Video summary

НОВЫЙ Volkswagen Tharu за 2.150.000

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product Reviewed

2025 Volkswagen Tharu (Тарo/Tharu) — an imported-from-China crossover/SUV positioned in Russia as a new VAG-style model.

  • Price range mentioned: approximately 2,150,000–2,400,000 rubles (figures vary by speaker)
  • Delivery: described as turnkey, with options for delivery to St. Petersburg or Moscow

Key Features (as described in “basic” China configuration)

Lighting & Safety / Driver Assist

  • LED headlights
  • Radar for monitoring the vehicle in front
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Lane return / lane-keeping–type system
    • Not claimed to be full autopilot, but described as working correctly

Wheels & Exterior

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • “Four cartridge chambers” mentioned as a quirk of the reviewer’s usual comparison (not 6, but 4)

Entry & Starting

  • Keyless entry on the two front doors
  • Fully keyless start using a start-stop button
    • No mechanical key start

Rear & Storage

  • Rear-view camera
  • Trunk space described as pleasant/large for the class
  • Glue/pump for tire repair
  • Spare tire provision: described as possible/space exists, but not guaranteed

Powertrain & Transmission

  • 1.5L engine (DRZ), 110 hp
  • Naturally aspirated (explicitly not turbocharged), called “surprising”
  • Classic 6-speed automatic
    • Explicitly contrasted with typical VAG DSG

Interior & Tech

  • No climate control in the basic version — only air conditioning
  • Digital instrument panel
    • The reviewer calls it a positive surprise for a basic trim
  • Default head unit is not Russian-localized
    • Mentioned languages include Chinese/English
  • Connectivity options mentioned:
    • Apple CarPlay
    • Huawei HiCar
    • Android Auto / Byd* (Bydu)
    • Described as covering things like Yandex Navigator/music
  • Parking sensors
  • Auto Hold and electric handbrake
  • Seat trim: fabric + “cat” (faux-leather/alcantara-style) two-component
    • White color noted as likely to require frequent cleaning
  • Sunroof + panoramic roof
  • Interior materials commentary:
    • Very soft dashboard plastic (“super-soft plastic”)
    • Some areas described as stiff/cheap/recycled plastic

Airbags

  • In basic configuration: 6 airbags total
    • 2 front side curtain airbags (two curtains)
    • 4 front airbags (including seat airbags)
    • Described as “6 in total”

User Experience / Impressions From the Video

Driving Feel

  • Reviewer describes it as a good city car
    • “Enough dynamics” for comfortable movement
  • Highway overtaking: considered limited
    • Overtakes “won’t be able to” easily
  • Sound insulation: about 3/5
    • Engine noise audible; wind noise manageable enough not to require shouting at speed
  • 0–100 km/h: planned for later testing, but no final timed result reported
  • Suggestion that “break-in/software” effects may improve behavior after more kilometers

Ride Comfort

  • Suspension described as working very well on bumpy roads
  • Reviewer disputes other claims about Chinese cars having short suspension travel, stating this car doesn’t feel short-travel on their route

Rear Seat Comfort

  • Another speaker describes rear seating as very comfortable
    • High seating position: “like on a throne”
  • Rear-seat noise insulation: better than nothing, but not as good as European cars

Lane Assist Behavior

  • Lane return demo: it corrects the car back into the lane
  • Sensor reaction described as slightly slower
    • Still said to function correctly

Pros (Explicitly Praised)

  • Price/value
    • Repeatedly described as “very tasty” and “great car for the money”
  • Rich baseline features for the segment, especially:
    • LED headlights
    • Blind-spot monitoring
    • Rear camera
    • Keyless start + keyless entry
    • Lane return assist
    • Digital instrument panel
    • 6 airbags
    • Sunroof / panoramic roof
    • Classic 6-speed automatic
  • City drivability with generally adequate dynamics
  • Soft dashboard materials (pleasant feel)
  • Comfortable suspension behavior on real roads
  • Trunk space described positively

