Volkswagen wants to use the new MQB A0 IN platform for its India models.
This year marked the 10th anniversary of the 5th generation Volkswagen Polo in India. While VW was busy celebrating the Polo’s anniversary, the company has dropped some information on the next generation model.
The 5th generation Polo was replaced by the 6th generation model two years back in international markets. The international version is based on the MQB platform. This platform was deemed too expensive a base for any of the price sensitive models for India. But, with Volkswagen India now planning to introduce the modified MQB A0 IN platform in India, there has been some development. The company is now evaluating the possible options for the replacement of the 5th generation Polo and the 6th generation model is among the contenders.
The Polo is a very important product for Volkswagen as this is the bread and butter model for the company. Since its introduction in the Indian market, the company has sold over 2.5 lakh units. This is the reason why the company can’t take any chance with the replacement model. When and if the 6th generation model arrives in India, expect some India specific changes to be made to it. This will be done to keep the costs in check and also to make the car more suitable for Indian driving conditions (the 5th gen Polo comes standard with the ‘Rough Road’ package in India).
The 6th gen Polo has grown in all dimensions as compared to the previous gen model. The car is now 4053 mm long (expect the Indian model to be a re-engineered sub 4 metre model) with increased wheelbase. This has translated into an increase in leg room. The boot has also grown from 280 litres to 351 litres. Some of the more advanced features like virtual cockpit may be cut or made optional. This is to keep the cost more in line with rivals like the Maruti Baleno and Hyundai i20.
6th Gen Volkswagen Polo
– The company will use the upcoming MQB A0 IN platform
– 6th generation Polo being heavily considered
– Expect the car to be re-engineered to suit India driving conditions
Source – Auto.NDTV.com