Delhi Auto Expo 2012: Volkswagen India Showcase Plans

The Volkswagen stand at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012 will be a definite hit with the ladies what with the German carmaker planning to unveil the New Beetle among a slew of other cars. At first glance, the new Beetle looks identical to the older model (barring, of course, the optional bi-xenon headlamps and LED daytime running lights, which are a dead giveaway). This is because VW wanted the new styling to resemble the original Beetle’s iconic design as far as possible. Having said that, the new model is significantly longer and wider than its predecessor. Only the height has been trimmed marginally by 12mm to give the car a more rakish roofline.

Three trim levels will be on offer – Beetle, Design and Sport – apart from features not earlier seen in the Beetle such as keyless access, satellite navigation system, panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, etc. Boot space is now an impressive 310 litres as against 209 litres earlier. The Beetle will be available in four engine options but Indians would either drive a 1.2-litre TSI with 105 PS or a 1.4-litre with TSI 160 PS.

With BMW planning to launch the MINI at the Expo, the New Beetle will have its task cut out. But if price ever becomes a consideration for these cars, then the Volkswagen priced at an expected Rs 21 lakh will have a slight edge over its competitor, which will command a price upwards of Rs 25 lakh.

The other big attraction at the Volkswagen stall would be the cute-looking up! hatchback. The up! is among Volkswagen’s most important launches and represents the German carmaker’s ambitious plans of worldwide domination by 2018.

The up! was first in news as far back as 2007 when it was showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show as a concept. In India, the compact hatchback will come in a four-door avatar and may use a 1-litre engine that is also on the Skoda Citigo.

Yet another important car for Volkswagen is the updated Touareg, which it plans to showcase at the Expo. The older Touareg was always an attractive SUV with sleek lines and understated stature but it never quite created the splash it was meant to. With the revised model, the Touareg now looks like rest of its family – a twin-slit grille with the Volkswagen logo slapped bang in the middle. A 3-litre diesel engine that puts out 243 PS could be on offer. This is the same unit as on the Audi Q7. Pricing could be key though and Volkswagen may do well to restrict it under Rs 60 lakh. 
 
   
Cars to Watch Out For: Volkswagen up!, New Beetle, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg

Expected Price Range:

New Beetle: Rs. 21 lakhs – Rs. 23 lakhs

Volkswagen up!: Rs 3.3 lakhs – Rs 5 lakhs
Volkswagen Touareg: Rs 60 lakh upwards
 

Competition:

*Ex-showroom Delhi prices