Volkswagen is in the mood for a complete revamp of its Indian lineup. With Taigun and facelift models of the Tiguan and the Tiguan Allspace ready to launch, the German automaker is looking all set to capture each category of SUV buyers. However, given the recent VW test mule sightings, Volkswagen is not going to stop just to SUVs. Recent spy shots reveal that the carmaker is also working on a mid-size sedan that could likely replace or co-exist with the Vento in the brand’s India portfolio.
The completely camouflaged test vehicle has a left-hand drive sticker, just like the Virtus sedan that was spotted earlier this year. The disguised test mule doesn’t reveal design elements of the exterior, but the prototype surely looks significantly bigger than the current-gen Vento, which means it could be based on the MQB A0 platform. The front seems to have a single slat grille with a secondary grille placed further lower in the bumper. The exposed wheels show a multi-spoke alloy design.
Unlike the exterior, there’s no covering on the inside. A leaked shot of the cabin shows a two-tone dashboard with a black and grey theme. At the centre of the dashboard appears to be a touchscreen infotainment system with the aircon vents placed below it. The instrument cluster gets a silver outline, and most likely is going to be an all-digital unit. We expect VW to pack this sedan with modern connectivity features, auto climate control, multi-functional steering wheel, leather seats and auto-dimming rearview mirrors, to take on the competition.
For the powertrain, the German automaker could use the two TSI engines – 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre, that it offers on Virtus in the international market. The 110 PS/175 Nm 1.0-litre TSI also powers the Vento and Polo, while the 1.5-litre has until now only been offered with the Volkswagen T-Roc. Transmission duties could be handled by a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
Where exactly this new sedan will sit in the Volkswagen India lineup is yet to be confirmed but given its dimensions, it will fight against Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Skoda Rapid and Toyota Yaris upon its launch in India.
