Volkswagen India has so far had a lackluster sales record in the country as compared to its global track record. To change this, the Germans are doing what you would not see them doing very often – considering country-specific cars!
For this Volkswagen has targeted two of the fastest growing segments in the Indian car industry. We already know that there have been various talks going on and now, according to a report published on Autocar, Volkswagen has finally given the green light to the production of a Compact Sedan and a compact SUV.
The compact sedan will be placed below the Vento and would be based on the Polo. It will even share Polo’s wheelbase of 2,456 mm. The car’s design is reportedly (and essentially) based on the Polo with a tiny boot attached to it. Well, the sub 4 meter law in this country has surely damaged a lot of good looking cars and the fantastically simple looking Polo may just end up looking a funny juggernaut!
Record sales of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze and Hyundai Xcent seem to be attracting everyone to get a share of the pie. Meanwhile, Tata Motors, who were the first to hit the segment are also doing well with their Zest. And Ford is set to follow with their Figo sedan next year.
Can Volkswagen still manage to get some decent numbers even though it is so late? But I have a bigger question – Can they defy the laws of sub 4 meter cars (which essentially means ‘ugly looking cars’) and bring something which will look tolerably good! According to rumors, the car may be called as Polo Stuffe (or something similar)!
The company would also be taking out a new compact SUV which will not be restricted to 4 meters. Volkswagen seems to be targeting the Renault Duster/Nissan Terano rather than the Ford EcoSport, possibly. They are yet to decide whether to build the new SUV on the Polo or the newer and more expensive MQB platform.
The report also hints that this would not be the only SUV from Volkswagen in India and would also see more. It shall also see some premium features like Mirror link and Apple’s Car play.
The company intends to increase the localisation on these products to increase profitability and reduce costs. Volkswagen intends to launch both the vehicles within two years and the compact sedan may sneak in by the end of 2015.
Related: Old Polo vs New Polo Facelift: Comparison: What has Changed…
