Volkswagen is considering bringing performance variants of all their models, starting with a new GT Line of the T-Roc and then we could see one for the Taigun as well.
Volkswagen wants to establish themselves as an SUV brand in India and they are rightly calling it the ‘SUVW’ strategy. They are going to launch as many as four new SUVs in India in the next two years and as it turns out now, they have something even more exciting lined up for us. Volkswagen is considering introducing the performance variants of their SUV in India. The first product of this strategy could be the Volkswagen T-Roc GT Line or the ‘T-Roc R’ as its known in the international markets.
Volkswagen is likely to use ‘GT line’ as a suffix as that name is more popular already in the Indian market with the Polo an Vento. This, if at all, will only happen in 2021 after Volkswagen has taken a call on whether to locally manufacture the T-Roc or not. Currently, Volkswagen retails the T-Roc in India as a fully built import, priced at Rs 19.99 lakh. If the T-Roc is locally assembled in the future, then it would be ideal to bring in a small batch of imports with a more powerful engine and a sportier trim for the GT Line of the T-Roc.
Under the hood, Volkswagen could equip the T-Roc GT Line with two engine options depending on whether its locally manufactured or still comes as an import. There’s a 206bhp 1.8L TSi petrol engine from the race Polo and there’s also a 294bhp 2.0L TSI petrol engine. In fact, this 2.0L TSI engine is what was launched on the T-Roc R in Germany a couple of months ago. Also, this is the same engine that’s offered on the VW Tiguan AllSpace in India, although in a much lesser state of tune with 187bhp. Whatever the engine, it will come mated to an automatic DSG gearbox as standard.
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The VW T-Roc GT or T-Roc R as its known internationally is much more aggressive looking with much sportier bumpers with large air-intakes and vertically stacked DRLs. Its also gets plenty of ‘R’ badgings and a sportier all-black interior color scheme with ‘R’ monogrammed seats. To give you a pretext, there is a proposed idea within the company to have performance variants of each of its models offered in the market. VW is very connected to its Motorsport Division, and that connect is integral to the company’s marketing plan, and therefore its model portfolio too.
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Sirish Vissa, Head of VW Motorsport India said, “We are looking at doing special versions of every car. Our big push in India is the SUV range. Practically they’re the best cars for India. Stay tuned. There will be something for sure.” Keeping in line with this idea, perhaps we could even see a sportier iteration of the Taigun compact SUV that’s also due from Volkswagen soon. All of this is certainly speculation at this stage but a great idea if Volkswagen actually wants to have performance variants of each of its models in the India market. It will certainly help Volkswagen carve out a nice for itself over its rivals and bring in a fresh audience to the brand. We really hope something exciting from you is coming, Volkswagen.
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