Volkswagen’s R&D head and board member Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg was a bit talkative at the Sao Paulo Motor Show.
On the sidelines of the ‘Taigun’ SUV’s unveiling, he told Autocar UK that a twin cylinder diesel is under works for the Up! in 2013.
The twin-cylinder engine comes from the uber-fuel-efficient Volkswagen XL1 concept, which is also heading to production in limited volumes next year. VW India showcased the XL1 at the Delhi Auto Expo held in January 2012.
If diesel engines call one place home, it is India. 8/10 cars in the B+ and C Segment are diesel-powered. Tata is developing a diesel engine for the A Segment, while Maruti and Hyundai may join the race soon with sub-1 liter diesel motors that return 30kpl or so. Diesel-powered cars have long waiting periods in every segment, their fuel efficiency and refinement levels are constantly improving.
VW India is testing the Up! non-stop in and around its Chakan plant in Pune. At least two prototypes, in 3- and 5-door body styles, have been called in for trials. Indian Autos Blog readers have sent in images of these two white test cars a few times in the past few months. VW India has not made a decision to sell the Up! in India.
Hackenberg said all derivatives of the New Small Family platform (which the Up!, Up! based sedan and the proposed Taigun are part of) are compatible with the twin-cylinder diesel engine. Production of the Taigun is expected to start in 2015 according to the my report.
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