Photo: autohome.com.cn
We don't usually cover these China-only models, even though this is now the largest market in the world by volume. However, there's something about this Volkswagen that impressed not only our Vdub fans, but also dozens of internet "communities". We are of course talking about the NMC, shown as a concept earlier this year.
Its name means New Midsize Coupe, and that's because it's as wide as a Passat, which is VW's midsize sedan. However, the NMC is actually more like a Jetta four-door coupe with wider tracks.
We knew for a while now that it was going into production for the Chinese market, but these photos taken by local website Auto Home show the actual car in buyer-ready form. From the large wheels to the LED accents in the headlights, everything is as it should be and there's an Easter Egg hidden in one of the shots.
The NMC will make its debut soon and has been fitted with special number plates that say "Lamando", most likely its actual name. This isn't actually relevant because Volkswagen uses different names for its Chinese cars. So for example a Passat is called Magotan and the Jetta is called a Sagitar.
The same website says this new four-door coupe will be offered with 1.4 and 1.8 TSI turbo engines coupled to the DSG7 in FWD configuration only. Prices will start a 180,000 yuan (approximately $29,300) and the official reveal could take place at the Guangzhou Auto Show in December.
Our say: The production NMC looks good and even though it's probably based on the Jetta platform, we still think it's a shame they won't offer it outside of China. If the report is true, this compact four-door coupe is a bargain. Even though Chinese cars are usually more expensive, the equivalent dollar sticker for the NMC is lower than a US-spec Mercedes-Benz CLA or an Audi A3.
We knew for a while now that it was going into production for the Chinese market, but these photos taken by local website Auto Home show the actual car in buyer-ready form. From the large wheels to the LED accents in the headlights, everything is as it should be and there's an Easter Egg hidden in one of the shots.
The NMC will make its debut soon and has been fitted with special number plates that say "Lamando", most likely its actual name. This isn't actually relevant because Volkswagen uses different names for its Chinese cars. So for example a Passat is called Magotan and the Jetta is called a Sagitar.
The same website says this new four-door coupe will be offered with 1.4 and 1.8 TSI turbo engines coupled to the DSG7 in FWD configuration only. Prices will start a 180,000 yuan (approximately $29,300) and the official reveal could take place at the Guangzhou Auto Show in December.
Our say: The production NMC looks good and even though it's probably based on the Jetta platform, we still think it's a shame they won't offer it outside of China. If the report is true, this compact four-door coupe is a bargain. Even though Chinese cars are usually more expensive, the equivalent dollar sticker for the NMC is lower than a US-spec Mercedes-Benz CLA or an Audi A3.
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