Key highlights
- Volkswagen compact SUV confirmed for India
- To be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform shared with Skoda Kylaq
- Likely to get the 1.0-litre TSI engine
Just after days of online reports hinting at a new Volkswagen compact SUV, the German brand has officially confirmed it. This new SUV will be introduced next year in India, and it will share its underpinnings with the Skoda Kylaq.
What to expect from the Volkswagen compact SUV?
As per the official confirmation, this new SUV will focus mass market segment in India. This high volume segment consists of popular models like the Maruti Fronx and the Skoda Kylaq. The latter will be used to share the powertrain and chassis by Volkswagen.
The MQB-A0-IN platform will ensure that the costs remain in check. Online reports hint that it could be priced around Rs 8-13 lakh. Moreover, it will come with a single 1.0 TSI turbo petrol engine that makes 118 bhp. VW is most likely to offer a 6-speed manual and the new 8-speed AT gearbox options on it. The latter will be carried forward from the new Taigun facelift.
After being silent for a long time on the compact SUV topic, VW seems to be finally convinced from the high sales volume that Skoda Kylaq brought last year. The latter managed to sell 45,000 units in the previous year, which has pushed VW to consider a compact SUV of similar stance.
To keep the company’s identity intact, it will get a substantially different design and interior than the Skoda Kylaq. Moreover, the name has not been decided but we sincerely hope that VW brands it as Polo Cross or something similar.
Meanwhile, Skoda is planning to introduce a new CNG powertrain that will be based on the 1.0 TSI engine. This engine is also likely to be offered on the VW’s compact SUV as well. However, the brand has not said anything regarding it.
As of now, we know that this new SUV is coming next year.
Also read: Maruti Baleno facelift to get a new CNG-automatic option
