Volkswagen Polo based compact SUV in the pipeline

Volkswagen is likely to launch a Polo based compact SUV sometime in 2014. To be built on the German auto giant’s versatile MQB platform, the compact SUV will be based on the next generation Polo. Intended as a move to help it get a share of the rapidly growing compact SUV market, the new vehicle will take on the likes of the Mini Countryman and the Nissan Juke in the foreign markets. 

Autocar UK says the new vehicle is likely to be the same size as the Audi Q2/Crosslane Concept which was shown during the 2012 Paris Motor Show. They added that it will borrow styling cues from the Volkswagen Cross Coupe concept.  

Commenting on the development, Volkswagen R&D chief Ulrich Hackenberg said the car was going to be adapted to various markets, including a basic version for emerging markets and a premium model for the Europeans. This Polo-based SUV will be offered with both 2WD and 4WD configurations, but Volkswagen says that most buyers will prefer the two-wheel drive version.    

If we are to go by Hackenberg’s statement, then expect the compact SUV to make its way here in a more basic form sometime after its 2014 launch for a price between Rs 8-12 lakh. If priced correctly it will offer good competition to other in its class like the Renault Duster, Chevrolet Trax and the Mahindra S-101 which is likely to make a debut around the same time. 

Autocar also says that Volkswagen will debut an Up! Based compact SUV at the Sao Paulo Motor Show as well as unveil a Passat (US spec) based SUV at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2013. 

Source: Autocar UK