2016 Auto Expo: Volkswagen Ameo Top 5 facts

1.) First Compact Sedan: To ensure that the price of cars remain competitive and to make the most of the excise duty cuts manufacturers started developing sub-4 metre cars a few years back. While Maruti Suzuki, Honda, Hyundai, Tata and more recently Ford all joined the bandwagon, Volkswagen has joined in a bit late. The Ameo is Volkswagen’s first compact sedan offering and is expected to fill the gap between the Polo and the Vento. 

2.) Engine Options: Volkswagen will launch the Ameo with petrol as well as diesel engine options. The petrol trim will sport a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder unit that makes 75PS and 110Nm. The diesel variant will come with a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder unit that produces 90PS and 230Nm. Both these engines are essentially the same ones that also work force on the Polo. In fact, they even get the same 5-speed gearbox. Volkswagen is also expected to launch a GT trim in the near future. 

3.) Features: Like all Volkswagen offerings, the Ameo too will give utmost importance to safety. It will come with 2 airbags and ABS as standard. Other features on the top-end variants will include reverse camera, automatic climate control, touchscreen infotainment, cruise control and more. Some of these features have also been added to the Polo and the Vento recently. 

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

4.) Price: Keeping in mind that the VW Ameo will be placed between the Polo and the Vento expect it to be priced starting Rs 5.5 lakh with the top-end trim priced close to the Rs 8.5 lakh. Volkswagen is expected to launch the Ameo in the next six months. 

5.) Competition: One of the biggest factors that could affect the sales of the Ameo is its late entry into the segment. While cars like the Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire and the Honda Amaze have already established their name in the market, with the Ameo VW starts afresh. If that isn’t enough, there are also other players like the Hyundai Xcent, Tata Zest and the Ford Figo Aspire. As though so many sub-4 metre sedans weren’t enough to make life complicated, manufacturers are also brining in similar sized SUVs like the Mahindra TUV300 and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.