When we think of a Volkswagen compact sedan, the Jetta comes to mind. However, over in India, the German company has revealed a compact sedan of an entirely different kind. It's based on the Polo and fits within the sub 4-meter (13-foot) category that gives it certain tax benefits. The 2016 Ameo is locally produced and made its big debut today during the Delhi Motor Show.
Predictably, the emphasis has been placed on offering comfort features, many of which are first in this segment. They include cruise control, rain sensing wipers, two standard airbags, a rearview camera with parking sensors and Climatronicair conditioning with dust & pollen filters.
The Ameo is definitely not a pretty car, but it's not an eyesore either. The underpinnings are quite obviously those of the 2014 Polo hatchback, although several changes have also been made.
To make a sedan, Indian designers and engineers moved the rear window further towards the rear passengers. At the same time, the trunk has been extended by a little (the Polo was already almost 4 meters long). Instead of a hatch, you get a trunk with double goose-neck hinges.
The two-tone interior will be instantly familiar to anybody who's bought a Polo in recent years. Obviously, some corners have been cut. For example, the infotainment screen has shrunk and some of the buttons above it don't work (ESP and heated seats would have been there).
The engines for this car are exactly as we predicted. The basic 3-cylinder 1.2L MPI engine will be mated to a 5-speed manual gear box. Meanwhile, the 1.5L TDI engine will be available with a 5-speed manual transmission or the 7-speed DSG transmission option.
"India is an important market for Volkswagen and it will become even more important in the future. Today we present the next big step to you. A car that is specially designed for the Indian market. A car that is ‘made for India’ and ‘made in India. We are confident that this car will raise the bar in dynamic compact segment. We call it: The Ameo - made by Volkswagen in India," said Mr. Jürgen Stackmann, Board Member for Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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