The folks in Bangalore, Karnataka can now head to their nearest Volkswagen dealership as the German automaker has launched the Ameo sub-compact sedan with prices starting at Rs. 5,33,620 (ex-showroom) for the base petrol Trendline variant. The Comfortline and Highline trims are priced at Rs. 6,10,616 and 7,18,450 respectively. Power on the model comes from a 1.2-litre petrol engine churning out 73bhp and 110Nm of torque, paired to a 5-speed gearbox.
The Ameo is an extremely important product for Volkswagen India and also marks as the company's first made-for-India model that has been specifically designed for the domestic market. The company has spent a total of Rs. 720 crore on the development of the model and currently is retailing only the petrol version produced at the Chakan facility. In a bid to gain higher economies of scale, Volkswagen achieved a whopping 82 per cent localisation on the Ameo, the highest compared to any of its models in the country.
The VW Pune plant has a production capacity of 150 units per day for the Ameo
Apart from a lower asking price compared to rivals, Volkswagen has also loaded the Ameo with some interesting features including the MirrorLink infotainment system, cruise control, rain sensing wipers and static cornering lights. All variants get ABS and dual front airbags as part of the standard safety kit, while Volkswagen promises that the upcoming DSG equipped variant will also get ESP and Hill Hold program on offer.
In terms of aesthetics, the Volkswagen Ameo strongly resembles its sibling - Polo, while also being based on the same platform. However, there have been subtle upgrades to the front in a bid to give a more proportioned look to the sub-compact sedan. The side profile continues to use the same panels as the Polo, with the exception of the new alloy wheels, while the rear gets a re-profiled design with the boxy tail lights and stubby boot-lid. With a 330-litre boot capacity, the Ameo also happens to be more practical than the Polo, but not a segment leader in terms of space.
With the deliveries commenced for the petrol variants of the Ameo, Volkswagen is now working on the diesel iteration for the sub-compact sedan that is likely to be introduced around the festive season in the country. The 1.5-litre diesel motor that powers the Polo and Vento will receive upgrades by the end of the year, and will reportedly churn out around 110bhp of power. That certainly makes the Ameo one of the most powerful in its class and will be quite fun to drive as well.
