TAKES 2 TO TURN AROUND

For Volkswagen, the number 2 has been instrumental – from India 2.0 to 2 new cars and 2 sweet engine options. That is, until you talk about safety. In that realm, only the number 5 matters!

In a time when most carmakers are increasingly launching new models, we have Volkswagen – a brand that’s thriving with just three cars in its showrooms. In fact, as you must have read on the preceding page, the number ‘2’ is significantly important for the German carmaker, so much so that its resurgence in the country, aptly called India 2.0, incorporates the launch of two of its most significant models in the Indian market. What makes these two models so important for Volkswagen and for the Indian market? We take a deep dive into the highlights of the two products to unveil the answers and further insights.

2 CARS 

The inception of Volkswagen’s India 2.0 strategy commenced with a blueprint to create two new cars for India – the Taigun and Virtus. Now, creating new cars from scratch demands heavy financial investment, and given the distinctiveness of the Indian market, Volkswagen needed to price these cars aggressively, on par with their rivals, if they were to be a success.

Enter the formidable MQB A0IN – a versatile platform that underpins both the Taigun and Virtus. You see, Volkswagen could have launched a couple of SUVs – after all, SUVs were the rage until about a year ago, and it’s only now that sedans have started to make a comeback – but, they didn’t. In fact, Volkswagen has always been known for making sedans and hatchbacks, or what are predominantly considered driver’s cars. So, a sedan was indispensable for the brand, but given the popularity of the SUV, it was deemed equally imperative to include one in their line-up.