The Indian arm of Volkswagen, a globally renowned German multinational automotive major, was developing an all-new Up! subcompact model for the domestic passenger car market in 2012. Industry sources suggested that the Volkswagen Up! will be the company's cheapest offering in the country and could be pitched in the Rs. 4 to 6 lakhs price bracket. The car was seen being tested on Indian roads on a number of occasions last year, but lately no developments have come up from the Volkswagen India stable. Hence, it appears as if the German auto major has either shelved its plans of bringing Up! model in India or has postponed the launch date. At present, it seems Volkswagen Up! will not see Indian daylight before 2014.
Coming to under-the-hood specifications of the yet-to-be launched Volkswagen Up!, the compact hatch is expected to be introduced in both petrol and diesel options in the Indian auto market. The India spec Up! petrol trim is anticipated to come fitted with a 1.2 litre, 4-cylinder, powertrain, which will be able to produce a peak power output close to 75 bhp, along with a maximum torque delivery of 183 Nm. Further, the engine assembly of the petrol and diesel Volkswagen Up! models could come mated with a six speed manual transmission system. On the other hand, diesel Up! trim is expected to incorporate a 0.8 litre, 2-cylinder turbocharged diesel power-mill that could roll out a maximum output power and torque equations around 52 bhp and 100 Nm, respectively.
The German auto major will pitch its upcoming Up! compact hatchback below its premium Polo model in the Indian passenger car market. Sources suggest that Volkswagen India is planning to take on Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and General Motors directly with its cheapest offering Up! car in the country. Upon its launch on Indian turf, the Volkswagen Up! will compete against the likes of Maruti Suzuki WagonR and A-Star, Hyundai i10, Toyota Etios Liva, Tata Indica Vista and Chevrolet Beat, amongst others.
