Next gen VW Polo & VW Vento likely to get same wheelbase - Report

22/11/2016 - 14:11 | ,   | Aravind Jayachandran

Polo's world debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show likely.

According to Autocar India, Volkswagen India is working on getting the price point of the next gen VW Polo right, given that it will jump to the more expensive Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform.

VW Polo Allstar back seat at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show
The increased wheelbase will address the biggest grouse on the Polo - rear legroom.

The next-gen Polo is rumored to measure over 4 meters long, which could be reduced to under 4 meters by VW India to continue receiving the small-car tax benefits. The wheelbase will be extended to further improve rear seat comfort, which will likely be shared with the next gen VW Vento as well as the Polo-based compact SUV that is reported to arrive in 2018, the report adds. Currently the Vento enjoys a 8.4 cm longer wheelbase.

In its segment, the current Polo's pricing is already neck and neck with rivals in India, while the new Polo is expected to be even more expensive than the current model sold in Europe. VW India may have to employ cost-cutting measures to not affect the next model's arrival in India, which include increasing localization of parts as well as making heavy India-specific changes to the mechanical package and electronics.

Volkswagen MQB Platform
The VW Polo will be based on the 'A0' version of the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform.

Also Read: VW T-Roc SUV to debut at 2017 Geneva Motor Show – Report

As stated above, the VW Polo will be based on the entry level 'A0' version of the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, which will help the Polo shed around 70 kg from the current model's kerb weight. The engine lineup may include the 1.2 MPI engine, 1.2 TSI engine and a 1.5L TDI diesel engine available with manual and DSG automatic gearboxes.

[Source: Autocar India]

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