Volkswagen expected to introduce more mass-market cars 2020 onwards
Volkswagen introduced the PQ25 platform-based fifth-gen Polo in India in 2010, around the same time as it was introduced to the world. Since then, it has seen minor cosmetic updates and the addition of a few features along with the introduction of new engines. While the Polo doesn’t really look dated, thanks to a mature design that has aged well, its design doesn’t really excite either because it has been around for quite some time now.
But the fifth-gen Polo might soon retire in India and make way for the new one. When we last met Volkswagen India’s director, Steffen Knapp, we inquired whether it’ll be safe to say that Volkswagen will have a Polo (in India) which looks like the international (sixth-gen) Polo but is underpinned. The only point is we need to shorten it [the new-gen Polo] . The new Polo is, unfortunately [for the Indian market] , more than 4 metres [in length] . So we need to adapt that and certain standards which are globally necessary which are not necessary in India and local sourcing.”
In order to bring it to India, Volkswagen will have to trim the new Polo’s overall length to under 4 metres for it to qualify for tax benefits on small cars. Also, to keep costs in check, VW has commissioned Skoda to localise the MQB A0 in India. In fact, the first product based on the platform is expected to arrive in 2020.
