What the Volkswagen Tera previews for new India-bound compact SUV

What the Volkswagen Tera previews for new India-bound compact SUV
Volkswagen Tera and Volkswagen compact SUV

Volkswagen India has finally begun working on a new compact SUV, which will be a badge-engineered version of the Skoda Kylaq. This will mark its return to the sub-4m category four years after the Polo hatchback’s discontinuation in 2022. At the same time, the upcoming compact SUV is also expected to be the most affordable car in its portfolio in India when it arrives in 2027.

On the other hand, the carmaker already sells an entry-level SUV in the Brazilian market, called the Tera. It is closely related to the Skoda Kylaq and possibly hints at elements that are expected to arrive on VW’s upcoming compact SUV for India. 

Volkswagen compact SUV: Expected dimensions 

The Tera is 4,151mm long, 1,773mm wide, 1,504mm tall, and gets a 2,566mm long wheelbase. Interestingly, the Terra’s wheelbase is identical to that of the Skoda Kylaq. The India-bound VW compact SUV is expected to have the same wheelbase as the Kylaq, but compared to the Tera, it will be shorter in length to fit India’s sub-4m tax slab.

Volkswagen compact SUV: Expected platform and powertrain 

Skoda Kylaq 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine used for representation.

The Volkswagen Tera sits on the brand’s MQB A0 architecture, while the VW Skoda 2.0 cars (Kushaq, Kylaq, Slavia, Virtus, Taigun) utilise the MQB A0 IN platform. The latter is a close variation of the former and will underpin VW’s upcoming compact SUV. 

On the powertrain front, the compact SUV will utilise the same 1.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine as the Tera, which develops 116hp and 165Nm of torque. But power figures are likely to be closer to the Kylaq’s 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, which produces 115hp and 178Nm of torque. In the case of the VW compact SUV, a manual gearbox would be offered as standard, but automatic versions would swap out the 6-speed AT for the new 8-speed that does duty in the Taigun.

Volkswagen compact SUV: Expected exterior design 

Styling-wise, the upcoming Volkswagen compact SUV is expected to adopt the Tera’s design but is likely to come with some India-specific changes. This could include slim LED headlamps connected by a thin DRL strip, a connected LED tail-lamp setup, cladding for the bumpers and door sills, and roof rails. Volkswagen could also bring illuminated logos, as seen on the Taigun and Tayron R Line. Alloy wheels are expected to have a dual-tone look. Potentially, the brand could spruce things up with GT versions with badges and cosmetic upgrades over standard versions. 

Volkswagen compact SUV: Expected interior design and features

LHD VW Tera interior used for representation.

The Volkswagen Tera already has a lot of commonality with the India 2.0 cars, and some of these parts will likely be carried over to the upcoming compact SUV as well. This could include the flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel, gear knob, centre console and HVAC control unit, the designs of which look similar to those on the Taigun. Additionally, it could also get a similar 10.25-inch digital driver’s display that’s seen on the Taigun. The Tera, however, is an LHD model, which will be reversed for the India-spec version. 

As for equipment, the Volkswagen compact SUV could likely mirror the Skoda Kylaq’s feature set. For reference, the latter gets a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, ambient lighting, a digital driver’s display, a single-pane sunroof, powered and ventilated front seats, automatic climate control and a wireless phone charger. 

Mahindra BE 07 spied, offers clearest look yet at exterior design

Mahindra BE 07 spied, offers clearest look yet at exterior design
Spied Mahindra BE 07 front quarter static

Mahindra’s upcoming BE 07 electric SUV has been spotted testing again, this time offering the clearest look yet at its exterior design. The latest test mule appears to feature a close-to-production version of the exterior design, while also providing a brief glimpse of the cabin.

  1. The front lighting elements and retractable door handles can be seen
  2. Three screens on the dashboard can also be spotted 

Mahindra BE 07 spied: What could be seen?

