Introduction

It’s a new compact sedan for the Indian market and this time around it’s from Volkswagen. Dubbed the Ameo, it is based on the Polo, Vento and shares a DNA mix of both. This is the first vehicle from Volkswagen to be designed specifically for the Indian market underscoring our importance to them.

The car was unveiled ahead of the 2016 India Auto Expo and is expected to go on sale later this year. Ahead of the official launch, we spent some time with the car and managed to do everything (touch, feel, gently stroke) with the exception of getting behind the steering wheel. We did get driven around so here is our first ‘ride’ review of the Volkswagen Ameo.

Exterior

The face of the Ameo gets a two-slat grille with the large blue VW logo in the centre. The lower section of the fascia gets chrome garnish which extends below the fog lamps and follows the pattern of the slats on the bumper. The headlights are double barrel units while the square fog lamps which were present on our test car are not expected to be standard across all variants.

Since the Ameo is in essence Polo with a boot, right up to the c-pillar it looks exactly like the hatchback. The boot which extends beyond this point is stubby (thanks to the regulations) and as a result the roofline extends down in a rather odd manner. The flare in the wheel arches and forward leaning stance adds a little muscle to the appearance of the car.

The all-important rear end gets a stubby boot with a lip spoiler, L-patterned lights (lifted straight from the Polo) and Skoda Rapid like diagonal lines that cut above the number plate slot. The Polo has always been one of those cars that despite being understated is still quite good looking. The Ameo has attempted to build on this formula and the looks of Polo have been a saving grace for a vehicle born out of highly constrained rules and regulations.

Interior

Volkswagen has used the same cabin layout, feature list and 2.46 metre wheelbase from the Polo for the Ameo sedan. Step inside and you are welcomed by the familiar black and beige two-tone interior, beige seats and sporty gloss black flat bottom steering wheel.

The front seats are comfortable and get a decent amount of side bolstering. The feature list looks to be pretty decent too as you get a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control (first in segment), padded arm rest, rear camera and a cooled glove box.

Moving to the rear, we can see that VW has had to angle the rear bench to maximise boot space within the available wheelbase. This has resulted in a rather odd seating position and as a consequence a six-footer like me is left with very little headroom, knee room (despite a scooped out seat back) and under thigh support. Also the transmission tunnel running through the back means no rear arm rest. What you do get at the back is a cup holder and two AC vents.

The Polo’s boot of 295 litres is pretty huge which means that the Ameo should be significantly bigger. It has the ability to swallow around three pieces of airline sized luggage stacked sideways which is quite decent though a slightly high loading lip means taking heavy things in and out will be a bit of a task.

Engine and Gearbox

The Ameo, when launched, will be offered with the 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine and the 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine. The former is good for 74bhp/110Nm while the latter produces 89bhp/230Nm. A five-speed manual will be standard at the time of launch for both these models while a seven-speed DSG is likely to be offered across both engines.

Our time with the car was limited to being in the passenger seat as well as at the back which means a detailed review of what it is like to drive will come once the car is launched. However, if we are to go by the Polo’s ride quality, handling and ability to put a smile on the driver’s face then the Ameo should perform just as good and will be an involving vehicle.

Price and compeition

Volkswagen is expected to price the Ameo in the range of Rs 5.6 lakh to Rs 8.6 lakh. It will compete in the B-segment with the Hyundai Xcent, Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, Tata Zest and the Ford Figo Aspire.

Photos: Kapil Angane