Volkswagen Ameo launched at Rs 5.14 lakh

Volkswagen has entered the sub-4 metre compact sedan segment with the launch of the Ameo. Prices start from Rs 5.14 lakh, ex-showroom Mumbai. With the Ameo, Volkswagen takes on the Maruti Dzire, Hyundai Xcent, Honda Amaze, Ford Figo Aspire and Tata Zest in this high volume segment.

As of now, the compact sedan has been launched with the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox that makes 74bhp of power and 110Nm of torque. It will be offered in three variants – trendline, comfortline and Highline, with prices for the highline trim going up to Rs 6.91 lakh. Besides the petrol unit, the Ameo will also get the 1.5-litre diesel with a choice of the 5-speed manual or the 7-speed DSG box. The diesels however will be introduced at a later date.

With the Ameo, Volkswagen will not lose out to its rivals on the features front. ABS and dual front airbags are standard across all variants. The DSG diesel Ameo comes in mid-spec comfortline and highline trims and gets ESP in both. The Ameo gets first-in-class, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers and one touch up/down for all four power windows. Besides, there’s a touch-screen infotainment system that doubles up as a display for the rear parking camera, Mirrorlink integration, Bluetooth, USB and Aux-in connectivity. It also gets auto-dimming rear view mirrors.

Volkswagen has competitively priced the petrol, but the performance is down on its rivals. Most buyers will opt for the diesel versions, so if these prices are anything to go by, the compact sedan segment has a strong new competitor.