The front lighting and Mercedes-like retractable handles can be seen

Image source: @AutoVerseByShrey on YouTube

Despite the heavy camouflage, the latest spy shots provide a clearer look at the BE 07’s exterior design. At the front, the SUV features slim LED DRLs, which are expected to resemble the C-shaped units seen on the BE 6. The headlights are positioned vertically beneath the DRLs. As expected of an EV, the grille is largely blanked off, while air inlets in the lower section of the bumper help cool the internal components. The lower bumper also features two distinct crevices, which could house the BE 07’s fog lamps.

Image source: @AutoVerseByShrey on YouTube

In profile, one of the most interesting details is the set of retractable door handles, which appear to draw inspiration from those seen on more premium Mercedes-Benz models. The BE 07 also gets aero-optimised alloy wheels, along with heavily creased cladding around the wheel arches and along the lower section of the body. The outside rear-view mirrors (ORVMs) also feature camera pods, confirming a surround-view camera system.

Image source: @AutoVerseByShrey on YouTube

The rear design of the BE 07 EV could also be seen with makeshift taillights generally associated with an early test mule. The rear wiper is expected to be positioned such that it is hidden under the rear spoiler of the production model. A prominent bulge on the tailgate and the simple rear bumper can also be seen. 

A triple-screen layout on the dashboard could be seen

Image source: @AutoVerseByShrey on YouTube

A previous test mule sported a triple-screen setup on the dashboard, which is also present in the recently spied prototype. Other expected elements likely to be present on the production-spec model include a modern-looking steering wheel with an illuminated ‘BE’ logo, multicolour ambient lighting, a glass roof with illuminated elements, a wireless phone charger and a 5-seat configuration.  

Mahindra BE 07: Other details

Expected to borrow the BE 6’s platform and battery options

The Mahindra BE 07 is expected to go on sale in 2027. It will be based on the INGLO platform, which also underpins the BE 6, XEV 9e and XEV 9S. It is likely to use the same 59kWh and 79kWh battery packs as the BE 6, although its larger size and body are expected to result in a slightly lower claimed range. The BE 07 will rival the Mahindra XEV 9e, VinFast VF7, Tata Harrier EV and BYD Atto 3.

BGauss OoWah MAX Plus launched at Rs 1.23 lakh

BGauss OoWah MAX Plus launched at Rs 1.23 lakh
OoWah MAX Plus

EV manufacturer BGauss has launched the new OoWah MAX Plus scooter as part of their EV Pop which will sit above the existing OoWah EX. The brand says the scooter’s design and features have been centered around making urban commutes easier and that the model is aimed at first-time and young EV buyers.

  1. Same motor as the OoWah EX, but a 0.7kWh bigger battery
  2. Comes bundled with a 750W charger

What’s new on the OoWah MAX Plus

Essentially, the removable battery and colourways

The MAX Plus continues with the brand’s PMSM hub motor with 2.4kWh peak power (1.5kWh continuous), but a larger 3kWH LFP battery. The battery is rated by ARAI for 145km range, and it’s removable for charging at home. Despite the increase in size, top speed remains capped at a claimed 60kph. The battery is also CAN-enabled (Controller Area Network) which the brand says will allow it to continuously communicate with the vehicle. Both the motor and the battery are rated for IP67. It’s worth mentioning that BGauss previously had a MAX scooter that had the same but non-removable 3kWh battery. Besides that, the MAX Plus gains a reverse assist and a distance to empty indicator into the instrument cluster.

Going back to the scooter, the brand is bundling a 750W charger at no extra cost. With it, the scooter is rated to charge from 0-80 percent in 3 hours and 30 minutes, with 0-100 percent taking 4 hours and 55 minutes. Note that according to the spec sheet on BGauss website, with a 1350W charger the scooter can charge to 100 percent in 2 hours and 50 minutes, although details on the charger’s cost or availability are unclear. Dimensions for the scooter remain the same, with an accessible 765mm seat height and 160mm ground clearance, but the kerb weight has gone up to 104kg (compared to 97kg for the EX). The under seat storage is 21 litres.

