German automaker, Volkswagen is planning to launch 2 new SUVs – the Atlas Cross and the Taigun – in the Indian market by mid-2021. The company has also announced to re-introduce the T-ROC and the Tiguan facelift. Adding to it, the next generation Volkswagen Vento is also scheduled to be launched before the end of this year.
Interestingly, Volkswagen is also readying the next generation Volkswagen Polo hatchback for the Indian market. It will replace the existing Polo hatchback, which has been around for more than 10 years. The next-gen Volkswagen Polo will be based on the MQB AO IN platform, which also underpins the Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq mid-sized SUV. In fact, the Vento replacement will also be based on this platform.
Volkswagen will first upgrade the global-spec Polo hatchback, which was introduced in 2017. The new model will receive significant design changes and upgraded cabin along with new set of engines. The hatchback is likely to receive a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 110bhp and 175Nm of torque.
The performance-oriented version is likely to receive the 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine that offers two states of tunes – a 131PS and 200Nm and 150PS and 250Nm. The new engines could also be benefitted with a mild-hybrid system, which comprises of a 48V Li-ion battery with a belt-driven starter-alternator.
The current VW Polo is powered by a 1.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine that churns out 75bhp of power and 95Nm of torque, and is paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The top-spec model gets a 1.0L turbocharged engine offering 108bhp and 175Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
The new VW Polo is expected to share the interior and features with the upcoming Taigun mid-sized SUV and the next-gen Vento sedan. This will help Volkswagen to keep its cost down. It is expected that the next-gen VW polo will be introduced in 2022. A possible debut at the 2022 Auto Expo can’t be ignored.
