Volkswagen India may phase out diesel cars in the future, but the company is ensuring peace-of-mind for customers that bring home its diesel cars in the next couple of months. At the launch of the facelifted Polo and Vento models, the German automaker announced a standard five-year warranty across diesel vehicles in its volumes segment. The petrol versions, meanwhile, will continue with the standard four-year warranty that was introduced in January this year. Volkswagen becomes the second manufacturer after Maruti Suzuki to introduce a five-year warranty period for its diesel cars.
Also Read: 2019 Volkswagen Polo & Vento Facelifts Launched In India
Commenting on the new warranty package, Steffen Knapp, Director - Volkswagen Passenger Cars India said, "With this new introduction, we also offer our customers a comprehensive after-sales program that ensures a hassle-free experience. Starting January 1, 2019, all Volkswagen carlines offer standardised vehicle warranty of up to 4year/100,000 km, 4-year free roadside assistance (RSA) and three free services to our customers. Further, we also announce a 5-year standard warranty program on the diesel variants of our mass-market carlines that provides a value proposition to our customers in the diesel segment."
The 2019 Volkswagen Polo facelift gets cosmetic changes and a new GT Line version for a sportier feel
In addition to the five-year warranty, customers also have the option to extend the warranty period to seven years at an additional cost. The four-year warranty period though can be extended to a maximum period of two years with a 4+1 years/100,000 km package, or a 4+2 years/150,000 km package. In addition, Volkswagen has a number of service value packages that customers can purchase, which the company says helps reduce the overall ownership cost. Packages vary between one, two and four years, and promise a 30 per cent cost saving, price protection in that period, and flexibility to redeem services at any Volkswagen facility.
Speaking to carandbike, Steffen Knapp, Director - Volkswagen Passenger Cars India explained that it was necessary to offer the five-year warranty since the company believes that it now just the visual prices, but the complete experience that makes customers decisive. This also includes fewer trips to the service centre, which means training the manpower at its outlets and making sure repeat repair is reduced.
Knapp also emphasised on the reach that includes expanding its service network across the country. As a result, the company plans to have 20 per cent additional service outlets across India by 2020. The automaker also announced it plans to add 18 new dealerships by the end of this calendar year, which will take the total count from the current 132 outlets to 150 showrooms. The manufacturer also opened a parts distribution centre in Pune with an investment of 1.5 million Euros that aims to offer quick availability of spares in the market.
Volkwagen's bread and butter models for India, the 2019 Polo and Vento facelifts have received tasteful changes intended to keep the cars fresh for a while. This includes the new GTI inspired grille, revised bonnet, reworked bumper for a sportier look at the front and rear. There's also a new and sportier GT Line version that adds a blacked out roof, ORVMs and spoiler on both cars, along with a GT Line badge on the fender, decals running across the sides and splitters up front with side skirts. The Polo GT also comes with a faux diffuser for that sporty look on the hatchback.
