Volkswagen considering compact sedan, SUV and new hatchback for India

Volkswagen India plans to invest 800 crore rupees to develop a range of new products for the Indian car market. Of these products, the Vento based compact sedan, a compact SUV based either on the Taigun or on the MQB platform, and a new hatchback the details of which remain unknown at this pount in time, are the three new products that Volkswagen is considering for the Indian market. All these products are expected to be launched only after 2015.

In the immediate future, Volkswagen India will focus on refreshing its existing range of cars and increasing the amount of localization on the mass market cars it sells here. The increased localization levels on the likes of the Polo and the Vento are expected to reduce ownership and service costs, which are quite exorbitant currently. Lower service and ownership costs are two important factors that buyers in India consider before zeroing in on a car.

The Polo hatchback and the Vento sedan, two of Volkswagen’s largest selling car models, will get facelifts in the coming months. Both cars are likely to gain a new, 1.5 liter TDI turbo diesel engine and a new diesel automatic variant, with the addition of a 6 speed dual clutch DSG automatic gearbox. The Polo and Vento Diesel Automatics will be launched in India before the first quarter of 2015.

By the end of this year, Volkswagen will unveil the all-new Passat internationally. The next-generation Passat, based on the MQB platform is tipped to arrive into India soon after the global launch. Expect the MQB based 2015 Passat to begin selling in India from 2015. The new car will get a design revamp on the outside and additional features on the inside. The car will also feature a brand new twin turbo 2 liter TDI turbo diesel engine, with class leading outputs.

Via TheEconomicTimes