Volkswagen is finally getting ready to enter one of India’s most competitive SUV segments. The German carmaker has officially confirmed that it will launch an all-new sub-4 metre SUV in India in 2027. While Volkswagen has not revealed the production-spec SUV yet, these renders give us an idea of what the upcoming model could look like.
The new SUV will be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, the India-specific architecture already used by the Skoda Kylaq. Volkswagen says the new model will be its most accessible SUV in India and will be developed specifically for the Indian market. In other words, it’ll be a badge engineered Kylaq.
The upcoming Volkswagen SUV will share its basic platform with the Skoda Kylaq. However, Volkswagen is expected to give it a completely different design and a distinct cabin to maintain the identity of both brands.
Our renders imagine the SUV with a typical Volkswagen face. It gets a wide grille, sharp LED headlamps and a large Volkswagen logo in the centre. The bumper has a wide lower air intake and chunky black cladding, giving the SUV a more aggressive appearance.
The side profile is expected to remain fairly upright, with pronounced wheel arches and a strong shoulder line. The renders also feature black cladding, roof rails and a black roof, giving the SUV a more rugged look.
At the rear, the imagined SUV gets connected LED tail lamps stretching across the tailgate. This is an element borrowed from the larger Taigun, and is also seen in Volkswagen’s larger, much more expensive SUVs.
A large Volkswagen logo sits in the middle, while the chunky bumper gets a contrasting silver skid plate. Do note that these are speculative renders and not official images of the Volkswagen SUV. Volkswagen has only confirmed the launch and platform so far.
The MQB-A0-IN platform was developed specifically for India by engineering teams from India and Europe. Volkswagen says it has been designed around high localisation, efficient production and lower ownership costs. It also supports modern safety systems and efficient powertrains suitable for Indian emission and safety regulations.
However, the Kylaq connection makes it likely that the new Volkswagen could share some mechanical components with its Skoda sibling. The Kylaq is powered by a 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine and gets 6 speed manual and automatic gearbox options.
While Volkswagen has not confirmed whether the same combination will be used here, it’s more or less a given. Also, the Kylaq is expected to transition soon to an 8 speed automatic gearbox, which could make it to the Volkswagen sub-4 meter SUV as well.
The new model will become Volkswagen’s most accessible German-engineered SUV in India. More importantly, it will give the company an entry into the sub-4 metre SUV segment, where it will take on models such as the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet and Mahindra XUV 3XO.
Volkswagen is betting heavily on localisation for the new SUV. The company has confirmed that it will be developed and manufactured in India, with the project expected to further strengthen its local supplier network. Rs. 275 crore has been earmarked for the project.
The new Volkswagen sub-4 metre SUV is scheduled to launch in India in 2027, with a festive season launch on he cards. With the MQB-A0-IN platform already proven in the Kylaq, Volkswagen now has a solid foundation for a strong rival in India’s biggest SUV segment. The next big reveal will be the production design and, of course, the name Volkswagen chooses for its new compact SUV.