
The Tharu 330 4WD is a full-time four-wheel drive system. Below are the relevant details: 1. Exterior: The design adopts the Rock-Cutting design concept, with raised lines on the ridge-like hood enhancing the sense of power. The wide-body dual U-shaped full LED headlights tilt upwards, and the grille bars extend to the headlights. 2. Space: The dimensions are 4453/1841/1632mm in length/width/height, with a wheelbase of 2680mm and an unladen ground clearance of 182mm. The seating space height for front and rear passengers reaches 1013mm and 975mm respectively. The standard trunk capacity is 455 liters, and the rear seats can be folded in a 4/6 split, expanding the total capacity to 1543 liters when fully folded down. The vehicle's storage spaces have been upgraded to 33 locations.

I've been driving the Volkswagen Tharu 330 4WD version for quite some time. Its four-wheel drive is an on-demand system, not full-time. This means that during normal road driving, it primarily relies on front-wheel drive, which significantly improves fuel efficiency, especially on highways where the fuel consumption is similar to that of a regular two-wheel-drive car. However, in special situations like wet roads after rain or muddy paths, the system immediately detects slippage and automatically distributes power to the rear wheels, making the vehicle much more stable. Once, I drove it in snowy conditions, and the wheels didn't slip at all; the braking was also sharp, giving a strong sense of security. This four-wheel-drive design is quite intelligent, requiring no mode switching during driving. It's effortless for daily commutes and can handle occasional suburban outings. Maintenance is also simple, basically requiring no special care—just regular check-ups. Volkswagen's 4MOTION technology is very popular among family SUVs, offering high cost-effectiveness—not flashy but practical. Overall, it's suitable for those who don't want to deal with off-roading but are concerned about extreme weather conditions.

The 4WD type of the Tharu 330 is an on-demand all-wheel-drive system. This system operates by concentrating power on the front wheels during normal driving to reduce fuel consumption. Only when wheel slippage occurs does the electronic control unit quickly engage the clutch to transfer torque to the rear axle. Compared to the full-time all-wheel-drive system's constant power distribution, this on-demand mechanism is more economical, with significantly lower real-world fuel consumption and extended component lifespan. I'm familiar with this system as it's widely used in many Volkswagen models, known for its reliability and low failure rate. Additional benefits include smooth urban commuting, stable body control during turns, and no worries about losing control on wet or slippery roads. It's recommended to occasionally drive on rough roads to experience the noticeably improved traction when the 4WD engages. Overall, this car's 4WD system prioritizes practicality and fuel efficiency, with simple and affordable maintenance.

The 4WD system of the Tharu 330 is of the on-demand type. When driving on flat roads, it only relies on the front wheels, which is fuel-efficient and quiet. However, when encountering rain, snow, or climbing slopes, it automatically engages the rear wheels to help improve traction. I feel very reassured when using it to pick up and drop off my kids—it handles city streets with no issues and hasn’t gotten stuck on rural roads back home. This design is more practical for daily use compared to full-time 4WD, making it suitable for family users, and it’s also easier to maintain.


