have to wait till the official unveiling. It is been spied in China for the first time, without any covers on.

The newly spied Volkswagen Tharu SUV was first displayed as a concept form, the Volkswagen Powerful Family SUV, around a couple of months back. It is based on the Skoda Karoq, which is already on sale in many international destinations. However, Skoda has not entered the Philippines market yet.

The Volkswagen Tharu will be longer and taller than the Skoda Karoq. Mechanically, it would be given two engine options. The smaller 1.2-litre model would be capable of making 116 hp power while the bigger 1.4-litre would be capable of making a humongous 150 hp, thanks to the twin-turbocharger in both. The power would be sent down to the wheels via a 7-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission in both the trims.

The upcoming Volkswagen Tharu will be launched in the Chinese market primarily. The official debut could take place any time during the third quarter of this calendar year. However, the company has not yet confirmed which countries will get the new SUV, though we are anticipating some South American destinations to be on the cards.

Since Skoda does not do business in the Philippines yet, Volkswagen may consider bringing the Tharu here. The German company currently sells the Tiguan as the only SUV in the Philippines market. The Tiguan is powered by the same 1.4-litre turbo engine (making 150 hp of power and 250 Nm of torque along with a DSG gearbox), which may make it to the new Tharu in China.