Volkswagen and Skoda have interesting launch plans for India. We will see several products rolling out in the coming months. These include existing models getting meaningful updates, new batches of CBU imports and even fresh launches. Here is a closer look at these.

The Volkswagen Virtus facelift is expected to arrive in India in the coming months. Like the updated Slavia, it will get a refreshed front end, likely with a connecting LED light bar and an illuminated Volkswagen logo. Revised headlamps, a redesigned bumper, updated LED tail lamps, and new alloy wheel designs could also be part of the update.

The cabin is also likely to get several equipment upgrades. Volkswagen could add a larger driver’s display. It will come with a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, leatherette upholstery, electrically adjustable seats, a sunroof and ventilated seats. However, unlike the updated Slavia, the Virtus is expected to miss the rear-seat massage function.

The engine range should remain familiar. The 1.0-litre TSI is expected to continue with a six-speed manual, while a new eight-speed automatic will replace the existing 6-speed automatic unit. The more powerful 1.5-litre TSI is expected to continue exclusively with the seven-speed DSG.

Volkswagen is also planning to enter the sub-four-metre SUV segment in the near future. It will launch a Kylaq rival, based on the same underpinnings and using the same powertrain as the Skoda SUV. When launched, it will become the company’s most affordable SUV in India.

The sub-four metre SUV will use the same MQB A0 IN platform as the Kylaq. It will be powered by the familiar 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 115PS and 178Nm. Two transmission options are likely to be offered- a manual and an eight-speed torque converter automatic. We expect this SUV to launch sometime next year. It will share most of its features with the Kylaq. Reports also suggest that the exterior design could borrow heavily from global models like the Tera.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI could return to India. The carmaker is expected to bring the second batch of this performance hatchback to our shores next year. The first batch had witnessed strong demand here. The second allocation is expected to retain the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that makes 268PS, paired with the seven-speed DSG transmission. We may, however, see the addition of more features on the upcoming version. The ex-showroom prices are also likely to go up. The Golf GTI will remain a niche performance product rather than a volume driver.

The fourth-generation Skoda Superb is expected to be brought to India in the first half of 2027. It will have a diesel engine and will be brought as limited-number CBU imports. Powering it will be Volkswagen Group’s 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine making around 150PS and 360Nm. All Wheel Drive is also expected.

The diesel-powered Superb will come with a long array of features. It wil likelyl have everything one would expect from a car of this size and price- ventilated front seats with massage function, Matrix LED headlamps, a large touchscreen, ADAS, digital driver’s display and more. It, however, remains to be seen if a sunroof will be part of the package.

The Kylaq is Skoda India’s best-seller. The carmaker know just how important this model is, and has lately been rolling out updates to sharpen its edge in the race. In the near future, the Kylaq will get an important mechanical update. The six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox that does duty on the outgoing model will be replaced with a new AISIN-sourced 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission. It will be paired with the same 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine.

The new gearbox is expected to improve performance in city traffic and the fuel efficiency at large. This transmission is now being introduced on various Skoda and Volkswagen models. We recently saw it being introduced on the new Kushaq, Taigun and Slavia. The upcoming Virtus facelift will also get it. Skoda hasn’t confirmed a launch timeline for the updated Kylaq yet, nor has it put out any details of the changes that are to be expected.