Volkswagen’s first all-new product offering since 2021’s T-Cross (we think the Cross Santana doesn’t count), the Tharu arrives in the Philippines in two variants: the 300 TSI SE and the 300 TSI SEL. Both are powered by Euro 6 compliant 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 160 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. Both are also front-drivers with independent suspension all around too. The 300 TSI SEL is the only one to get a drive mode selector with three modes.

In terms of exterior features, the 2024 Tharu comes in a total of four colors: Pure White, Mangan Gray, Petroleum Blue, and Polytech Blue (yes, that’s two shades of blue if you’re counting, but the Petroleum Blue’s only available on the 300 TSI SE, while the Polytech Blue is only available on the 300 TSI SEL). 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, but the 300 TSI SEL is the only one to sport red accents. Further separating the top-of-the-line trim is its Matrix LED headlights with adaptive front lighting, fog lamps with cornering lamps, exterior ambient lighting, overfenders, and a black styling package. It’s also the only variant to get a hands-free power tailgate.

Inside, the Tharu can accommodate five adults and a 455-liter trunk (1,543 liters with the rear seats folded down) it can take on road trips with ease. Standard features include a 12-way powered adjustment for the driver, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, a panoramic sunroof, and a touchscreen-based infotainment system with 6 speakers, wireless charging and Apple CarPlay (sorry, no Android Auto). Building up on those niceties, the 300 TSI SEL adds power adjustment for the front passenger, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a full digital gauge cluster, and a larger infotainment screen with gesture controls.

Safety-wise, 6 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, Side Assist (blind spot indicators) with Rear Traffic Alert, and tire pressure sensors are standard. The 300 TSI SEL, meanwhile, nets you a 360-degree camera and additional parking sensors for the front.

With the full specs and features out, the only thing left for Volkswagen Philippines to reveal is the price. They did earlier indicate that its “image price” would be P 1.8 million for the Tharu 300 TSI SE and P 1.95 million for the Tharu 300 TSI SEL.

Do you think the prices are justified given the specs? Sound out below.