The SEAT Arona is likely serving as a test bed for the localized MQB A0 IN platform that will underpin VW Taigun and Skoda Vision IN
We all know that Skoda India is taking the lead in VW Group’s India 2.0 strategy. The most important aspect of renewed focus on the highly competitive Indian market is the Group’s MQB A0 IN platform that is set to underpin a variety of Skoda and VW products.
What is SEAT Arona doing in India?
Skoda’s technical center in Pune is working intensely in localizing the aforementioned platform. The VW Taigun and production version of the Skoda Vision IN concept will be the first models to benefit from the heavily localized architecture.
An LHD example of SEAT Arona compact SUV has been spotted in the vicinity of VW India’s Chakan plant without any camouflage. Images are credit to automotive enthusiast Siddharth Patil. The SUV is based on the MQB A0 platform and could be here for internal benchmarking purposes. It could also be a test bed for made-in-India components of VW’s cost effective modular architecture.
While the SEAT Arona measures 4.14 meter in length, both Taigun and Vision IN are around 4.2 meter long. The India-spec crossover siblings will have their crosshairs trained at the immensely popular Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. Just like the Seat Arona, the Taigun and Vision IN will be powered by a 1.5-liter TSI petrol engine which produces 150 hp. Top-end variants will be equipped with a 7-speed DSG.
Anyway, moving forward, the Group’s focus will be to establish its presence in highly lucrative SUV segments in the country with its VW and Skoda brands. The presence of a SEAT test mule does not mean the Spanish brand is contemplating an entry into our market.
MQB A0 IN launch timeline
Both VW Taigun and production version of Skoda Vision IN are slated to be launched in India next year but the ongoing pandemic crisis is likely to cause a delay of few months. Going by their platform-mate SEAT Arona’s equipment list, one could expect the India-spec SUV to be equipped with configurable color TFT instrument console, touchscreen infotainment system with latest connectivity features, wireless phone charging, full LED headlights, front and curtain airbags, parking assistance system and so on.
With heavy localization and scale offered by two products, we expect the VW Taigun and its Skoda sibling to be priced competitively compared to its rivals. The MQB A0 IN will also underpin other future products for India including the next gen Polo.