Elsewhere too things remain the same with all LED lighting, drum brakes, CBS, and convenience features like limp home mode, USB charging, and the same warranties (3 years/36,000km for the vehicle and charger; 3 years/50,000km for the battery). The warranties are extendable up to 5 years/75,000km.

BGauss has priced the OoWah MAX Plus at Rs 1.23 lakh (ex-showroom) and the scooter is available in Emerald Shadow, Jamun Punch, Tangy Toma, and Zesty Red colours. The OoWah EX also continues to be available at Rs 94,990 (ex-showroom) and now has the same four colour options.

Stephen Raj Antony

Lamborghini Revuelto SV teased ahead of global debut tomorrow

Lamborghini Revuelto SV teased ahead of global debut tomorrow
Lamborghini Revuelto SV teaser

Lamborghini has teased the upcoming Revuelto SV, which is due for its global debut on August 14, 2026, at the Monterey Car Week. This comes just a week after the brand released images of a camouflaged test mule of its V12 supercar belting around Hockenheimring in Germany. Upon its arrival, the Revuelto SV will become the latest in the line of Lamborghini’s SV line-up that includes the erstwhile Aventador SV. The ‘SV’ stands for Super Veloce, which roughly translates to ‘Super Speed’.

  • Exterior features more aggressive intakes and specialised aero
  • Interior to come with version-specific detailing and trim
  • Hybrid powertrain to offer more power

Lamborghini Revuelto SV: What we know so far

Exterior

Lamborghini Revuelto SV teaser front bumper
Lamborghini’s latest teaser shows the front bumper of the Revuelto SV in greater detail.

Much of the Revuelto SV’s performance enhancement measures on the outside over the standard model are quite discernible. The fascia looks even sportier as the heavily revised bumper features new carbon-fibre elements plus a larger and more aggressive front splitter and intakes.

Lamborghini Revuelto SV teaser front quarter
Test mule of the Lamborghini Revuelto SV at Hockenheimring, Germany.

Lamborghini has also added a large fixed wing at the back, while a specially designed underbody and active flaps are also likely additions to enhance the Revuelto SV’s aerodynamic performance on the track. Similarly, lightweight carbon-fibre wheels and race-spec brakes are expected to be part of the package as well, along with unique paint options and exterior detailing exclusive to the SV.

Interior

Lamborghini Revuelto SV teaser interior
Test mule of the Lamborghini Revuelto SV at Hockenheimring, Germany.

The first teaser campaign from the brand provides us a glimpse into the Lamborghini Revuelto SV’s interior. Noticeable in the interior image is a heavy-duty roll cage, exposed metal surfaces and a bare-bones rear-cabin section. Other details that are visible here include a leather & carbon fibre-trimmed steering wheel with a red centre marker and carbon-fibre shift paddles. The bucket seats are also likely to be carbon-fibre units, whilst the shrouding for the digital driver’s display uses the same weight-saving material. The Revuelto SV’s interior could feature plenty of Alcantara/suede, depending on how a customer specs it. One can also expect to see ‘SV’ branding and other edition-specific detailing on this interior.

Powertrain and performance

Powering the Lamborghini Revuelto SV will be the familiar 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12, along with three electric motors and a compact lithium-ion battery pack. Lamborghini is likely to have reworked the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission for quicker shifts, and the combined output from the hybrid powertrain is expected to go up as well.

Lamborghini Revuelto SV teaser
Test mule of the Lamborghini Revuelto SV at Hockenheimring, Germany.

Lamborghini recently set a lap record of 1:41.6 at the Hockenheimring track, with the brand claiming this to be the fastest lap ever recorded at this facility by a production car. The standard Revuelto offers 1,015hp and 725Nm of torque, allowing it to hit a top speed of over 350kph and accelerate from 0-100kph in a claimed 2.5 seconds. The SV is likely to be even faster, with retuned suspension and sharper steering also expected for improved handling on the track.

