German automaker, Volkswagen is getting aggressive with its product strategy for the Indian market. The company has officially announced to launch around 3 new SUVs in the country in the next 1 year. Adding to it, VW will also introduce the Vento replacement before the end of this year. The company is also reportedly working on the next generation Polo hatchback on the MQB AO IN platform.
VW Taigun
Volkswagen will introduce the locally developed Taigun mid-sized SUV in the country in the mid-2021. Unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo, the new SUV will be designed and developed on the new MQB AO IN platform that also underpins the Skoda Kushaq and the Vento replacement. It will rival the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos.
The VW Taigun will be offered with two engine options – a 1.0L 3-cylinder turbo petrol and a 1.5L TSI EVO. The 1.0-litre engine is expected to produce around 110bhp of power and 175Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. Paired to a 7-speed DSG automatic, the 1.5L engine produces 147bhp of power and 250Nm of torque.
VW Atlas Cross
Volkswagen has also teased a new SUV, which will be launched before the Taigun. Likely to be launched in March, the new SUV is expected to be the VW Atlas Cross Sport. The Atlas Cross Sport is a five-seater midsize SUV, which comes with coupe-like design along with advanced connectivity and driver-assistance systems. In The global markets, the VW Atlas Cross Sport is available with two engine options – a 276bhp V6 and a 235bhp, 4-cylinder turbocharged and direct injection TSI engine. Power is transmitted to all-wheels via VW 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
VW Tiguan Facelift
Volkswagen will launch the Tiguan facelift in the country before the end of this year. The company will introduce the 5-seater version of the SUV, which is rumoured to be locally assembled in India. It is expected to be priced around Rs 25 lakh, which will make it a direct rival to the Skoda Karoq. The updated model comes with significantly revised design along with feature-loaded cabin.
The Tiguan facelift will be powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that also powers the Karoq. This engine is capable of producing 147bhp of power and 250Nm of torque. Power will be transmitted to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG automatic.
