Volkswagen’s compact SUV based on MQB A0 IN platform could be launched in India by 2021 targetting volume sales
Skoda has assumed responsibility in the INDIA 2.0 project for the Volkswagen Group and it is crucial in the future sustainability and profitability of the world’s largest automaker by sales volume in the domestic market. The Czech’s brand first product coming out of the MQB A0 IN platform is a mid-size SUV which is expected to make global debut next March at 2019 Geneva Motor Show.
It will the smallest SUV within Skoda’s fleet and be positioned below the Karoq. The production version of Vision X concept will more likely enter India towards the end of this decade with high local content to take on the segment led by Hyundai Creta as well as Jeep Compass to a certain degree. VW Group is investing over 1 billion Euros between 2019 and 2021 locally as the MQB A0 IN is tailor-made for India as well as emerging markets.
The derivate of the flexible MQB architecture is more suited for India due to the not-so expensive nature and it will allow the more streamlined products to be priced competitively – something the VW Group struggled with notoriously. With increased local production planned early next decade, Skoda and Volkswagen will be launching two vehicles each year from 2021.
On the VW side of things, the newly unveiled T-Cross gives a clear idea of what is in store. Even an international media report suggested that the SUV would reach India alongside Europe, South America and China. Unveiled simultaneously in Amsterdam, Sao Paulo, and Shanghai, the T-Cross has obvious differences in each region. For instance, the China-spec T-Cross has more rugged exterior reminiscing design cues of Tiguan.
With Volkswagen aiming to extract 50 percent of its total worldwide sales from SUVs by 2025, a mass market like India won’t be left out of the equation we reckon, and the T-Cross, which could carry a different name upon arrival by the end of 2020 or 2021, will play a significant part in the brand’s expansion. It will address the craze for premium SUVs among Indian buyers and the MQB A0 IN architecture will likely spawn a sedan variant down the line.
It will be powered by small capacity fuel-efficient engines with manual and transmission options, and only front-wheel-drive system will be available due to cost reasons. The interior boasts upmarket finishes and comes loaded with advanced digital instrumentation and safety features.
The T-Cross is testament to VW’s capability in creating different versions out of a single model and the India-spec SUV can be expected to have good cabin space as well. To know more about the T-Cross click the attached link.
Volkswagen T-Cross SUV Images
