Polo GTI, Volkswagen has completed the five generation and the company is planning to bring the new generation model in India. The company is in a conundrum with the price of the hot hatch because adding the car’s MQB platform and import duties will make it high-priced. The second option for the company is to launch it later when the company will own its local MQB platform (MQB A0 IN) but it will take approximately two-plus years.
The Polo GTI was launched and imported in November 2016 with a price tag of Rs. 26 lakh. However, the first batch of 100 units was sold out fast but when the second batch arrived, the company has to discount it later at the end of sale. So considering all the situations, Polo GTI version needs to be thought with a new platform (MQB) in India.
The new hatch was imported by the company in the three-door format and the car manufacturer accepts that the price tag had keep potential customers away.
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With the good price tag, we can expect the favorable situations for the car in the market. Moreover, the VW wants to launch the new car in the Indian market to make sure consistency in the nameplate. The company could import the new GTI directly, but the price will be quite high as compared to its rivals such as Mini.
The MQB A0 IN may take modular MQB A0 platform which is a low-cost version and developed by the VW group. This locally produced platform will be taken by the Skoda and Volkswagen brands. Although, the procedure to develop new platform will take time and after that, the preference will be given to higher volume segments first and the initial offering is likely to be a small SUV.
Considering the scenario, the company is planning to go for both the ways, first, it will import and later bring locally produced cars as well.
