Volkswagen India, the German auto marque, seems all set to introduce its new small car in the Indian auto market, named Up!, somewhere in the first half of 2014. Reportedly, the model will be placed in the hatchback segment, competing against the likes of Maruti Suzuki WagonR, Tata Indica and Hyundai i10, among others. The designing language of the model is expected to be quite unique as industry experts believe that the model will be offered in both 2-door and 4-door outlooks.
Coming to under-the-hood figures of the upcoming VW Up!, the model is expected to come assimilated with a petrol engine of 1.2 litre. The maximum power churned out by this 1.2 litre engine is anticipated to measure over 70 bhp with a highest torque of around 180 Nm. Interestingly, rumours are floating that the model will be incorporated with a 6-speed manual transmission system, which if becomes a reality; Up! will emerge as a segment defining model in the hatchback segment of the Indian auto sector.
Launch of a diesel engine is also on the cards of VW India. This model is expected to feature a 0.8 litre power mill, which will belt out 51 bhp of highest power with a breath taking torque output of close to 100 Nm. Reportedly, the diesel guise will be also packed with a 6-speed manual gearbox, which somehow seems like a fantasy. In order to make the model a tough competitor in the Indian market, the German auto maker is also looking head to incorporate disc brakes in the front wheels of Up!.
The launch of a new model in the hatchback segment will surely pull some decent volumes for Volkswagen India. Till now, the auto maker has only introduced Polo premium hatchback as an entry level product, which will be now laddered down by Up! at an expected price of Rs. 4 lakh.
