VW India defers launch of MQB-based new Polo, Vento - Report

Next gen Polo and Vento to be based on an upgraded version of PQ25 platform.

ET Auto reports that VW India has deferred the launch of the next gen VW Polo based on the MQB platform, as part of Volkswagen AG's global plan to halt major investments in order to recover losses attributed to the dieselgate emissions scandal.

Initially, VW India planned to localize the MQB platform in India , which would underpin the next gen VW Polo, Vento and a compact SUV that were scheduled to launch in 2018-2019. Now reports suggest that VW will work on further enhancing the localized PQ25 platform, which will integrate some of the benefits of MQB. Codenamed PQ26, it is the platform to underpin the next gen Polo and Vento that will go on sale before the end of the decade.

The report's source also divulged that the next generation VW Polo and Vento will introduce a new-generation turbocharged 1L three cylinder TSI petrol engine called MQ100, which could be offered on top-end variants.

Also Read: VW Vento Highline Plus with LED headlights spied on test

Other than the Ameo diesel variant, VW does not have any brand new mass-market car in its pipeline for the next three years. The products to launch later this year are the next generation VW Tiguan SUV and VW Passat; both products looking to boost VW's premium image rather than volumes.

[Source: ET Auto]