Also read

JCB Hydromax hydrogen-powered car sets new land speed record of 653.90kph

Volkswagen Kylaq-based compact SUV confirmed for India

New Ducati Panigale V4 SP in the works

New Ducati Panigale V4 SP in the works
Close up of Panigale V4 SP steering head with numbered badge

A 2027 Ducati Panigale V4 SP has been confirmed via a California Air Resources Board (CARB) certification in the US. According to reports, the filing was originally submitted for the 2027 Panigale V4 line-up in March, but Ducati updated it in July to add an SP variant to the certification.

  1. 2027 Ducati Panigale V4 SP confirmed via US emission certification
  2. Will use the same 1,103cc engine as the standard 2027 Panigale V4
  3. Expected to add a dry clutch, carbon-fibre wheels and upgraded Brembo brakes 

2027 Ducati Panigale V4 SP: What to expect

The previous-generation Panigale V4 was available in both SP and SP2 variants

The SP nameplate – which stands for Sport Production – has, in recent history, typically represented the top-of-the-line version of a production Ducati. The brand introduced a Panigale V4 SP for the 2021 model year, followed by an SP2 for 2022. Both were positioned above the standard Panigale V4 S but below the track-homologated V4 R.

Based on that precedent, we could see the 2027 Panigale V4 SP offer similar upgrades to those seen on its predecessors – a dry clutch replacing the standard hydraulic unit, carbon-fibre wheels, a lightweight chain, adjustable billet-aluminium footpegs, a brushed-aluminium fuel tank and upgraded Brembo braking hardware. The engine will likely be shared with the rest of the road-going 2027 Panigale V4 line-up, and we’ll have to wait to see if output figures change with the SP badge. Notably, that wasn’t the case with the last generation. For reference, the 1,103cc V4 in the standard bike produces 216hp and 120.9Nm.

Currently, the global Panigale V4 line-up includes the standard V4, the V4 S, the track-homologated V4 R and the V4 S 100 limited-run model as part of the Centenario collection. All except the latter are also available in India. Ducati has been prompt in making most of its global models available in our market, so when the V4 SP does go into production, we could expect it to launch here as well. It will likely command a premium over the Rs 39.79 lakh (ex-showroom, India) price of the V4 S.

Source: Motorcycle.com

What to expect from Mahindra Scorpio N pickup ahead of its debut?

What to expect from Mahindra Scorpio N pickup ahead of its debut?
Mahindra Scorpio N pickup front and rear designs

Mahindra is gearing up for its 2026 Independence Day event, where it will reveal a Scorpio N-based pickup and some new BE 6 EV iterations. The pickup is the production version of the 2023 Mahindra Global Pik Up concept, and the teaser reveals it will borrow a lot from the Scorpio N SUV. Here’s everything you can expect from the Mahindra Scorpio N-based pickup ahead of its debut tomorrow.

1. When will the Mahindra Scorpio N pickup launch in India

Mahindra will reveal it at its upcoming Independence Day event

2023 Mahindra Global Pik Up concept shown for representational purposes only. 

Mahindra recently teased the Scorpio N-based pickup, revealing that the production models will debut on August 14 at its Independence Day event. The Mahindra Scorpio N-based pickup could launch in the coming months.

2. What is the expected price of the Mahindra Scorpio N pickup?

Expected to be priced in the Rs 16 lakh-26 lakh range

The upcoming Scorpio N-based pickup is expected to be priced between Rs 16 lakh and Rs 26 lakh, around a few lakh rupees more than the Scorpio N SUV.

3. What will the production version of the Mahindra Scorpio N pickup be called?

Mahindra could call it the Scorpio X, a name it trademarked in 2024

Mahindra trademarked the ‘Scorpio-X’ name in 2024, but has not used it since. Given that the upcoming pickup is based on the Scorpio N, the unused trademark could be used for the pickup. 

