Volkswagen Group has recently launched two new mid-sized SUVs – the Skoda Kushaq and the Volkswagen Taigun in the country. These new models have received positive response from buyers; helping VW Group to gain some market share. In order to further boost sales, VW Group is planning to launch a wide range of new cars in the country in the next 2-3 years.
VW Virtus – First Half Of 2022
German automaker, Volkswagen is working on a new mid-sized sedan for the Indian market. To be based on the VW Virtus, the new sedan will replace the ageing the Vento sedan. The new model will rival the likes of the Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and the Honda City. It will be based on the VW Group’s MQB AO IN platform that underpins the Taigun and the Kushaq.
Not just platform, the sedan will also share the engine options with the SUV siblings. The engine options will include a 113bhp, 1.0L 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol and a 147bhp, 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol. Both manual and automatic versions will be on offer.
Skoda Slavia – Early 2022
Skoda has already revealed the new Slavia mid-sized sedan, which will be launched as a replacement for the recently discontinued Rapid sedan. The new model will be based on the MQB AO IN platform that also underpins the new Kushaq. The new model will be based on the MQB AO IN platform and will source several components from the Kushaq mid-sized SUV.
Its engine setup will include a 1.0L, 3-cylinder TSI petrol and 1.5L, 4-cylinder TSI petrol units delivering a claimed power of 115bhp with 178Nm and 148bhp with 250Nm respectively. Official bookings of the sedan have already been commenced, while deliveries will commence from March-April 2022. The company aims to sell 2,500-3000 units of the sedan every month.
Skoda Kodiaq facelift – January 2022
Skoda has started production of the new Kodiaq facelift at its Aurangabad-based facility in Maharashtra. Scheduled to be launched in January 2022, the new model will rival the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu MU-X and others in its category. The new model will come with several cosmetic design changes along with upgraded interior.
The new Skoda Kodiaq will be powered by a BSVI compliant 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 187bhp of power and 320Nm of torque. A 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox will come as standard, while a 4×4 system could be offered as an optional.
Skoda Sub-4 Meter SUV – 2023
Volkswagen Group is planning to enter the fast growing and highly competitive sub-4 meter SUV segment. To be sold under the Skoda nameplate, the new sub-4 meter SUV will rival the likes of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and the Tata Nexon. Skoda has announced to invest more than 1 billion euros in the Indian market under its 2.0 plan. The group has started working on a plan to make an India-specific sub-compact SUV. This model will be introduced to gain from lower tax for such vehicles.
Internally called the project 2.5, the new compact SUV is reportedly to be launched in the second half of 2023. The new Skoda compact SUV is expected to be based on the modified version of the MQB AO IN platform, which underpins the Kushaq. The new model is likely to be powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox options.
