Skoda has recently introduced the new Skoda Kamiq SUV (based on Karoq) in the Chinese market. Now, Volkswagen has revealed an all-new SUV based on Karoq – called the Volkswagen Tharu. This 5-seater SUV will make its way to the Chinese market in the third quarter of 2018. The SUV was previewed as the VW Powerful Family SUV concept. It shares several design details from the automaker’s larger SUVs including the Tiguan and the Atlas. Shanghai-Volkswagen joint venture will develop the Tharu and the Karoq SUV for the Chinese market.
VW Tharu Images
Set to target a younger Chinese audience, the new Volkswagen Tharu looks like a mini Atlas. While the styling of the car is very similar to other VW cars, the Tharu comes with an exclusive Beats audio system. Volkswagen has joined hands with Apple in China, and the top-end variant of the Tharu SUV will be equipped with the high-end audio system. Beats logo has also been embossed on the B-pillar of the SUV. Also See – Upcoming Volkswagen Cars In India
Talking about dimensions, the new VW Tharu is 4,453mm in length, 1,841mm in width and 1,632mm in height. The wheelbase of the car has been increased by 50mm to 2,688mm. The Tharu is 71mm longer and 27mm wider than the Karoq.
The Volkswagen Tharu compact SUV will be offered with two engines – 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol. While the former is capable of producing 116bhp, the 1.6-litre petrol engine churns out 150bhp of power. Both engines will be coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Skoda Karoq Images
The Volkswagen Tharu will rival the likes of Hyundai ix25 and Acura CDX in China. Besides China, the Tharu compact SUV could also make its way to the South American markets and is expected to be locally developed in Argentina. Volkswagen won’t launch this SUV in India; however, a compact SUV based on the heavily localised MQB-AO IN platform is in the works.
