Update: readers and commenters have pointed that this could just very well be a refreshed/special edition variant of the T-Cross (bummer). Read the update at the bottom, and continue to read the original story.
In what seemed like a direct response to some heavy social media bashing last week concerning unofficial imports of its ID.4 and ID.6 EVs, Volkswagen Philippines has emerged from its long period of hibernation by teasing an upcoming all-new compact crossover: the 2023 Tharu.
Right now, the social media post in question is light on details (we don’t know when they’re launching it exactly, or whether it’ll use the Tharu or Taos name), but at least it should shut up some armchair critics who lashed out against Ayala Corporation’s German auto brand for its lack of new car offerings.
The local launch of the Tharu shouldn’t come as a surprise given Volkswagen Philippines themselves teased its arrival way back in 2019 (along with the T-Cross and the Teramont). However, at the time, the Tharu didn’t make much sense given its size and pricing overlapped with the Tiguan. Now that the Tiguan’s joined the big parking lot in the sky, it will enable VW to slot in a crossover above its current best-seller, the T-Cross.
Measuring in at 4,453 mm in length, 1,841 mm in width, and 1,632 mm in height (wheelbase is at 2,680 mm), the 2023 Tharu is sized more like a Honda HR-V / Toyota Corolla Cross / Mazda CX-30 rather than a Honda CR-V / Toyota RAV4 / Mazda CX-5. However, it does have some traits which it shares with compact SUVs such as all-around independent suspension. It’s also very likely that VW will continue touting their “German engineering” as a big advantage.
Sourcing info is also not known, but given Ayala’s current relationship with SAIC-Volkswagen, it’s highly probable that they’ll be getting the Philippine units from Shanghai. A quick look at its China specs, the Tharu comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and all-wheel drive (330TSI 4Motion) for top-trim variants.
It’s more likely though that Volkswagen Philippines will instead offer the front-wheel drive variant. If that’s the case, the Tharu 280TSI, as the model’s officially designated in China, will pack the turbocharged 1.4-liter making 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. This engine’s connected to a 7-speed dual clutch (DSG DQ200-7F). Zero to 100 km/h is quoted at 9.7 seconds, while fuel efficiency is pegged at 15.4 km/L based on WLTC tests.
Having learned from previous grievances, it’s also very possible that Volkswagen Philippines will spec up the Tharu to better compete against the most established brands. It could come with features such as LED headlights and taillights, front fog lights with integrated cornering lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a digital gauge cluster, leather seats, and dual zone climate control.
As for the price, don’t expect the Tharu to come that cheap. With the T-Cross now priced at P 1.34 million, it’s possible that this compact crossover will hit the P 1.6 to P 1.7 million mark. As a reference point, the Tiguan 1.4 TSI was priced at P 1.649 million before its discontinuation.
Update: It seems we got a bit too excited about this piece of news. According to several readers and commenters, the teased model could just be the refreshed T-Cross, and after publishing this story and reviewing the information available, that could very well be the case.
Based on the Volkswagen China website, the T-Cross did get a slight refresh this 2023 which brings with it new colors, including the new color posted in the Volkswagen Philippines Facebook post. It also seems to have the same black door mirrors. If that is the case, expect it to receive the same checkered flag pattern on the D-pillar as well (see photos below).
Is it too much to ask for Volkswagen Philippines to add an all-new model to their line-up?
This might just be a new color for T-Cross since the fascia in the teaser looks more like the T-Cross than the Tharu and the caption says "new hue" as well.
ReplyDeleteAfter publishing this, I was thinking the same thing. That'll be so sad if that's the case.
DeleteIt could also be a new variant, particularly a T-Cross Turbo. I remember hearing news of the possibility of it being fitted with a 1.4 TFSI engine at some point in time so this could be their opportunity to do so (i.e fighting the Coolray and the HR-V VTEC Turbo models.). If it is a new color way only, that will pretty much summarize VW PH: a carmaker who is out of touch with what the market demands and wants.
DeleteJudging by the teaser photo and looking at the T-Cross page in Volkswagen China's website, they might be adding this version of the T-Cross ( https://cdn.vw.com.cn/vgc2019web/image/20230117133334336108_2.酷黑车顶.JPEG ).
DeleteProbably a Black Edition of the T-Cross with Black inserts and Black wheels. Hopefully they add new features though if this is the case but it is sad if it's just that though.
Agreed...that's going to be sad.
DeletePlease don't bring in another made in China Volkswagen.
ReplyDeleteKung maka please, akala mo naman bibili.
DeleteI think they should stop using German engineering since it coming from China. They should think of something else. and look unto their price points kinda off.
ReplyDeleteOkay lang to bring in China made cars. Audi sources some models from China. BMW sources from Malaysia even. What's not okay is offering garbage discontinued and "pang taxi" China domestic market only economy cars, market them as premium and price them high. And while at it, not offering marquee models of a brand that the public actually wants.
ReplyDeleteVW Philippines and Ayala Motors have some of the st up id est people working there.
Audi doesn't source any model from China. I read somewhere that they're not allowed to. Also, Chinese-spec Audis have a longer wheelbase than the ones offered locally
DeleteVW should look at their FB page and realize that the 2 post - on the ev's and this new reveal has more comment and reactions than all their other posts combined. Now isn't that sad?
ReplyDeleteWill they have a better version of their fuel pumps? Will they ditch that chinese Baidu App & replace it w/ Android Auto?
ReplyDeleteMost enthusiasts buy a Volkswagen because of models such as the Golf and Jetta. So they stop importing them and here we are stuck with China models. It defeats the whole purpose of buying a Volkswagen.
ReplyDeleteAyala's VW Bad management is to be blamed for it's Lack luster sales failure to gain market share. They brought Unpopular products and inferior models. No direction. VW should be the one one handling management if they want to regain it's reputation as the People's Car.
ReplyDeleteQuestion I think for VW Philippines thru AC Motors is how do they want to market VW here. As a commoner car (like what its brand says in German) or as a mid end European car? From here what the model line up will be can follow. German engineering can be German technology inputs but with Chinese cost edge advantage. And hopefully not German car pricing level for PH.
ReplyDeleteUpdate Sir Ulysses: Volkswagen FB page has announced the Tharu. Very silent launch. Really disappointing as a current VW gen owner. They can’t even update their webpage on the same day. There’s really nothing to be excited about adding another vehicle to their lineup while Hancars is throwing out the ID lineup already.
ReplyDelete