Cars Sharing The Same Platform - Part 2

Designing and structuring a car is not an easy job. It takes a lot of analysis, research & Development and trials and is a costly affair. Carmakers from all over the globe use the same platforms to minimise cost and maximise efficiency. This article includes a cluster of cars that share the same platform which will come as a surprise to you.

1. Hyundai Creta and Alcazar

The Hyundai Alcazar is the brand’s latest release in the SUV segment. The Alcazar and Creta share the same K2 platform and a lot of similar features and specs. Although they are both quite different from the other. The dimensions of the SUVs are different, the Alcazar is longer to accommodate the third row.

The engines of both models have the same power outputs. The mileage of the Hyundai Creta is 21.4 kmpl whereas it is 20.4 kmpl for the Alcazar. The loss in mileage could be because of the extra weight of the Alcazar.

2. Skoda Kushaq and Slavia

The Skoda Kushaq was the first product from the VW groups India 2.0 project. The SUV has done wonders in terms of sales since the launch. With Slavia’s launch right around the corner, Skoda seems to have brought another winner to the sedan segment. Both the Kushaq and the Slavia are built on VW’s MQB AO IN platform.

The Skoda Slavia’s performance is top-notch and it has good aerodynamics. The Skoda’s, i.e both the Slavia and Kushaq will have identical engines of up to 1498 cc. The Slavia is expected to be priced above the Kushaq by quite a difference. The price list of Slavia coming with their 1.0-litre engine will be announced today. The price list for the variants with the bigger 1.5-litre engine will be out on 3rd March.

3. Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus

Similar to the Kushaq-Slavia brothers, Volkswagen shares the same platform with Taigun and the upcoming Virtus. The Virtus will likely replace the Volkswagen Vento in the market. Given the tagline ‘The New Global Sedan’, VW has scheduled to debut it on the 8th of March globally.

Both the Virtus and the Taigun share the same MQB AO IN platform specifically designed for the Indian market. They have also managed to localize around 90% of the components for both cars. This helps them to price the cars aggressively.

4. Tata Harrier and Safari

The Tata Harrier and Safari are likely to function with the same platform. The platform is the Omega Arc which was inspired by the Land Rover’s D8 platform. The Safari is a tad bit more expensive than the Harrier in monetary terms. Tata Harrier starts from Rs.14.49 lakh whereas Safari starts from Rs.14.99 lakh.

Tata has different limited editions going on with their current lineup. We saw the Dark Edition for a few of its cars and the Safari has Gold Edition and Adventure Persona Edition for itself. The recent one is the Kaziranga Edition which was launched across its SUV lineup. Tata Punch, Nexon, Harrier and Safari, all 4 of their SUVs get this new edition.

5. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Swift

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is based on Swift’s sleek platform. The new generation Swift is going to be built on the Heartect platform. It will make its global debut in mid-2022. Furthermore, it is being used on most of the models in Maruti. The Swift will be offered a sporty look. The current-gen Swift is priced at Rs.2.2 lakhs below the starting price of the Ertiga. Swift starts at Rs.5.9 lakh whereas Ertiga starts at Rs.8.1 lakh.

6. Jeep Compass and Meridian

The Jeep Compass and Meridian are built on the SUSW platform. The launch of the Jeep Meridian is set for May 2022, and this model is comparatively bigger than the Jeep Compass with its length standing at 4,769 mm.

The off-road version of the Jeep Compass and the Meridian has some common features including better ground clearance, exceptional all-season tires as well as a 9-speed gearbox. The Meridian is expected to have a higher price jump than the Compass since it adds a third row.

7. Toyota Hilux and Innova Crysta

The automobile platform for both the Toyota Hilux and Innova is the Toyota IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) platform. It is a platform not just for SUVs and passenger cars but also for pickup trucks and light trucks.

The Hilux has a 2,755 cc engine with diesel fuel type whereas Innova is available in both a 2,694 cc petrol engine and a 2,393 cc diesel engine. Toyota is yet to release the price list of the Hilux. On the other hand, the Innova Crysta’s price ranges between Rs. 17.3 lakh– 25.32 lakh.