Volkswagen Sub-4 Meter Compact SUV Based On Skoda Kylaq Confirmed: Launch Timeline Revealed
Volkswagen confirms sub-4 meter SUV
They have now decided to enter the sub-4-meter segment with their version of the Skoda Kylaq. Volkswagen’s sub-4-meter SUV is expected to be launched in the market by 2026. While the Kylaq offers only a 1 liter turbo petrol engine, the Volkswagen version will offer the 1.5 liter TSI turbo petrol engine on the GT versions, with the smaller motor powering lower trims.
There are multiple reasons why Volkswagen was initially hesitant to enter this segment. The brand will have to invest a huge amount in the development of an SUV specifically for the Indian market. We all know that the sub-4-meter segment was created in India just because of the tax benefits.
Volkswagen was not sure about the profits, as in the past, their Ameo sub-4-meter sedan didn’t do well. Similarly, as per Autocar India, Volkswagen also had plans to simply exit the ICE market by 2028 and concentrate on the electric vehicle segment with a few CKD models for India. However, the brand has now realized that the market’s transition from ICE to EV is not as quick as they expected, and that is why they have shown interest in the new SUV.
Coming to the upcoming SUV, it will be based on the same MQB A0 IN platform as the Skoda Kylaq, Kushaq, Volkswagen Virtus and Taigun. As Skoda has already done most of the work, Volkswagen will only have to spend a fraction of the total development cost.
Volkswagen will need to develop a new grille, headlamps, tail lamps, bumper, and exterior design to differentiate it from the Kylaq. There is even a possibility that the interiors of the upcoming Volkswagen SUV will differ from the Kylaq.
According to the report, Volkswagen will have to spend around 25 million euros on this development. The upcoming Volkswagen SUV is expected to get a front fascia similar to the Tiguan, Taigun, and other SUVs from the Volkswagen family. The Skoda Kylaq looks like a smaller version of the Kushaq. Similarly, we expect the upcoming Volkswagen sub-4-meter SUV to look like a smaller version of the Taigun.
It would be offered with a dual-tone cabin, automatic climate control, an electric sunroof, and so on. Volkswagen might offer the SUV with fabric seats. Mechanically, Volkswagen’s SUV would remain the same as the Kylaq. It would be powered by the same 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that generates 115 Bhp.
This engine would be offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. The SUV will also be offered with the bigger 1.5-litre TSI engine on GT trims. This engine powers the likes of the Volkswagen Taigun, Virtus, Skoda Kushaq and Slavia. It makes 150 Bhp-250 Nm, and is offered with 7 speed twin clutch automatic and 6 speed manual gearboxes. This engine even gets active cylinder deactivation technology to boost mileage while cruising on the highway. Skoda has mentioned that they have focused on a high level of localization, which would help them in pricing the Kylaq more competitively. We expect Volkswagen to follow a similar pricing strategy with the upcoming SUV.
Other than the sub-4-meter SUV, Volkswagen will be launching the 7-seater SUV Tayron, Taigun, and Virtus facelifts, and their first-ever electric crossover for the Indian market, the ID.4.