MQB A0 IN VW SUV (Kia Seltos) rival to debut at Auto Expo 2020 - Report

11/09/2019 - 13:45 VW T-Cross, Volkswagen Prashant Singh

A new report says the Indian-spec VW T-Cross, the fourth version of the global sub-compact SUV, will debut in pre-production form at Auto Expo 2020. Its platform-mate from Skoda will premiere in concept at the same event. Of these two, the Skoda model will be the first one to be put on sale in India.

VW T-Cross teaser image — The VW T-Cross will be offered with two petrol engine options in India and it will likely be sold with a different name.

As we have known for a while now, the Indian-spec VW T-Cross will have a tougher design and sit on the MQB A0 IN platform, the low-cost version of the MQB A0 platform. Like Latin America and China, India will get its T-Cross with a wheelbase nearly 100 mm longer than the version sold in Europe (2,563 mm). Steffen Knapp, Director, Volkswagen India, had told IndianAutosBlog.com last year that the Indian-spec VW T-Cross will have "real SUV style" with "more ruggedness and higher ground clearance". The new report says that it will have 205 mm ground clearance, longer doors and a different axle and suspension setup. Expect a greater focus on rear-seat comfort as well. Also, the name of the version sold in India will likely be different, so that customers don't associate it with Maruti S-Cross.

The MQB A0 IN VW SUV will be offered with two petrol engine options in India. One will be a 130 PS 1.5-litre EVO TSI turbocharged four-cylinder unit and the other will be a 115 PS 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged three-cylinder unit. Diesel engine option will be given a miss, but the company hasn't ruled out the possibility of a CNG-powered variant.

Latam Spec Vw T Cross Rear Three Quarters 4172 — The MQB A0 IN VW SUV will have a mechanical cousin from Skoda, a similarly modified version of the already-on-sale European sub-compact SUV (Kamiq).

Also read: Volkswagen Ameo GT Line silently launched at INR 9.99 lakh

The MQB AO IN SUVs from Volkswagen and Skoda will be a part of Volkswagen Group's India 2.0 strategy. Both the SUVs will face stiff competition from the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos as well as the Tata Harrier and the MG Hector.

[Source: autocarindia.com]