Things have been slow for the German automobile giant off late in India with no new launches, except for a couple of facelifts. Although existing models such as the Polo and Vento are managing decent monthly sales, they have been around for a while now and are starting to lose out to new models. Plus, they have no presence in a a few essential segments with currently only three models on sale in India. However, Volkswagen is looking to address these issues with at least four new models planned for launch by next year. Take a look at all the upcoming Volkswagen cars in India 2015-16 which the company has confirmed will make it to India within the next couple of years.
VENTO FACELIFT [Launched]
Although Volkswagen did give the sedan a minor update after the launch of the refreshed Polo, the Vento will get a more comprehensive facelift in the coming months. The updated model will get a new headlamps, a larger grille, new fog lamps and revised tail lamp detailing. Both bumpers will also be slightly reworked and a chrome strip will be added to the boot above the number plate. In order to compete with newer models, Volkswagen will also add more equipment on the inside. However, engine options will remain unchanged. The interesting thing about the facelift is the fact that prices might go down slightly compared to the current version which will make it a very good value for money proposition in that segment. The facelifted Vento has already been spied testing and will likely be launched by June 2015.
- Estimated Price: INR 8-10 lakhs (ex-showroom)
- Expected Launch: Launched
- Competition: Honda City, Maruti Ciaz, Hyundai Verna, Fiat Linea, Nissan Sunny, Renault Scala
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – New Volkswagen Vento Launch Report[/box]
BEETLE
The iconic Beetle hatchback will re-enter the Indian market by the end of this year. Although the latest generation Beetle has been on sale in the International market for quite some time now, VW is taking its own sweet time in launching it here possibly because it is not exactly a high volume seller. The new one ditches the previous generation Beetle’s female friendly exterior in favour of a more muscular design. The driving experience has been enhanced and there is also a 217 bhp R-Line version however, whether it makes it to India or not remains to be seen.
- Estimated Price: INR 30 lakhs (ex-showroom)
- Expected Launch: End 2015
- Competition: Mini Cooper
POLO/VENTO COMPACT SEDAN
Volkswagen will be looking to enter the highly lucrative compact sedan space with a vehicle based on the current Polo or Vento. Reports suggest that the compact sedan will be christened the Bora, a name used by Volkswagen for a sedan during the 90s. The car will essentially be a truncated version of the Vento, so getting the looks right might turn out to be a bit of a challenge. Engines will definitely be shared with the Polo hatchback since it will have to qualify as a small car according to Government regulations. In order to give the car its own identity Volkswagen will give it a redesigned set of headlamps and tail lamps and a new alloy wheel design. Launch is still around a year away, but we won’t be surprised if it makes an appearance at the Auto Expo next year.
- Estimated Price: INR 6-8 lakhs (ex-showroom)
- Expected Launch: First half 2016
- Competition: Maruti Swift Dzire, Tata Zest, Hyundai Xcent, Honda Amaze, Ford Figo Aspire
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – Volkswagen Vento Compact Sedan Rendering and Details[/box]
PASSAT
The Passat, another Volkswagen that was discontinued in India, will make a comeback next year in its latest avatar. The new Passat is bigger and much more luxurious than the previous generation model and will come loaded with features and modern technology. The new Passat will be luxurious enough to compete with luxury sedans, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class and will be priced slightly more than the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The pricing will be substantially higher than the previous model since the latest generation is much more spacious, luxurious and features more tech than before. It will come equipped with a 2.0 litre TDI diesel producing 187 bhp. An appearance at the 2016 Auto Expo is expected with a launch taking place soon afterwards.
- Estimated Price: INR 30-35 lakhs (ex-showroom)
- Expected Launch: Early 2016
- Competition: Toyota Camry, Skoda Superb
TIGUAN
The yet-to-be unveiled next generation Volkswagen Tiguan will make it way to India some time next year. The SUV is set to be unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, but India is likely to get a slightly larger seven-seat version of that. Like the new Passat it will be assembled locally to keep costs in check and will also feature the same 2.0 litre TDI diesel. In India it will compete with the Honda CR-V and the Skoda Yeti. The Tiguan should be available in the country by the middle of next year.
- Estimated Price: INR 20-25 lakhs (ex-showroom)
- Expected Launch: Mid 2016
- Competition: Honda CR-V
So which of these cars do you fancy the most? Let us know about your views on the upcoming Volkswagen cars in India 2015-16.
