Volkswagen Ameo first look review

VW’s new Ameo is a compact sedan that has specifically been re-engineered for India. We take a close look at what it has on offer.

Published on Feb 24, 2016 01:39:00 PM

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Seatback flips for more luggage.

Whereas front seat comfort is the same as that on the Polo, space in the rear is a bit better because VW has been able to make changes to the rear seat. The seat base is angled up a bit, which is nice, and the backrest feels a bit more relaxed, so you are reasonably comfortable. Legroom, though marginally better than in the Polo, still remains an issue, and that’s especially true if there are a couple of tall passengers sitting up front.

It has the most sophisticated interior in its class and will be feature-rich too.

What VW is also banking on is the attractive nature of its smooth and punchy 1.5 diesel, that will put out a strong 89bhp in a state of tune similar to that found on the Polo. And Ameo will also get another ace up its sleeve, the rapid-shifting DSG twin-clutch automatic. The other engine the Ameo will be powered by is the 73bhp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol. The 1.2 TSI is an option, but that’s only likely to come much later in the life of the car.

VW will launch the Ameo towards the middle of the year. Prices are expected to start at Rs 5.5 lakh for the base petrol and go all the way up to Rs 9.5 lakh for the fully-loaded diesel automatic. VW says it will also likely offer a really attractive warranty and service package to sweeten the deal even further. It may not have the most attractive rear and the space in the back isn’t great either, but the Ameo is likely to hold an advantage when it comes to build quality, fit-finish and sophistication. It has a strong set of engines, the DSG gearbox and 1.5 diesel are likely to be a great combo and it’s likely to be one of the nicest cars in its class to drive too. It will need to be, especially if it has to go up against the likes of the Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze, Tata Zest, Hyundai Xcent and Ford Aspire.

Shapur Kotwal