Volkswagen India has launched its challenger in the sub 4m compact sedan segment, the Ameo. The first ‘made in India’ Ameo starts at Rs. 5.24 lakh for the entry level variant to Rs. 7.05 lakh for the top end model. The compact sedan is currently available with petrol engine and deliveries will commence from July 2016. Based on Polo hatch, it will take on the likes of Hyundai Xcent, Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze and Ford Figo Aspire.
In terms of pricing, Ameo undercuts couple of its rivals and price equivalent to the segment leader Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire. The Ameo is available between Rs. 5.24 lakh and Rs. 7.05 lakh while mid range variant cost at Rs. 5.99 lakh making it one of value for money offering in the segment.
Engine Details:
The Ameo uses the same platform of Polo hatchback and powered by the same Petrol mill that is good for 74bhp of power@5400rpm and 110Nm of high torque@3750rpm. The vehicle is linked to a 5-speed manual transmission and delivers an ARAI rated mileage of 17.83 Kmpl. The diesel variants will follow later which will sports a 1.5l TDI motor that spilt out 90PS of power and 230Nm of high torque, paired to a 5-speed manual or 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
Space and Dimensions:
The length of the vehicle is compiled to meet sub 4m rule and doesn’t look ugly
The Ameo is 3995mm long, 1682mm wide, 1483mm tall and sits on the wheelbase of 2470mm same as Polo hatchback. The car has a ground clearance of 165mm and offers decent boot space of 280 liters.
Exterior and Interior:
At a first glance, it is very easy to spot that Ameo is an extended version of Polo hatchback which is distinguished by chrome detailing on the front bumper, smoked headlamps and new rear. The Ameo bears many first in segment features such as rain sensing wipers, anti-pinch windows, static cornering lights, cruise control and front center arm rest.
Volkswagen has added lots of equipment to enhance its appeal such as five inch touchscreen infotainment system, leather wrapped steering wheel, A/C vents for rear passengers, auto dimming IRVM, remote central locking, cooled glove box, folding rear seats, climate control, height adjustable front seat, multi-function display in the instrument console. The seats and door pads are available in beige colors while black dashboard has beige lower portion.
Colors:
The VW Ameo is available in 5 exterior paint color schemes – Carbon steel, Reflex Silver, Toffee brown, Candy white and Blue silk.
Safety:
Safety is given high preference on Ameo as all the variants are fitted with dual front airbags and Anti-lock braking system (ABS) as standard. The top variants are brimmed with reverse parking camera with display guidance, first in segment anti-pinch windows for all four windows, electronic engine immobilizer with floating code, front fog lamps with static cornering lights, one touch lane change indicator, rear defogger, front disc brakes etc.
