After more than fifty years of development, SUVs have evolved from the original Cherokee. Today, they offer better handling, noise reduction, and comfort on city roads. They also handle unpaved surfaces and steep trails well. People widely recognize their capabilities.
City SUVs meet the needs of many buyers. Car companies prioritize this segment. They even develop dedicated SUV production lines. The most well-known is SAIC Volkswagen’s “Tuo” series. This includes Tuo Kai, Tuo Yue, Tuo Guan L, Tuo Guan L Pro, and Tuo Ang families.
Volkswagen understands the Chinese market and its consumers. The company believes it is essential to continue focusing on fuel vehicles. It also aims to enrich its SUV product line. The “Tao” series needs a new product to fill the price gap between the T-Roc and the Tiguan. Thus, SAIC Volkswagen introduces the new Tharu XR SUV. This vehicle positions itself as a compact SUV, named T-Roc New Wave in Chinese. As a new member of the T-Roc family, it will work alongside the new T-Roc to shake up the entry-level SUV market in China.
The Tuguan New Sharp features a fresh design. It follows Volkswagen’s new generation SUV design language. Although it shares a name with the Tuguan, its appearance resembles the Tuguan L Pro more. This model represents SAIC Volkswagen’s latest SUV design. It incorporates stylish elements in its details. The design remains appealing over time. Consumers can enjoy a high-end SUV look at an entry-level price of 100,000 yuan (14040$).
The new Tuyue features a sculpted hood with dual lines and a horizontal front grille. The LED headlights resemble slightly raised eyebrows. This design gives the car a stylish and enduring appeal.
The car’s side features a dual waistline design. The segmented waistline runs from the front to the rear. It outlines a sleek body proportion. This design conveys power and readiness.
The rear features a continuous LED taillight design. The ends curve upward slightly. Together, they resemble a pair of spread wings.
The transparent lampshade allows us to see the exquisite design inside. It showcases the textured “strength and beauty.”
The Touareg’s letter logo sits below the Volkswagen emblem.
The Tuyue Xinyue offers two design options: black package and chrome. The black package version looks mysterious and dynamic. It features a cool black sports kit that enhances its premium feel. The kit includes a cool black rear spoiler, a cool black roof rack, and cool black side skirts. The shiny silver rear guard adds a rugged touch. Despite being a city SUV, it showcases the off-road characteristics of an SUV.
Besides that, the rearview mirrors, tail badges, window frames, front grille trims, and 17-inch wheels all feature a blacked-out design. This creates a strong sense of dynamism. The chrome version offers a simple and elegant look. It includes horizontal chrome accents, presenting a youthful and fashionable style.
The Tuyue Xinyue offers five color options. These colors meet various consumer preferences. They include Vibrant Blue, Energetic Pink, Fresh Green, Moonlight White, and Salt Gray.
Three nature-themed interiors: Breeze and Waves, Azure Ripples, and Tranquil Deep Sea. Both male customers and female owners can find their ideal match.
The new Tuya has a body size of 4355mm by 1762mm by 1605mm. Its wheelbase measures 2651mm. In comparison, the Tuya is 4458mm long with a wheelbase of 2680mm. Clearly, the new Tuya targets a lower market segment than the Tuya.
The design uses a more scientific and rational cabin layout. It provides a spacious and comfortable driving experience. The engine compartment is more compact. The interior layout is more organized. The vehicle achieves an interior space utilization rate of 52.7%.
The rear seats can fold down in a 4/6 split or fully. This allows flexible allocation of trunk and rear space. The space with the rear seats up is 445L. When fully folded, it reaches a maximum of 1443L. Unfortunately, the trunk and rear space do not align perfectly when the rear seats are down.
We entered the car. The first thing we saw was the integrated dashboard. It features a 9.2-inch central control screen and a 10.25-inch full digital instrument panel.
The Tuo Yue features physical buttons for its central control. This design aligns with daily driving habits. Drivers can operate it without distraction. The gear lever is mechanical. This choice is common in Volkswagen’s models priced around 100,000 yuan (14040$).
Front row wireless charging supports mainstream phone wireless charging protocols and offers 15W wireless charging.
The front seats catch my eye. They have an integrated sports design. Leather and fabric combine in their upholstery. The front seats also offer a heating function.
The Panorama electric sunroof measures 0.87㎡. It opens up to 47%. It blocks 99% of UV rays and 96% of infrared rays. It also prevents 95% of visible light. The SUV features dual-zone air conditioning and ambient lighting. Despite being an entry-level model, it offers great practicality.
Let’s look at its power configuration. The Tuarex offers two options: a 1.5T engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine with a 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission.
The first powertrain combines a 1.5T engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The engine delivers a maximum power of 118 kW and a peak torque of 250 Nm. The new technology boosts the acceleration of the Tuyuet to 8.8 seconds. It features a high-efficiency VTG variable geometry turbocharger, similar to Porsche’s. This turbocharger automatically adjusts the turbine housing diameter. At low RPM, it narrows the opening to quickly increase turbine speed and reduce lag. At high RPM, it widens the opening for stronger intake and greater power output. It also includes a super-atomization high-frequency fuel injection system. This system optimizes the nozzle structure and increases injection pressure. It raises the number of injections per cycle to 5, enhancing fuel atomization and combustion efficiency.
The WLTC combined fuel consumption is 5.7L per 100 km. Volkswagen claims it is the most fuel-efficient fuel SUV. This power system runs on 92 octane gasoline. Fuel economy greatly improves.
Another power configuration features a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine paired with an Aisin 6AT. It delivers a maximum power of 81kW and a maximum torque of 141Nm. This setup offers high reliability, low failure rates, and easy maintenance. It has successfully served over 4 million various Volkswagen models. In comparison, the 1.5T version may excel in power and fuel economy. However, the 1.5L version can save owners money on initial investment and maintenance costs. Ultimately, it depends on the owners’ choices.
Next, we arrive at the test site. We will examine the dynamic driving performance of the Tuareg. The test includes three subjects: wetland moose test, emergency avoidance, and small-angle turning. We will also conduct a 100-meter acceleration test.
The Tuyuet Xinyue weighs about 1.3 tons. This weight is not heavy. It has a 1.5T power output. The vehicle performs dynamically and flexibly. Acceleration, braking, steering, and other inertia-related dynamics feel agile.
In the wetland moose test, I drove the Volkswagen Tayron at 50 km/h into the wet area. I avoided braking and accelerating. The Tayron features an independent MacPherson front suspension and a non-independent torsion beam rear suspension. This setup delivers an excellent driving experience. The suspension system absorbs most bumps. It also provides enough support during turns. The driver can easily handle various road conditions.
In emergency avoidance and small-angle turn tests, the Touareg’s steering feels natural. It retains road feedback. Drivers can sense the road conditions and the vehicle’s connection to the surface. According to the manufacturer, Volkswagen engineers improved steering response and stability through damper tuning and tire matching. They maintained the comfort typical of urban SUVs. This aligns with the consistent performance of German cars. The handling is excellent.
Summary: Volkswagen understands the Chinese market and consumer insights. They find it necessary to continue focusing on fuel vehicles. Additionally, to enrich their SUV lineup, Volkswagen needs a new product between the T-Cross and the T-Roc. The new T-Roc offers fresh design, optimized dimensions, and diverse power options. The only question remains: the price. The new T-Roc will officially launch at the Chengdu Auto Show at the end of August. Let’s wait and see.