SIts development is progressing faster than we thought and it seems to be distancing itself from its counterpart for the Indian market: the website Autos Segredos published the first photos of the test units of the so-called Project 246, the new Volkswagen crossover that many point to as the replacement for the Gol, although it could even receive its own name.
According to our colleagues from the neighboring country, the German brand would already be manufacturing the first pre-series units, which are precisely those used in this test phase that are being carried out on Brazilian streets and routes, which shows that its presentation It’s getting closer.
The images reveal that its design will be completely different from the company’s current regional range, despite being based on the MQB-A00 platform. Although the test unit had thick camouflage on its body, some features can be distinguished: its aesthetics will be inspired by the new Tiguan and even the ID.4, leaving aside the straighter lines of the Polo or T-Cross for more rounded and curved lines like those of the aforementioned SUVs. In the front sector, headlights of a format quite similar to those of the new Tiguan can be seen, as well as the frame of the air intake of the bumper, while in profile, the ascending waistline is reminiscent of that of the ID.4, with a rear finish with headlights that extend across the width of the tailgate.
It is striking that, being an almost entry-level product – it will be positioned above the Polo Track but below the Nivus, aiming to compete with the Fiat Pulse and Renault Kardian – Volkswagen has decided to differentiate it completely from its other models instead of using components as happens with the Polo/Nivus/Virtus/T-Cross, but it will possibly be the first of a whole new generation of products. This will also be reflected in the interior, with its own design as well as its exterior.
In terms of dimensions, Autos Segredos anticipates a similar size to the Skoda Fabia – it is worth remembering that the Czech brand is the main responsible for this project – with about 4.10 meters long, 1.78 meters wide, 1.45 meters high and 2.45 meters wheelbase. Mechanically, it is expected to use the 1.0 TSI engine, it remains to be seen whether in a 95 hp and 170 Nm of torque configuration or the 110 hp and 200 Nm of torque variant.
As we noted earlier, there are still doubts about its name: it could be called Gol or go for a different name. According to the website, Volkswagen hired a company last October to evaluate possible names such as Hera, Therion, Teon, Copan, Taira or Copa. What is confirmed is that it will be produced at the Taubaté/Sao Bernardo do Campo plant on the same assembly line as the Polo Track. Its official presentation is scheduled for the second half of 2025.
