Volkswagen Polo-Based Compact SUV to Make Global Premiere in 2018

Volkswagen T-Cross Breeze Concept

Volkswagen Polo-based compact SUV will take design cue from T-Cross Breeze concept and Budd-e concept; launch due in late 2018

Volkswagen is working on an all new compact SUV based on the Polo hatchback as we all know and it is expected to enter foreign markets sometime late next year. The new car could be manufactured in India as localized production will help the automaker to keep pricing aggressive. Speaking about the new compact SUV’s development Mr. Juergen Stackmann, member of board of management, Volkswagen confirmed of the matter according to earlier reports.

The Polo-based compact SUV will take design cue from T-Cross Breeze concept, which was unveiled at 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Therefore, the chances of production-spec Polo SUV gracing Geneva next year cannot be ruled out. The car is expected to enter production in early 2018. In India, compact SUV segment is seeing high demand and Hyundai Creta has become the leading player in the segment. Volkswagen’s upcoming compact SUV is likely to directly take on the Korean SUV.

Volkswagen T-Cross Breeze Concept side profile

Also read: Volkswagen Compact SUV to Rival Hyundai Creta; Based on the T-Cross Concept

The German automaker is planning to launch a range of SUVs, as the demand for SUVs and crossovers are rising across the world. In India too, the picture is not different compared to the rest of the world. Expect the new compact SUV to be based on new MQB A0 platform, which will be shared with new generation Polo as well. The platform will give rise to the next generation Vento sedan as well which means all the three products are likely to share same wheelbase.

Expect the Polo-based SUV to feature a boxy yet modern shape, and it will sport sharp headlamps with LED daytime running lights, aggressive front grille and beefy bumper. Expect it to feature skid plates emphasizing the toughness. Apart from that, it could also feature sporty alloy wheels, sharp character lines, roof rails, LED taillights. In terms of interior design and features, upcoming compact SUV will be inspired by Budd-e concept. This means Polo-based compact SUV will come with minimal buttons and knobs inside the cabin.

Volkswagen T-Cross Breeze Concept
Also read: Volkswagen T-Cross Breeze Compact SUV Concept Revealed

On the powertrain front, the Polo-based compact SUV will likely be powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which could produce 110 bhp of peak power and 175 Nm of peak torque. Also, there could be a 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine generating 110 bhp of peak power, and a 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine as well churning out 116 bhp of peak power. Expect the car to be priced between Rs. 9 lakh and Rs. 14 lakh and enter India sometime in late 2018 or early 2019.