4. What engine options will the Mahindra Scorpio N pickup offer?

Mahindra could offer it with the same engines as the Scorpio N SUV

Scorpio N’s 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine shown for representational purposes only. 

While the technical details of the Scorpio N-based pickup are still under wraps, it will share the ladder-frame chassis and mechanicals with the Scorpio N SUV, including the petrol and diesel options. For reference, the Scorpio N gets a choice between a 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. It produces 203hp and up to 380Nm, depending on the gearbox. It also gets a 2.2-litre direct-injection diesel engine, paired with the same manual and automatic transmission options, producing up to 175hp and 400Nm, depending on the transmission option.

5. Will the Mahindra Scorpio N pickup be a 4×4 model?

A 4WD Scorpio N-based pickup is expected alongside a 2WD version

As the upcoming Mahindra Scorpio N-based pickup would borrow the SUV’s mechanicals, a four-wheel-drive (4WD) option is expected to be available as well alongside a 2WD choice. Currently, the Scorpio N gets this 4×4 setup, with both transmission options for the 2.2-litre diesel engine.

6. What are the design changes on the Mahindra Scorpio N pickup?

Will get slimmer headlights, a large truck bed and C-shaped tail lights

The teaser video revealed a glimpse of the upcoming pickup, showing some exterior and interior details. Outside, the Scorpio N-based pickup will get a different set of LED headlights with L-shaped LED DRLs, a distinct grille with honeycomb mesh elements and a revised design for the rear doors. To accommodate the larger truck bed at the rear, Mahindra could offer the pickup with a wheelbase larger than the Scorpio N’s 2,750mm. It will also get slimmer C-shaped LED taillights, and the tailgate will feature embossed ‘Mahindra’ lettering.  

Will get a larger infotainment system, a new steering wheel and Level-2 ADAS

Mahindra Scorpio N pickup teaser details

Inside, a larger portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system and rotary dials for the dual-zone climate controls will be offered in the Scorpio N-based pickup. A chunkier 3-spoke steering wheel, inspired by the Vision T prototype, and a digital driver’s display with the same UI as the current Scorpio N, could also be spotted. Mahindra will also offer it with Level-2 ADAS, semi-automatic parking assistance, 5G-based connected-car technology, and a sunroof, as announced at the Global Pik Up concept’s 2023 unveiling.

7. Which models will the Mahindra Scorpio N pickup rival in India

The upcoming Mahindra pickup will rival the Hilux and V-Cross

The Mahindra Scorpio N-based pickup will rival the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu V-Cross, which are priced from Rs 31.99 lakh and Rs 25.50 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively. In Mahindra’s lineup, it will be positioned above the Bolero Camper, priced from Rs 10.10 lakh to Rs 10.86 lakh (ex-showroom).

Prices are ex-showroom, India.

Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq interior leaked

Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq interior leaked
Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq

The Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq has been exclusively spied by us ahead of its full reveal on August 15, giving us an early look at what the new trim will offer on the inside. Mahindra had teased the Sporteq earlier this week, but revealed only a few details.

Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq spy shot details

As reported earlier, the Sporteq version will get a passenger display, completing its three-screen setup; a similar arrangement is already seen in the Mahindra XEV 9e and XEV 9S. The BE 6 currently gets a dual-screen setup as standard, which will continue on the lower trims. The triple-screen setup is likely to be exclusive to the Sporteq.

Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq interior
Mahindra BE 6 interior

Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq dashboard (left), current BE 6 dashboard (right).

The teaser from before also showed a new  black-and-tan colour scheme for the seats and dashboard, although these areas were mostly hidden. The fresh spy shots give a clearer look, and the colour scheme is applied not only on the dashboard and seats, but even on the door cards.

Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq interior
Mahindra BE 6 interior
 

Mahindra Sporteq centre console (left), current BE 6 centre console (right).