Cons / Limitations Mentioned

  • Not enough for highway overtaking
    • Implied limitations from engine output and tuning
  • Sound insulation only ~3/5
    • Engine can be heard clearly
  • Basic trim lacks climate control
    • Only A/C
  • Infotainment not Russian-localized by default
    • Needs workaround (European monitor approach, or via Android/CarPlay-style methods)
  • Rear camera may seem poor in frost
    • Mentioned conditions: -15°C (feels like ~20°C cold context)
    • Reviewer suspects behavior issues, though doubts it’s truly “good for this money”
  • Seat fabric:
    • Light white/light “cat” component expected to need frequent cleaning
  • Some interior plastics described as stiff/cheap

Comparisons Made With Other Models

In the VAG / Russian-Market Context

  • Compared to Volkswagen Taos (European version) as a direct competitor/replacement
  • Mention that Taos was available in Russia before sanctions (22) and later left the market, narrowing alternatives

Other Chinese Options

  • Skoda Karoq (and related “Koro k / Komik” confusion—meaning appears to be Karoq-sized competition)
    • Claims: Karoq is poorly equipped in China versus Tharu’s overall offering
    • If choosing between Karoq and Tharu: Tharu is more interesting
  • Mentions Kia models (larger) and Korok/Karoq (smaller) as possible competitors, but without deep spec details
    • Focus remains on Tharu’s value

Germany Variants

  • States that German cars (examples: Skoda Kodiaq/Karoq) would generally be better equipped than Chinese versions

Numerical Ratings / Key Numbers Included

  • Price: ~2,150,000 rubles (main figure)
    • earlier mention of ~2,400,000 rubles for turnkey import
  • Engine: 1.5L, 110 hp
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
  • Wheels: 17-inch
  • Sound insulation: about ~3/5
  • Temperature context for camera: -15°C
  • Airbags: 6 in basic configuration
  • Infotainment localization cost: European monitor estimate around 100,000 rubles
  • Delivery logistics:
    • Client delivery “2–3 weeks” before the new year (details mentioned but not scored)

Overall Verdict (Concise Recommendation)

Recommended as a strong value-for-money choice in its segment.

The video frames the 2025 Volkswagen Tharu as:

  • Excellent for city use
  • Offering solid safety features
  • Providing good ride quality

While also acknowledging:

  • Weaker highway overtaking
  • Average sound insulation (~3/5)
  • Basic-trim omissions, notably no climate control

If your priorities are price and city comfort over sporty highway performance, it’s presented as a great buy.

Unique Points by Speaker (Roles)

  • Main reviewer (driving + feature walkthrough)

    • Keyless start, LED headlights, radar/blind-spot, lane return
    • 1.5L 110 hp non-turbo + classic 6AT vs DSG as a “surprise”
    • City dynamics vs limited highway overtakes
    • Sound insulation ~3/5
    • Suspension comfort on rough roads
    • Competitive context (Taos/Karoq) and import commentary
    • Notes about camera behavior in frost

  • Second speaker (“Lyokha”) (rear seat + materials + tech)

    • Rear seat comfort and high seating position
    • Interior materials: very soft dashboard, some cheap/stiff plastics
    • Panoramic roof + sunroof
    • Basic lacks climate control
    • Workarounds for Russian use via CarPlay / Android Auto–style options
    • Seat materials: light fabric/“cat” likely requires cleaning
    • Lane control demo praised (works; sensor slightly slower)

  • Client/importer anecdote speaker (purchase decision & logistics)

    • Explains why Tharu was chosen (budget constraints, limited imports at the time)
    • Mentions considering alternatives (e.g., Audi A3, Golf, and “Taro/Theraro” uncertainty)
    • Claims relatively quick delivery and effective navigation of sanctions
    • Emphasizes that the price segment matters most, comparing new vs used alternatives

Original video