Volkswagen developing a new global compact SUV

We have reported earlier that Volkswagen is on an SUV offensive. The German carmaker wants to have an SUV in every segment that exists. Now, Volkswagen has confirmed a new global compact SUV, internally codenamed the “Volks-SUV”, which will arrive by 2018. 

The new crossover/SUV will slot in below the Tiguan and will be sold in global markets except in Europe where the T-Roc fills a space below the Tiguan. It might be the T-Roc or Tharu as it is expected to be called in the North American markets but details are scarce at the moment. However, we know that the new SUV will be first built in China by VW-SAIC joint venture. VW aims to sell 40,000 units of the new SUV in a year across the global markets.

In the single teaser image, the SUV looks identical to Tiguan albeit downsized a bit. The boxy fascia with rectangular headlights, large horizontal grille with air vents on the front bumper, a flat roofline and sharp creases are all typical to Volkswagen design language. Even the upcoming Touareg will sport similar styling. Expect a premium cabin as well given that it is a global product.

The new unnamed SUV will extent to Mexico, Russia and Argentina by 2020. We expect VW to bring in this new crossover to India as well given the raising demands of high riding vehicles in the country. It will be based on the same MQB platform as the entire new Volkswagen line-up so that it could share the powertrains as well. So expect three and four-cylinder engine options with a possibility of all-wheel-drive as well. 

Volkswagen plans to have 20 SUV models in its lineup in the next decade accounting to 40 per cent of its sales. The offensive will be spearheaded by the new-gen Touareg flagship which will break cover next week followed by the T-Cross later in the year. 

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