Volkswagen is set to showcase its small car ‘Up’ in August 2011 in its production guise ahead of its launch in India. ‘Up’ will be placed below the Polo in the company’s portfolio. The car priced between Rs. 3,00,000 – Rs. 5,00,000 will compete with market leaders like Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Hyundai Santro. It is being speculated that the powertrains used in the ‘Up’ will be the ones currently being used in the Polo and will be designed to provide a minimum fuel economy of 20 kmpl. On the other hand, Volkswagen might also source the 1.0 litre K-Series motor from Suzuki, its global partner.
The global model of ‘Up’ is a two-door car, but for the Indian market, the company might transform it into a four-door vehicle. The car is expected to help increase the market share of Volkswagen which aims for 20% share of the Indian automobile industry by the year 2018. By launching a small car, the company hopes to double its current sales.
