Is the Tharu 4WD Full-Time or On-Demand?

[Katelyn]

Volkswagen Tharu is equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system and utilizes a multi-plate clutch central differential. Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive System: Vehicles with a full-time four-wheel drive system have power distributed to all four wheels at all times. This system enhances the vehicle's mechanical traction and off-road capability. All vehicles with full-time four-wheel drive feature a central differential, which allocates power between the front and rear axles. Dual-Clutch Transmission: The Tharu is a compact SUV that comes standard with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Dual-clutch transmissions are known for their high transmission efficiency and rapid gear shifts, making them particularly suitable for pairing with small-displacement turbocharged engines.

[McHenry]

I specifically studied this issue when driving the Tharu 4WD version. The vehicle's four-wheel-drive system is called 4MOTION, with a multi-plate clutch structure at its core. Unlike traditional full-time four-wheel drive that powers all wheels constantly, it's a typical on-demand four-wheel-drive design. During 95% of daily driving, it operates in front-wheel drive mode, which is evident from the fuel consumption being nearly identical to the two-wheel-drive version. However, the moment front wheels slip - like driving through puddles on rainy days or starting on snowy roads - the rear axle can instantly receive up to 50% power. Once when driving on mountain roads during a sudden downpour, I felt the system engage remarkably fast when tires hit mud, stabilizing the vehicle almost without hesitation. That said, for serious off-roading, it's indeed less reliable than full-time 4WD systems with differential locks.

[MacJake]

Speaking of the Tharu's 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, it's essentially an intelligent on-demand setup. I've disassembled the chassis to examine its structure - the central differential uses a multi-plate clutch for torque distribution, lacking the full-time characteristics of a mechanical Torsen differential. The ECU monitors wheel slip in real-time via wheel speed sensors, operating in pure front-wheel drive during normal driving. During a gravel road test where I intentionally induced front wheel spin, the rear axle engaged power within about half a second. The most practical feature is how the system completely disconnects the rear driveshaft in Eco mode, effectively turning it into a front-wheel-drive vehicle with fuel consumption dropping to around 8L/100km. This design perfectly suits most drivers' usage scenarios, balancing fuel efficiency while maintaining essential off-road capability when needed.

[DeRicardo]

The 4WD version of the Tharu adopts an on-demand all-wheel-drive system, which has been verified by me and several car enthusiasts through real-world testing. During daily urban commuting, it primarily operates in front-wheel-drive mode with the driveshaft completely disengaged, resulting in significantly lower fuel consumption compared to full-time 4WD models. However, it performs quite intelligently in special situations: I remember once when I was in a hurry and made a forced lane change, the moment the right front wheel grazed the curb, I distinctly felt the rear wheels provide a force to straighten the car. The system responds remarkably quickly, and you can even perceive the dynamic changes in power distribution through the steering wheel. However, it's important to note that under extreme road conditions, such as continuous potholes, its slip-limiting capability isn't as stable as the full-time 4WD systems found in professional off-road vehicles.