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We reported earlier that Volkswagen Group will be switching to a bigger MQB AO 37 platform from the current MQB AO 27 platform in India. This platform will be used to develop multiple products including a new 7-seater SUV for the Indian market.
What's interesting is that the next-gen VW Taigun, Virtus, Skoda Kushaq and Slavia will be developed on the new localised MQB AO 37 architecture. In fact, Skoda-Volkswagen Group is already in talks with the Indian suppliers for local development of the MQB AO 37 platform.
For people not in the known, this first-gen MQB platform underpins bigger cars like the third-gen Octavia and the VW Golf. By switching to the new bigger and wider architecture, Skoda Auto Volkswagen will be able to produce bigger C-segment models.
Before switching to the new platform, Skoda will introduce a new sub-4 meter SUV based on the existing MQB AO 27 platform. This sub-4 meter SUV will be launched in our market sometime in early next year. It is a compact platform that only accommodates smaller cars including VW Polo, T-ROC, Skoda Kamiq and others.
The Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun are also based on the same platform. Both models are smaller in size when compared to direct rivals including Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Moreover, both models have narrow back seats that can only accommodate two adults.
It is expected that the next-gen Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun will grow in size and will offer more space in the second-row along with a bigger boot. Moreover, a 7-seater SUV will allow the Group to enter in the fast growing C-segment that is dominated by players like Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra XUV700 and others. The new MQB AO 37 architecture is also compatible with hybrid powertrains, which will allow Skoda-Volkswagen to adopt cleaner alternatives.
Source - AutoCarIndia
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