Volkswagen Ameo

The Volkswagen Ameo is fitted with either of two engines: a 1198cc, 3-cylinder, petrol engine and a 1498cc, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. The petrol engine is tuned for efficiency than performance and is paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. The diesel engine is naturally efficient but is also tuned for better performance - while it can also be had with a 5-speed manual transmission, you can also pair it with a quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The dual-clutch transmission fits the powerful nature of the diesel motor, if driven carefully it can also be more efficient than the manual transmission.

The Ameo is Volkswagen's conceived-and-made-in-India compact-sedan based on the Polo hatchback. It shares most of its design with the hatchback except, of course, at the rear. Overall, the design is understated but grown up, with only the boot standing out like an afterthought. The dual-barrel headlamps, subtle chrome highlights all around, large multi-spoke wheels, stubby boot etc. make the Ameo look smart.

The understated but smart design continues on the inside too. Volkswagen engineers have had to compromise rear cabin space to make the luggage compartment usable; at 330-litres, it can hold just 35-litres more than the Polo hatchback. As a 2+2 seater, the Ameo is a great compact car to have. The tough build quality, high-quality materials and high-tech features make this a great cabin to be in. Highlights include the touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera display, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, bezel-less IRVM, cooled glovebox, rear A/C vents, hill-hold assist, traction control etc.

Volkswagen offers 7 variants of the Ameo. The 1.2 MPI Trendline is priced at Rs 5.60 lakh, while the top-end 1.5 TDI DSG Highline costs Rs 9.99 lakh. For those looking at the best combination of performance and efficiency, thehowroom), the top of the line XTA (4x4) automatic variant sets you back by Rs 17.40 lakh. The 1.5 TDI DSG Highline variant is the best one to go for. If engine performance is not too important, but you want all the unique features that the Ameo is fitted with, the 1.2 MPI Highline variant offers everything at a much lower price point.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire: This is the newest car in its class and has been improved in every way imaginable. It looks proportional, is the most spacious among the competition here and has great features. As always the Dzire is backed by Maruti's reliable, nation-wide service network.

Hyundai Xcent: Based on the Grand i10 hatchback, this compact sedan combines the reliability and low cost of ownership associated with the brand with the space and practicality of a larger car. The Xcent is not as spacious as the competition but has one of the better-built interiors. The Xcent does not get a diesel automatic variant, unlike the Ameo or the Dzire.

Ford Aspire: The oldest car in this comparison, the Aspire remains the value buy in this segment for the space, performance and comfort it offers. The age does show through; the Aspire is the only car in the segment to not get a touchscreen, smartphone compatible infotainment system. It leads the pack in terms of safety though, with features like 6-airbags and emergency assist system.

The Ameo can be a great compact sedan to own if build quality, performance, features and value rank high on your priority list. The Ameo has a big, for some deal breaking, fault - the rear seats are the most cramped in its class.