What is a car's platform?

A car's platform is a set of engineering and production elements that can be used to create a number of different car models – to save development cost and to streamline production. It might include the chassis, underbody, heating system and engines, among other things. The design of a platform then tends to stipulate the wheelbase, engine type and size, suspension setup and driveline. Many modern cars use a modular platform, which can be altered to suit a wide range of different types and sizes of cars. As an example, Volkswagen's 'MQB' platform not only underpins the Golf, but also the T-Roc and Tiguan SUVs, plus mechanically related cars such as the SEAT Leon, Skoda Octavia and even the Audi TT sports car.