Volkswagen unveils Ameo compact sedan ahead of Auto Expo 2016
Polo-based compact sedan has been designed and developed solely for the Indian market
In the run up to the 2016 Auto Expo, Volkswagen has unveiled the Ameo compact sedan. The global debut of the sub-four-metre sedan marks the German carmaker’s long overdue entry into the compact sedan segment.Earlier dubbed Indian Compact Sedan, the Ameo sub-four-metre compact has been derived specifically for the Indian market and will be manufactured at the carmaker’s plant in Chakan, Pune. Manufacturing is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2016.
The Ameo looks no different to a Polo right till the B-pillar. Volkswagen has not revealed overall length yet but given the Polo measures 3971mm, the Ameo’s tail section is rather short. You can tell the roof doesn’t flow downwards as it does on the hatchback. The C-pillar flows into a stubby and slightly angular boot section. The square-out tail lamps are also different from those on the Polo and Vento sedan and do help give the Ameo a different identity.
All version gets dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes as standard. First in segment features such as cruise control and rain-sensing wipers, static cornering lights and a touchscreen with Mirrorlink that can replicate your phone’s screen. Other features include automatic climate control, rear aircon vent, rear parking camera with sensors, electronically adjustable rear view mirrors, steering adjustable for both rake and reach, a cooled glovebox and alloy wheels.
The vehicle is powered by the 73bhp, 1.2-litre petrol engine and the 89bhp, 1.5-diesel unit from the Polo. Both engines come with five-speed manual gearboxes as standard though the diesel one can be had with VW’s seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox as well.
The new compact sedan from Volkswagen will face rivals like the Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze, Tata Zest, Hyundai Xcent, and Ford Aspire.
The carmaker announced an investment of Rs 720 crore in November 2015 towards development, setting up new equipment and ramping up the production of the new compact sedan. This forms a part of the Rs 1,500 crore investment that was announced by the carmaker at the beginning of 2014.
Courtesy : Autocar