Volkswagen compact-SUV for India coming soon

Volkswagen realises that SUVs are a high growth segment. During an interaction with VW board member, Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser, he said, “Worldwide the SUV trend is growing step by step... It is necessary to have one SUV in each segment.” Dr Neusser explained that apart from the Volkswagen Tiguan in the A2 segment the company will be introducing compact SUV based on the Golf and even one on the Volkswagen Polo platform internationally.

Volkswagen India had showcased a sub-4 meter Taigun concept based on the Up! platform earlier this year during the 2014 Auto Expo. However, according to Neusser the company is contemplating to develop the production version of the Taigun compact SUV on the Up! platform or on the new and more expensive MQB platform which also underpins Audi A3 and Skoda Octavia in India.

Although using the MQB platform may be comparatively more expensive initially, than using a smaller existing platform, but this move will give Volkswagen group the flexibility to introduce SUV under its other brands such as Audi and Skoda. Whatever the decision, Dr Neusser says, “We do this together with the other brands (of Volkswagen Group) because we want to have a platform system which can be used on other brands.” We expect the new Volkswagen compact SUV to be over 4-metre in length to compete with the likes of Renault Duster and to be ready by the end of 2015. Powering the SUV would be the new 1.5-litre diesel engine which has recently started to be locally manufactured at Volkswagen India’s Chakan plant.

Volkswagen India is also developing a sub-4 metre sedan specifically for India which will be pitted against the Maruti Dzire and Hyundai Xcent. The compact sedan will not only share its platform with the Volkswagen Polo, but will also be offered with the same powerplants. Commenting on this, Dr Neusser said, "We are developing a Polo as a sub 4-metre concept, the design is ready and it looks pretty good." The new sub-4 metre Polo sedan is expected to hit the markets next year. (Also Read: Volkswagen developing sub-4 metre sedan for India)