It has been long time coming; breaking the shackles about the VW Ameo here come the good news that it is likely going to launch in India by June end while deliveries will commence from July. The car made headlines during its official reveal placed just before the launch of 2016 Auto Expo. The Ameo is based on PQ25 platform that also underpins Vento and Polo hatchback and the sub 4m sedan is specifically developed for the Indian market.
VW has invested a huge sum of Rs. 720 crores for the research and development of Ameo and it will be manufactured at company’s Chakan plant, Pune. With Ameo, Volkswagen will try to grab a pie in quite competitive segment against the big players like Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, Hyundai Xcent and Ford Figo Aspire.
Expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 5.35 to 7.8 lakhs (ex-showroom), it will be powered by conventional range of engine seen of other VW cars. The Ameo will come with a 1.5l TDI diesel engine that can make 89bhp of output and 230Nm of high torque and a 1.2l MPI petrol engine that belts out 74bhp power and 110Nm of torque. Transmission duties will be held by five speed manual and seven speed DSG automatic gearboxes while petrol will only get a five speed manual transmission.
On the design front, it looks like a proper sub 4m sedan not a stretched hatch with attached boot and bears the face of Vento or Polo. It packs with dual tone beige interiors flanked by 6.5 inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, mirror link app and SMS viewer, multi function steering wheel, automatic climate control etc.
As for the safety, VW will offer dual front airbags, ABS, hill hold function, ESP (electric stability program) as standard across the range. Other safety features will include reverse parking camera, rear sensors, engine immobilizer and three point seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters etc.
