Report - India-only VW compact sedan could be unveiled next year

Will be a highly localized product.

On the sidelines of the 2014 Paris Motor Show reports have emerged suggesting that VW's India-specific sub-4 metre sedan based on the Polo's PQ25 platform will inherit its recently obtained powertrain options.

According to top officials of the VW Group, the model is exclusive for India since the sub-4 metre norm sanctions a significant excise duty benefit. The automaker has reportedly developed the compact sedan in a relatively short period of time and the car is believed to be in the final phase of testing.

In a previous media interaction, Mr. Michael Mayer, director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, said that the sub-4 metre sedan in question will not merely be a chopped Vento, implying that the car's styling will be individualistic, at least to some extent.

Coming back to the powertrain options, the compact sedan codenamed Polo Stuffe will use the Polo's 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. The new 1.5-litre diesel engine which is common to the Polo and Vento will be the diesel engine of choice. The 90 PS version is the likely candidate.

Check out our VW Polo 1.5 TDI review

The 1.2-litre TSI four-cylinder turbo petrol and the 105 PS version of the 1.5-litre diesel engine could also be on cards for the top-end variants like in the Polo.

Competitors: Honda Amaze, Maruti Dzire, Tata Zest, Hyundai Xcent
Expected Price: INR 6-8 lakhs, ex-showroom
Launch Date: 2015 or early 2016