What is the real reputation of the Volkswagen Tharu?

[DeGrace]

Here is an introduction to the Volkswagen Tharu: 1. Appearance: The Tharu inherits all the design features of the Touareg, giving a sense of grandeur and inclusiveness. Although positioned as a compact SUV, its appearance is the icing on the cake, adding a touch of handsomeness to its already impressive look. 2. Power: This Tharu is equipped with the same 1.4T turbocharged engine found in family sedans like the Sagitar, Bora, and Lavida. The initial acceleration is not very strong, and it takes some time to feel a slight push-back sensation. To get appropriate power from the engine, you need to press the accelerator pedal deeper. Additionally, mid-speed acceleration is decent, but the gear shifting has noticeable jerks. 3. Noise reduction: Due to the common issue of stiff chassis in all Volkswagen models, the ride can be bumpy. The focus on appearance has led to a weaker chassis tuning. During the test drive, noticeable tire noise and wind noise become apparent when driving at speeds around 110 km/h. 4. Fuel consumption: Dealerships often promote the Tharu as fuel-efficient to attract customers, but only a few people pay attention to fuel consumption during test drives. The official fuel consumption of the Tharu is around 8 liters per 100 kilometers, but during city driving tests, it reached around 13 liters per 100 kilometers.

[LaAmara]

I've been driving the Tharu for over a year, and its overall reputation is really good. The space is quite spacious, with enough room for three people in the back seat without feeling cramped, and the trunk can easily fit two or three suitcases. The 1.4T engine is sufficient, with city fuel consumption around 8L/100km, dropping to 6L/100km on highways. The suspension is on the stiffer side, making bumps over speed strips noticeable, but the body feels solid on rough roads. The interior has a lot of plastic parts, which can emit some odor after being exposed to the sun in summer. The infotainment system is slow, and CarPlay often disconnects. Maintenance is affordable, with minor services costing around 500 yuan. The resale value isn't as good as Japanese brands, but it makes up for it with significant discounts. It's suitable for family users with a budget of around 150,000 yuan looking for a joint-venture SUV.

[MacJessica]

I've driven the Tharu for two years, and its pros and cons are quite distinct. Among its strengths, the solid chassis stands out the most – the body remains stable even at 140 km/h on the highway, and the steering wheel weight is just right. Noise insulation is average, with noticeable tire noise above 80 km/h. The seats are somewhat firm, leading to backaches during long drives. The 2.0T version offers strong power but high fuel consumption, averaging 11L/100km in the city. Assembly quality shows typical Volkswagen issues – my car developed a sunroof rattle within three months of purchase. After-sales service is convenient, and parts aren't too expensive. I'd recommend the mid-range version as the base model's halogen headlights are inadequate at night. Overall, it offers good value among German cars.

[LeElisa]

The Tharu is quite suitable for family use. I drive it every day to pick up and drop off my kids, and the most satisfying feature is the auto hold function, which eliminates the need to press the brake pedal at traffic lights. The active braking system has triggered twice, effectively preventing rear-end collisions. The rear seats have independent air conditioning vents, so my kids don’t complain about the heat in summer. The trunk can fit a stroller and a basketball hoop. The 1.5L version lacks power, requiring a deeper press on the accelerator for overtaking. The stiff suspension provides good cornering support but compromises comfort. The paint is thin, easily scratched by branches. I recommend installing a 360-degree camera, as the factory-installed parking sensors react a bit slowly. After three years of ownership, there have been no major issues so far.

[McIvan]

Before buying the Tharu, I compared it with the CR-V and ultimately chose it for its German-style handling. The steering wheel has minimal play, offering precise steering like a sedan. The wet dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly, but low-speed jerking is unavoidable. The 4WD version doesn't slip on muddy roads, making it very practical for trips to the countryside during the Spring Festival. The downside is the high center hump in the rear seats, making the middle passenger uncomfortable when seating three. The auto start-stop can't be permanently disabled and needs to be manually turned off every time you start the car. Updating the in-car navigation is cumbersome, so using a phone is better. The tires are stiff with noticeable road noise, but switching to Michelin made it much more comfortable. Maintenance costs are higher than domestic brands but significantly lower than luxury brands.

[VanIsabel]

What satisfies me about the Tharu is its safety features, with six airbags plus a knee airbag, and the autonomous emergency braking once saved me. The space utilization is clever—door panels can fit three bottles of water, and there's a designated spot under the center console for a tissue box. However, the downsides are also obvious: seat ventilation is only available in the top trim, leaving your back soaked in summer. The automatic headlights are overly sensitive, turning on even under tree shade. The brakes are soft at the initial stage but abrupt later, which new drivers need to get used to. The car's internet data is expensive, making Bluetooth a more cost-effective option for music. The resale value drops quickly, losing 40% in three years. For those in colder regions, it's advisable to opt for the heated steering wheel—frosty hands in winter are truly unbearable.