Cars & SUVs from the Geneva Motor Show that India wants

The Geneva Motor Show is just a week away, and the list of cars and SUVs that will be unveiled there is huge. We pick out 5 such vehicles that buyers in India will want.

Volkswagen T-Cross

The T-Cross is the Polo-based SUV that Volkswagen could build and sell in India, and it’s coming to Geneva. Now that Volkswagen has dumped the Taigun, saying that it’s too small for emerging markets, the T-Cross seems like just the right alternate. The Polo (PQ25) platform has 1.2 liter TSI and 1.5 liter TDI turbocharged petrol and diesel engines ready for use, and this suits India right. VW could do both sub-4 meter or 4.2 meter lengths with this SUV, which will allow it to take on the Ecosport-Brezza or Creta-Duster.

Ssangyong Tivoli XLV

The Tivoli XLV is the 7 seat version of Ssangyong’s latest compact SUV. While Mahindra has already begun testing the 5 seat Tivoli in India, the 7 seat version will also be a good idea for the Indian car market.  Remember, the Honda BR-V, will soon be launched, and will also feature 7 seats. Even after launching the 5 seat Tivoli in India, Mahindra will have enough space as the Rexton sits a couple of segments higher. What say, Mahindra?

Skoda Kodiaq

The Skoda Kodiaq 7 seat SUV will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, and production of this vehicle will start from the end of this year. While Skoda India has remained tight lipped about bringing this SUV to India, it’s quite likely that they’ll take a positive decision on this soon as the Czech brand is now focusing on luxury cars here. The Kodiaq shares the MQB platform with the Volkswagen Tiguan, which will be CKD assembled at Aurangabad. So, assembling the Kodiaq in India should give VW economies of scale.

Fiat Tipo

Fiat cannot do with just the Punto and Linea. It desperately needs new cars in India, and the Egea sedan looks very promising. The Tipo, which is the hatchback version of the Egea, will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. Though the Tipo is meant to replace the Bravo globally, Fiat could use it to replace the Punto in India, or even reposition the Punto lower here, and slot in the Tipo as a premium hatchback. The car will share its engines with the Egea, which means that the 1.4 liter petrol and 1.3 and 1.6 liter diesels will be on offer.

Bugatti Chiron

 

The Chiron is the replacement to the Veyron and hypercar enthusiasts are waiting with bated breath to have a glimpse of Bugatti’s latest. Given the fact that the supercar market is growing in India, the Volkswagen group may sell the Chiron here as well. The Chiron is expected to feature the W16 quad turbo petrol engine along with an electric motor, giving it hybrid credentials, and certainly much more performance than the car it replaces.