We might be witnessing a significant change in Volkswagen’s lineup in India soon. The rumours floating around about Polo & Vento’s discontinued production have been confirmed. The production might end by the second quarter of this year.
Vento & Polo are the only cars based on their old PQ platform, and the sales have not been impressive lately. Keeping up the production alive with only about 1,000 models selling in a month is not feasible.
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12 Years On The Road
Volkswagen Polo and Vento – The Red and White Edition the Polo has been running for 12 years on the Indian roads since its launch in 2010. it was the brand’s first locally produced model and was produced at VW’s plant in Chakan, Maharashtra. It went on sale in the same year after its debut at the Auto Expo, and this premium hatchback has been the brand’s best selling car.
Also Read: 5 Things To Know About The 2021 Volkswagen Polo GTI
While India did not receive the latest generation updates, the 5th generation was globally replaced by the 6th generation. VW sold more than 2.5 lakh units over this time. Around 10 different engines have powered it over time, but the European feel, along with the fine interior, was constant.
The 192hp GTI also came to India in 2016 with a 1.8-litre TSI petrol engine. VW sold it in limited numbers, and the high-performance model cost around ₹26 lakhs. Later as the BS-VI emission norms came out, VW discontinued their TDI engines in India. Polo currently runs with an option between the MPI & TSI engines with a new torque converter.
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Replacements?
Volkswagen virtus spied Volkswagen is working on their India 2.0 plan with new products such as the Taigun. There is no word about replacing the Polo, but Virtus might replace the Vento. Similar to how Skoda replaced the Rapid with the Slavia, we might have the Virtus next year.
Also Read: 5 Things You Need To Know About The Volkswagen Virtus
While there is no official word, a replacement based on the MQB-A0-IN platform seems feasible. VW is also evaluating bringing the latest generation Polo to India with specific modifications to obey the guidelines and make it under 4 metres.
While the Vento sales have been planned to continue until May, Polo’s bookings might continue till June. Polo has been the enthusiast’s choice for over a decade, and we all have seen it as a project car modified into something fantastic. Polo has immense potential for modifications that can be catered to according to taste.
What do you think about VW’s move?
