In this special edition of the Thrill of Driving podcast, ed Sirish Chandran is joined by Steffen Knapp, director of Volkswagen passenger cars in India along with Adil Jal Darukhanawala, the pioneer of automotive journalism in India and currently the editor of our sister publication, Fast Bikes India magazine. The trio headed to Nashik together to celebrate 10 years of the Volkswagen Polo in India. And unlike ever before, Steffen gives us the most detailed insight into Volkswagen’s future strategy for India and how the TSI technology was a big game changer for them. Also, he sheds light on the T-Cross SUV which will come to India in 2020 and will be based on the MQB AO-IN platform. He also talks about the Polo, VW’s prominence in motorsport and five favourite wheels that set his heart rate racing. Enjoy the podcast!
Steffen Knapp’s journey in India: 00:55
About the India bound T-Cross SUV: 08:53
Focus and development of TSI tech: 13:09
How demographics affect sales: 15:26 and 16:50
Volkswagen Polo’s future: 19:51
The potential of Volkswagen Ameo: 23:00
On used cars and VW’s position in the market: 26:00
Team evo India celebrated 10 years of the Volkswagen Polo in India by taking the car to Sandakphu, a peak that lies on the Indo-Nepal border. At an elevation of 3636 meters, it is West Bengal’s highest peak and the trail leading to Sandakphu is one of the toughest climbs in the Eastern Himalayas. Read about how the VW Polo soldiered through the climb in our full story. Tap here to read. Click here for full YT video.
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