Volkswagen to adopt a sportier image for its India makeover

Volkswagen India, as part of its ‘India 2.0’ plan wants to adopt a sportier image for its cars as it tries to connect with car buyers on an emotional level. Speaking to CarWale, Steffen Knapp, director Volkswagen India, said, this emotional connect will come about through exterior and interior design, quality of materials used and more importantly driving experience, both in terms of ride and handling.

Volkswagen started moving in this direction with the Polo GT TSI. Then came the Polo GTI, and race versions of their cars like the Polo Cup, the Vento Cup and the Ameo Cup. And now, with the recently launched Vento Sport and the upcoming Ameo GT TSI, VW wants to make ‘sporty’ even more mainstream.

However, while the look, feel and driving experience of the car will be oriented towards sporty, they will share their underpinnings with models from their sister brand, Skoda. They will be based on an India-specific MQB A0-IN platform which will help keep costs down and help VW achieve profitability.  

Towards the end of last year, Volkswagen had made an announcement that Skoda will lead the charge in its Índia 2.0’ operations. The Czech automaker, during its annual press conference, said that it will make an official announcement for the same in the second half of this year.