Another major change is the redesigned dashboard, which drops the halo-like loop around the driver. The current design has an ergonomic drawback, as it leaves little room for a second cup holder. The spy shots, however, show that another cup holder has now been added. The halo loop also made the wireless charger and USB Type-C ports difficult to reach from the passenger side, an issue we noted in our BE 6 review. These changes are likely to address that as well.

Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq battery pack and range expectations

The BE 6 Sporteq is expected to remain largely unchanged from the regular model. It remains to be seen whether it will be available with both the 59kWh and 79kWh battery packs or, as a top-spec trim, only with the larger battery. Both versions use a rear electric motor producing up to 286hp and 380Nm, while the larger battery is said to offer a range of up to 682km on a single charge.

The BE 6 already has a long list of features, and these updates could further strengthen its appeal against midsize SUV rivals such as the Tata Sierra EV and Hyundai Creta Electric. The Mahindra BE 6 is currently priced between Rs 18.90 lakh and Rs 26.90 lakh, and a small price increase is likely with these updates. For reference, the Sierra EV is priced from Rs 18.79 lakh to Rs 25.99 lakh, while the Creta Electric costs between Rs 18.03 lakh and Rs 23.67 lakh.

MG’s new 7-seat electric SUV to be called Hector Tomahawk

MG's new 7-seat electric SUV to be called Hector Tomahawk
MG Hector Tomahawk teased

JSW MG has teased its upcoming new SUV for India, which is to be called the Hector Tomahawk, our sources have indicated. The official launch date is set for August 26, 2026. Sold as the Wuling Eksion in the Indonesian market, the upcoming Hector Tomahawk will sit atop JSW MG’s new ADAPT (Advanced Drive Architecture Platform Technology) platform. The Hector Tomahawk will be launched as a fully electric model first, and will be slotted above the Hector in the brand’s line-up in India.

  • Teaser confirms rectangular headlamps, signature LED DRLs, a panoramic sunroof and more
  • Will be offered in EV guise first; PHEV could arrive later
  • Seating for 7 occupants; bench-style second row

JSW MG Hector Tomahawk exterior design

The teaser offers a few important design details on the outside of this upcoming MG SUV

MG_Hector_Tomahawk_Rear_Quarter_Static

The official teaser confirms the rectangular LED headlamps first seen in spy shots. It also reveals details like the twin-element LED DRLs (daytime running lights) at the front and rear of the Hector Tomahawk. Observable details here also include the silver-finished alloy wheels, black plastic cladding under the doors, pronounced front fenders, pull-type door handles, prominent roof rails and wraparound LED tail-lamps. It’s clear from the teaser that the Hector Tomahawk sports chrome garnish along the windowline, plus a relatively flat roofline that leads to a roof spoiler.

In terms of dimensions, the JSW MG Hector Tomahawk is likely to have similar dimensions as the Wuling Eksion 7-seater that’s sold in Indonesia. For reference, the latter measures 4,745mm in length, 1,850mm in width, 1,755mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,9810mm. Its two-tone exterior colour options are likely to be offered in our market, too.

JSW MG Hector Tomahawk interior design and features

Apart from the exterior, the brand’s latest teaser also confirms a few details upcoming Hector Tomahawk’s interior. For starters, we now know that there will be 7 seats on offer, with a bench-style arrangement for the second row. The teaser also shows a beige colour theme for this cabin, along with a panoramic sunroof as part of the equipment that’ll be on offer. While more details are to be confirmed, the Hector Tomahawk EV could share much of the rest of its design and feature set with the Wuling Eksion. This means a minimalistic cabin with physical switchgear on and behind the two-spoke steering wheel, on the centre console and the doors.

MG Hector Tomahawk Seating

Depending on the trim level, the equipment on offer include a powered tailgate, leatherette upholstery, powered and ventilated front seats, a 12.8-inch touch-infotainment head unit, an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display, a 50-watt wireless charger, automatic climate control with AC vents for the second and third rows, a 360-degree camera system, an electronic parking brake, six airbags, and an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite, among others.

