Volkswagen India unveiled its technological prowess at the second press day of the Auto Expo 2020. The brand showcased ID. CROZZ, an all-electric vehicle based on Volkswagen’s unique Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) for the Indian market. Also on showcase was, the globally renowned TSI Technology, symbolic to Volkswagen, through the RACE POLO. The carline will feature in Volkswagen Motorsport One Make Championship Series.
Speaking at the unveil, Mr. Steffen Knapp, Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars said, “We, at Volkswagen, take immense pride in showcasing our best technology to the Indian customers through the ID. CROZZ & RACE POLO. The two are symbols of Volkswagen’s ground breaking and innovative technologies that continue to offer Volkswagen’s core DNA of safety, build quality and fun-to-drive experience.”
Globally, Volkswagen intends to be the leading provider of electric vehicles by creating an all-new electric portfolio – ID. Family. ID. stands above all for ‘Identity’ and ‘Iconic Design’ and will be based on the MEB platform.
“The ID. CROZZ is a true representation of Volkswagen’s capabilities in developing electric vehicles. As an organization, we have committed ourselves to the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015 and intend to be a completely carbon neutral brand by 2050.”, said Mr. Knapp.
Adding further, he said, “Globally, as Volkswagen Group, we’re investing EUR 33 bn. in the development of electric vehicles, with nearly 1/3rd the investment by brand Volkswagen. The ID. model family comprises of a range of vehicles across segments, starting with the recently introduced ID. 3 to the ID. SPACE VIZZION. With such an extensive electric product portfolio, Volkswagen will cater to millions and not just millionaires.”
The ID. CROZZ is a combination of a four-door coupé and sports utility vehicle in one. A sporty, interactively designed zero-emission all-rounder with an all-electric drive delivering a power of 225 kW. The car has a top speed of 180 km/h and can cover up to 500 km (NEDC) on one battery charge. The ID. CROZZ has a clear and powerful design language with a stylish appearance. A new feature is a movable light blind in the illuminated panoramic roof that creates ambient lighting both inside and on the exterior. The car is compact yet spacious owing to the flexible MEB platform.
The MEB provides an ideal platform, as the wide axles set far apart create dynamic proportions and thus become a springboard for a new era of avant-garde design. The platform can also develop our electric racing cars used for motorsport.
Commenting on the Indian Motorsport scenario, Mr. Sirish Vissa, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport said, “The Polo continues to be the most loved hatchback among Indian customers. We are thrilled to bring the race version of the Polo back to the Indian racing circuit, enabling our Indian drivers to experience this powerful hatch. As a brand, we relentlessly make efforts towards providing the best of technologies to our Indian drivers.” The RACE POLO is powered by a 1.8l, 4-cyclinder TSI engine delivering a peak power of 230hp (push to pass active) and a torque of 320 Nm @ 3200-4600 rpm. Further, the powerful engine is mated with a 6-speed sequential gearbox with limited slip differential. The car utilizes an electronic shift actuator for quick gear changes and has safety features that protects the driver from changing down gears. The car adheres to the international standards of motorsport safety systems and provides an unparalleled driving experience. Note: The ID. CROZZ show car is a concept vehicle.
