Indian Cars That Are Based On The Same Platform [Part 1]

One of the interesting parts of being an automobile engineer is that you can research as well as decode a lot of detailed stuff for common people. And let me tell you developing a car from scratch isn’t easy. It involves a lot of simulation, design and analysis, also it is expensive. Focusing on limiting the cost, carmakers tend to borrow or share vehicle’s platforms on which they are based. So, today we have prepared a list of cars that share the same platform. Also, you’ll surely be surprised as it beholds a lot more than we think.

Let’s dive straight in:

1. Hyundai Verna and Hyundai Creta
   

   

   Unusual but yes, despite being of a different segment both the cars share the same platform. Hyundai Verna has been a part of the Indian market for a long time and this is one of the cars that wrote Hyundai’s success in India. Moving on to Creta, The SUV was launched back in 2015 and has been the top-selling vehicle of this Korean carmaker. Sharing the platform with multiple cars, helps the company to keep the costs down.

   

2. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Maruti Suzuki Swift
   

   

   When we get into the details of the underpinning, it is always surprising. Another one that might surprise you is that, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Maruti Suzuki Swift. One is a long MPV and the other car is a small cute little hatch. Then how do they both share the same platform, you may ask? Well, sharing the underpinnings means sharing a similar or same basic structure. Later it is tweaked a little to suit the desired vehicle’s needs.

   

3. Ford Figo and Ford Freestyle
   

   

   Okay, this one is a no brainer, on the outside as well as on the inside. It is so prominent that both cars have the same underpinnings. This doesn’t mean both cars offer the same driving dynamics. When it comes to the experience behind the wheel, both have a night and day difference. Where Ford Freestyle is softly sprung, Figo is a little stiff inspiring more confidence in prolonged corners. On the contrary, Freestyle sits a little higher on the ground allowing the vehicle to tacked rough and a bad stretch of roads easily.

   

4. Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger
   

   

   The latest car on the list too is the same platform as the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. They are the external panels that are different from each other. Moreover, not just the platform, both the compact SUV share the same engine and transmissions.  Furthermore, the difference arises when we step on the inside. Both the cars are way different from each other. When it comes to features, it is the Nissan Magnite that comes on top. For detailed knowledge refer here.

   

5. Renault Duster and Renault Capture
   

   

   Scouting these cars from the outside, they both are not at all similar but still, they share the same platform. Moving on, Renault Duster was one of the top-rated SUVs back when it was launched. The driving dynamics and ride quality were the top reason for Duster selling in huge numbers.

   Next, the company thought of delivering another vehicle into the Indian market, comes the Renault Capture. Also, both the cars handle and drive differently. Being a rugged vehicle, Duster absorbs the potholes and rough roads better. On the other hand, the Renault Capture did manage to do long highway runs better than the Duster.

   

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6. Honda Jazz and Honda Amaze
   

   

   It’s very common to see compact sedans based on their hatchback counterparts. One of the duos to do the same in India are the Honda Jazz and Honda Amaze. And undoubtedly both the cars share the same platform. The current generation is of both the cars a little different from each other from the outside.

   But when it comes to the interior, both are very similar. Honda Jazz and Amaze both share the same engine and also have similar gearbox options. Nevertheless, both the cars are a little expensive when compared with their rivals.

   

7. Toyota Glanza and Maruti Suzuki Baleno
   

   

   Some carmakers share the platform. And when car manufacturers share the same power and drivetrain, it is also acceptable. But then comes the companies that just slap on a different badge and it’s a new car for them.

   The perfect example of this situation is the Toyota Glanza and Maruti Suzuki Baleno. Now, if the complete car is the same, the underpinnings will obviously be the same. But still, both of them are different cars and a part of this list.

8. Volkswagen Vento and Volkswagen Polo
   

   

   Giving another example of a hatchback being converted into a sedan is the Volkswagen Vento. To begin with, Volkswagen Polo first came to the Indian shores, later the company decided to elongate it a little further. That said, from the front to the interior to the body till C-pillar both the cars are the same. Even the machine under the hood, i.e the engine is similar between the two.

   

9. Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun
   

   

   The SUVs that we still are awaiting very eagerly are the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun. And yes both of the vehicles share the same platform. Both the cars come under an initiative of the Volkswagen 2.0 where both the companies will manufacturer vehicles here in India for India. We can expect Skoda to launch their new SUV Kushaq somewhere in the upcoming months. Including the platform, both the cars also share the engine and transmission.

   

10. Tata Harrier and Land Rover Discovery Sport
    

    

    A couple of interesting cars that have the same platform are the Tata Harrier and Land Rover Discovery Sport. A couple of years back Tata launched its new SUV that used a similar platform as the premium SUV Discovery Sport. No doubt both of the cars look alike in terms of body structure. On the other hand, having a robust chassis, Tata Harrier handles really well. Also, it can swallow deep and really deep potholes.