VW India’s compact sedan to launch in 2016, Auto Expo premiere likely - IAB Report

Would share engines with the VW Polo.

It’s no secret that VW India is working on a compact sedan (dubbed by the media as the 'Polo Stuffe')to challenge the likes of the Honda Amaze, Maruti Dzire and the forthcoming new Figo-based compact sedan.

Indian Autos Blog learns from sources that the sedan will launch in the Indian market in 2016, with an Auto Expo unveiling on the cards.

The new compact sedan, which is specific to India, is based on the same platform as the VW Polo. Hence, engine options will also be carried over from the hatchback. The petrol variants would see a 1.2-liter three-cylinder naturally-aspirated mill matched to a 5-speed manual transmission while the diesel will get the new 1.5-liter four-cylinder, also paired to a 5-speed manual.

The new compact sedan will be manufactured at VW India’s Chakan facility in Pune. While increasing its market share in the Indian market is high on VW’s agenda, the company may export the compact car to markets it currently serves, Nepal being a good example.

VW India is taking it in small steps: Before launching the compact sedan, the company understood that localization is key to achieve competitive prices, and hence started manufacturing the 1.5-liter diesel engine at its Pune plant.

Also see: VW Polo-based SUV rendered

Competitors: Maruti Dzire, Hyundai Xcent, Ford Figo sedan, Honda Amaze, Tata Zest
Expected Price: INR 5.5-8 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: Early-2016