Representational
After much deliberation following the success of Skoda’s Kylaq, Volkswagen has finally confirmed plans to launch a compact SUV in India. Scheduled to arrive in showrooms, this model will be the company’s first sub-4 metre car since the discontinuation of the Polo in 2022.
While the Skoda Kylaq has not been a major hit like Tata Motors’ Nexon, it is performing far better than any other locally manufactured model from Volkswagen Group. Between January and September this year, Skoda delivered 35,436 units of its sub-4 metre SUV, which means it has been selling nearly 4,000 units per month on average.
The revision in the GST structure has also spurred demand for sub-4 metre cars. In September last year, the government reduced the GST on ICE cars measuring up to 4,000 mm in length from 29% in the case of petrol models with 1,200 cc or smaller engines and from 31% in the case of diesel models with 1,500 cc or smaller engines to a uniform 18%. Volkswagen Group no longer plans to offer locally manufactured diesel cars, but the 11% reduction in the GST rate on sub-4 metre petrol models certainly appears to have helped its decision on approving a corporate cousin of the Skoda Kylaq.
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Volkswagen has yet to reveal the name of its India-focused sub-4 metre SUV. What we do know is that the company will develop it on a shortened version of the MQB A0 IN platform underpinning the Taigun. The compact SUV should measure 4 metres in length, around 1.8 metres in width, and approximately 1.6 metres in height. Its wheelbase will likely span 2.6 metres.
The VW compact SUV may have proportions similar to the Skoda Kylaq, but it will have a substantially different, sportier exterior. From the headlamps to the grilles, tail lamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, and bumpers should have a completely different look. Inside, the dashboard, centre console, door cards, and seats will likely carry a distinctive design. We expect a GT-Line trim to be offered for customers who prefer a sportier styling with darkened exterior and interior elements.
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Volkswagen will likely offer its compact SUV with a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine producing 114 bhp and 178 Nm of torque. Customers will likely be able to choose between 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions, both sending power to the front wheels. The fuel economy of the sub-4 metre SUV will likely be around 19 km/l.