JSW MG Hector Tomahawk powertrain details

ADAPT platform supports battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, range-extender and strong-hybrid powertrains

While JSW MG is likely to reveal the Hector Tomahawk PHEV (plug-in hybrid) on August 26 as well, the brand’s teaser suggests that the ADAPT-based SUV will be introduced in its EV avatar first. The fully electric version of the Wuling Eksion EV that’s available in Indonesia is equipped with a single front-mounted electric motor that generates 201hp and 310Nm, allowing a claimed top speed of 160kph. It’s backed by a 69.2kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery pack with a CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) range of up to 530km.

The Hector Tomahawk PHEV is also likely to share its powertrain setup with its Eksion counterpart. For reference, the latter comes with a single electric motor that produces up to 195hp and 230Nm on its own, while the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine puts out 105hp and 130Nm. There’s also a 20.5kWh battery pack in the equation, and the maximum all-electric range of the Eksion PHEV is a claimed 125km. JSW MG’s ADAPT platform is capable of supporting battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, range-extender and strong-hybrid powertrains.

Also read

Skoda Superb diesel India launch in 2027

Toyota Hyryder Aero Black Edition launched at Rs 15.19 lakh

Volkswagen Kylaq-based compact SUV confirmed for India

Volkswagen Kylaq-based compact SUV confirmed for India
Volkswagen compact SUV India launch details

Volkswagen has been working on its version of the Skoda Kylaq, which we first reported on six months ago. Volkswagen India has now secured global approval for the project, which is estimated to cost around 25 million euros (Rs 275 crore). The green light paves the way for Volkswagen’s re-entry into India’s high-volume sub-four-metre vehicle market, which the brand had exited following the discontinuation of the Ameo compact sedan and Polo hatchback.

  1. VW compact SUV to share powertrain options with Kylaq 
  2. Differentiation will come in the form of design, features and positioning 
  3. Will mark VW’s return to the sub-4m space since the discontinuation of Polo 

Volkswagen compact SUV: what to expect?

The programme will mark an important step in a broader expansion of Volkswagen’s India portfolio, allowing the brand to reach customers in segments below the Taigun and Virtus.

The new compact SUV will essentially be a badge-engineered version of the Kylaq, but will receive substantial design changes to give it a distinct Volkswagen identity. The differentiation is expected to extend to the exterior, interior, features and positioning.

The 1.0-litre TSI engine will be shared with the Kylaq

It will use the same 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine as the Kylaq, paired with manual and automatic gearbox options. At launch, the Volkswagen compact SUV will get an 8-speed automatic transmission rather than the 6-speed automatic currently offered on the Kylaq. The Kylaq, however, is also expected to receive the 8-speeder with its next update.

It’s unclear what the compact SUV will be named upon launch, but Volkswagen already sells the Tera in the Brazilian market that’s closely related to the Skoda Kylaq. It remains to be seen what it will be called here in India. Prices can be expected to range between Rs 8-13 lakh (ex-showroom). 

Scope of the compact SUV segment 

The model will give Volkswagen access to one of India’s largest vehicle categories. The broader sub-four-metre SUV market, comprising compact and micro-SUVs, currently generates monthly sales of around 1.1 lakh units. The category accounts for around 30 percent of India’s passenger vehicle sales and more than half of utility vehicle volumes. Its growth has been supported by hatchback buyers moving to SUVs, the drastic reduction of GST from 28 percent to 18 percent last year on cars meeting prescribed length and engine-capacity limits, and the availability of multiple powertrain options.

The market is led by Tata Motors with the Punch and Nexon, followed by Maruti Suzuki with the Fronx and Brezza. Sister brand Skoda too has grown significantly after the launch of the Kylaq last year, further underscoring the need for a compact SUV in VW’s portfolio. 

This will mark VW’s return to the compact SUV space since the Polo was discontinued in 2022. 

