KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Similar to Skoda, this will also mark the return of Volkswagen in the sub-4m segment.
- This will be similar to what we've seen between the Skoda Kushaq and the VW Taigun.
- VW was initially not keen on re-entering the sub-4m space.
Having initially not committed to the sub-4m SUV plan, it now seems that Volkswagen is now keen on it. According to reports, there will be a Volkswagen compact SUV based on the Skoda Kylaq, which will be launched in 2026. But why has it taken this long for Volkswagen to agree on it?
We shall dive into all the possibilities and reasons right here, but first, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community to keep with the latest news from the automotive space!
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Volkswagen Compact SUV Based On The Skoda Kylaq
Much like what we've seen between the Kushaq and Taigun, and the Slavia and Virtus, Volkswagen will be making its own compact SUV based on the Skoda Kylaq, which will also take on rivals such as the Hyundai Venue. Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Mahindra XUV 3X0, and the Kia Sonet.
As such, the Kylaq-based VW compact SUV will share its internals and mechanicals, and it will also be built on the same MQB-A0-IN platform. However, it will obviously get its own identity, with a new grille, headlights, bumpers, and tail-lights. The interiors of the Volkswagen compact SUV will also be differentiated from the Kylaq, in a similar manner to what we've seen between the Kushaq and Taigun, and the Slavia and Virtus.
The VW compact SUV will also be powered by the same 1.0-litre powertrain, with 113bhp and 178Nm of torque, paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic. However, there are reports suggesting VW might also plonk in the bigger 1.5-litre engine for a potential 'RS' variant. However, we think this is less likely to happen, since that would completely defeat the purpose of saving taxes on a sub-4m SUV.
Also read: More Details Of The Skoda Kylaq Before Its Global Reveal!
Some other details
According to reports, Volkswagen was initially reluctant to commit to the sub-4m SUV project, due to the failure of its last sub-4m project; the Ameo. Despite being a more driver-friendly car, the Ameo was already too late an entrant in the compact sedan segment, and it could barely manage to sell a claimed about units during its four-year lifecycle from 2016 to 2020.
There are also reports claiming that Volkswagen had planned to exit the combustion-engine market entirely by 2028, as it was going to focus on bringing EVs. However, given the slowdown in EV demand, and the increasing popularity of compact SUVs has led to Volkswagen rethinking its decisions.
Given that Skoda is the one taking major ownership of the sub-4m compact SUV project, things should be slightly easier for Volkswagen, as it would not require huge funds to differentiate between the two cars visually.
Verdict
While compact SUVs continue to be popular, Volkswagen has once again taken its own sweet time to arrive in what is already a packed segment. The fact that the Taigun has taken three years to sell 1 lakh units (including domestic sales and exports) is also one possible factor that it may have now agreed to get on with the sub-4m compact SUV project.
