Volkswagen Nivus Teased In Brazil, Could Rival The Brezza In India

New sub-compact SUV offering will be based on the same platform as Polo hatchback

• Volkswagen ‘T-Sport’ to be called the Nivus in Brazil.

• It will be positioned below the India-bound T-Cross compact SUV.

• Nivus is reportedly based on smaller version of the MQB A0 platform.

• The MQB A0 IN platform could underpin the Nivus in a sub-4m design.

• Nivus is expected to launch in Brazil in mid-2020, and could arrive in India by 2022.

The Volkswagen Group’s smallest modular platform, the MQB A0, will be the basis for many compact vehicles of various shapes and measurements. A new offering has been teased for the Brazilian market called the Nivus, a subcompact SUV. It’ll be based on the smaller of the two wheelbase versions of the MQB A0 platform, same as the new Polo hatchback.

The MQB A0 platform is being localised in India. The Nivus will be positioned under the T-Cross compact SUV with the Brazil-launch scheduled for mid-2020. It will reportedly have the Polo’s wheelbase of 2560mm. 

From the teasers, the Nivus seems to sport more of a SUV coupe styling with the sloping roofline and extended rear end. An India-spec version of the Nivus SUV on the MQB A0 IN platform could be redesigned and trimmed to enter the sub-4m SUV segment. Volkswagen has already stated that the brand will focus almost exclusively on bringing new SUV models to India in the future, starting with the T-Cross next year.

The Nivus sub-compact SUV, previously known by its pre-production name ‘T-Sport,’ could become a Skoda as well. It will likely be powered by the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that has an output of 115PS and can be had with the choice of a 6-speed manual or DSG automatic transmission.

Volkswagen could bring the Nivus to India by 2022. As a sub-4m SUV offering, it would compete against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300, Hyundai Venue and upcoming Kia QYI. However, a Volkswagen offering would be a premium model and would likely be priced between Rs 8 lakh to Rs 12 lakh.