Volkswagen’s locally produced portfolio is currently limited to the Taigun and Virtus, both positioned above the compact vehicle market. The Kylaq-based SUV will lower the entry point to the Volkswagen brand and give it access to a substantially larger customer base.

Additional volumes from the compact SUV could also improve capacity utilisation at Skoda Auto Volkswagen India’s Chakan plant and deliver better economies of scale, helping lower costs for both Volkswagen and Skoda.

INDvsSL Series में कमेंट्री करते आएंगे अजिंक्य रहाणे, संन्यास के बाद बनेंगे कमेंटेटर

भारत के पूर्व कप्तान अजिंक्य रहाणे 15 से 27 अगस्त तक होने वाले भारत के श्रीलंका दौरे के दौरान सोनी स्पोर्ट्स नेटवर्क पर टेस्ट कमेंट्री में अपना करियर शुरु करने जा रहे हैं।रहाणे ने हाल ही में अपने 18 साल के क्रिकेट करियर को अलविदा कहा है।अब वह कमेंट्री बॉक्स में एक नई भूमिका निभाएंगे और दो मैचों की टेस्ट सीरीज में अपने अनुभव और नज़रिए को सामने रखेंगे। इस सीरीज का प्रसारण सोनी स्पोर्ट्स नेटवर्क पर होगा और इसे सोनी लिव पर प्रसारित किया जाएगा।

भारत के लिए 85 टेस्ट मैच खेलने वाले रहाणे ने 5,077 रन बनाए हैं, जिसमें 12 शतक और 26 अर्धशतक शामिल हैं। रेड-बॉल क्रिकेट, मैच की स्थितियों और खेल की बारीकियों की उनकी गहरी समझ प्रसारण में एक नया आयाम जोड़ेगी। वह अहम पलों, रणनीतियों और मुकाबलों का विश्लेषण करेंगे ताकि फैंस को यह बेहतर ढंग से समझ आ सके कि टेस्ट मैच कैसे आकार लेता है।

सोनी पिक्चर्स नेटवर्क्स इंडिया के स्पोर्ट्स और इंटरनेशनल के चीफ रेवेन्यू ऑफिसर और बिजनेस हेड, राजेश कौल ने कहा, “अजिंक्य रहाणे हमेशा से अपने संयम, मज़बूती और खेल की गहरी समझ के लिए जाने जाते रहे हैं। जब वह सोनी स्पोर्ट्स नेटवर्क और सोनी लिव पर टेस्ट कमेंट्री में पर्दापण करेंगे, तो दर्शकों को उस फॉर्मेट पर उनका नज़रिया सुनने को मिलेगा जिसे वह बहुत अच्छी तरह समझते हैं।भारत के श्रीलंका दौरे के लिए हमारे कमेंट्री पैनल में उन्हें शामिल करके हमें खुशी है और हम उस अनुभव और जानकारी का इंतजार कर रहे हैं जो वह हमारी कवरेज में लाएंगे।”

रहाणे ने कहा, “मैं सोनी स्पोर्ट्स नेटवर्क और सोनी लिव पर भारत के श्रीलंका दौरे के लिए टेस्ट कमेंट्री में अपना डेब्यू करने को लेकर उत्साहित हूं। टेस्ट क्रिकेट हमारे खेल का सबसे बड़ा फॉर्मेट है, और इतने सालों तक इस फॉर्मेट में भारत का प्रतिनिधित्व करने के बाद, अब खेल को एक अलग नजरिए से देखना मेरे लिए सम्मान की बात है। मैं अपने अनुभव साझा करने, खेल की बारीकियों को समझाने और फैंस को उन फैसलों, रणनीतियों और पलों के बारे में जानकारी देने के लिए उत्सुक हूं जो टेस्ट मैच को आकार दे सकते हैं। मुझे उम्मीद है कि मैं फैंस के लिए प्रसारण के अनुभव को और बेहतर बना पाऊंगा और उन्हें मैदान पर होने वाली चीज़ों की गहरी समझ दे पाऊंगा।”