Volkswagen Tera might be the Germans’ chance for redemption — Kylaq based car?

The Germans are known for making luxurious and over engineered cars, and Volkswagen is no different. When it tried its hands with products such as the Ameo and Polo Cross, things did not go very well, the brand’s perception being one major reason for the situation (the Ameo being badly designed, the second). But, things have changed now, with the brand banking on cars such as the Virtus and Taigun, while those like the Tiguan doing their part in maintaining the brand’s image. Volkswagen might also have a sub-compact SUV in the works for India, called the Volkswagen Tera. Read further to know what we think of the arrangement.

Volkswagen Tera

The Volkswagen Tera is an upcoming SUV in Brazil that is said to be strongly based on the Skoda Kylaq that was launched in India yesterday. The Tera had been earlier showcased in Brazil, and will also be a sub-compact SUV based on the group’s MQB-A0 platform. The VW Tera will be powered by the same 1.0-litre TSI engine, as per multiple media reports from Brazil. It will be launched in the country in 2025. The Brazil-spec Tera might be slightly longer though, as Brazil does not have a specific taxation policy for sub-4 metre cars like what we have in India.

Related: Brand new Skoda Kylaq launched at Rs 7.89 lakh — Undercuts the Kia Sonet and Tata Nexon

Earlier plans

Volkswagen India had earlier refuted any plans of introducing a sub-compact SUV in India, citing their sour experience with the Ameo and Polo Cross, as well as avoiding further overlapping of products with Skoda India. VW India’s Brand Director had said that they were not wanting to impede Skoda’s brand positioning, while also maintaining their own positioning as a premium brand in the Indian market.

New reports

Latest reports suggest that VW India might have had some change in plans, and getting the Volkswagen Tera to India is on the company’s cards. The same is estimated to be here no sooner than 2026. The group shall also get ample time to ascertain the Kylaq’s performance in the country by then. 

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Kylaq vs Tera

It is likely that Volkswagen’s sub-compact SUV will be mechanically identical to the Skoda Kylaq, though there might be minor tweaks to components such as the suspension. The 1.0-litre TSI motor shall be carried over in the same state of tune. Styling is where the two cars will get significant differences, each donning a personality representing their brand’s language. The group shall also benefit from the significant costs saved in development, like in the case of the Slavia-Virtus and Kushaq-Taigun.

It is to be noted that there has currently been no official communication from Volkswagen regarding any plans to get the Tera or another version of a Kylaq-based SUV to India. Stay tuned to CARS24 Autoverse for latest updates!

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