After going through a serious downfall in the sales numbers owing to emission scandal issue, the German automaker has finally come out with a new hope that is entitled with Ameo- the first sub-compact sedan from the company. Being the first sub-compact sedan, the Ameo is also the first made-in-India vehicle from the company that is originally designed for the Indian consumers.

Looking at the journey of Volkswagen Ameo sub-compact sedan, that started this year just before the Auto Expo 2016 and became a gossip topic around the town for its build quality and dynamic design. It seems like the company has designed this model for those who want to buy a sedan in the similar price segment to the hatch. Based on the Polo’s platform, it serves as a 3-box sedan at a very lucrative cost.

Well, the compact sedan took a long time to join the battle with its siblings, but sometimes it becomes tedious to take a right decision at the right time. However, the automaker took a right decision and the result can be seen with its Ameo that has magnetized a very good footfall in the showroom.

Let’s have a look at the rest of the Volkswagen Ameo’s review:-

Exterior Design and Features:-

Like most of the other compact sedans namely Ford Figo Aspire, Maruti Swift DZire, Honda Amaze, etc, the Volkswagen Ameo carries a hatch look from the front fascia. However, the carmaker has slightly redesigned the front bumper and shaved it off by 35mm and added those to the rear end, to make the car more proportionate. Besides, it also shares some features like front radiator grille that is flanked by the double barrel headlights along with LED daytime running lights, front fenders, doors with the Polo.

Ameo-Exterior-design

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Moving to the rear, you will get to see a new bumper and stylish tail lamps. Some of the features like door mirror with turn indicators, body-toned outside mirrors and door handles are also there as standard across all the variants, while the air dam, chrome applique on door handles and set of alloy wheels are only available with top-end trim. Dimensions-wise, it measures 3,995 mm long, 1,682 mm wide, 1,483 mm tall and a wheelbase of 2,470 mm. Apart from these, it also has a high ground clearance of 165 mm.

Interior:-

The interior of the Ameo is similar to the one that you have seen inside the Polo. Furnished in dual paint color scheme, the dash comes equipped with smart looking centre console that consists of rectangular air vents and a state-of-the-art infotainment system along with touchscreen display and USB and Bluetooth connectivity. To avoid bumps on the rear end, you can also use the rear parking camera facility and spot any tiny place back side.

Interior-of-the-Volkswagen-Ameo

The auto-dimming rear view mirror, intelligent rain sensor, climate control, central armrest, a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel, cooled glove box, are also efficient enough to lure the buyers. In addition, the car is also featured with cruise control and a lot more that make it best in class in the category.

No doubt that the Ameo offers you more space in comparison to the Polo hatchback , but slightly less from the other competitive cars like Figo Aspire, Amaze and Swift Dzire. The roof of the vehicle has also been lowered with 15mm that might get considered as a negative feedback. It also has a boot space of 330-litre that isn’t as much as we think and also less from its rivals.

Engine and Power Specifications:-

Under the hood, the Volkswagen Ameo is holding the same engine that currently underpins the Polo hatchback. Yeah! It is same 1.2-litre MPI , three cylinder petrol engine that enable the car to run with a power of 75 PS at 5400 rpm along with a torque of 110 Nm at 3750 rpm. Till the date, only a 5-speed manual is mated with the engine.

Engine-and-performance

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Since its launch in the Indian auto market, it has achieved a host of bookings and that ignited the company’s expectation and forced them to make an AMT unit as well that might get launched later this year. Furthermore, the ARAI rated mileage stand at 17.83 km/l that is comparatively less against to its competitors.

There is also an option of diesel engine that is stated to be launched in Diwali this year. When it comes, it will be powered by a 1.5-litre unit and expected to churn out about 110 PS of power. Expect a 5-speed as well as a seven-speed DSG gearbox with the motor.

Ride and Handling:-

The moment you will sit behind the steering wheel and accelerate the paddle you will get quite similar feeling that you are driving the Polo as the car brought up similar engine, chassis and even suspension set-up. What strange about this sedan is that it stands on the MRF ZVTs that are wrapped with the steel or alloys as per their variants rather than the same Polo’s Alnac tyre.

Ride-and-Handling

The suspension duties are taken care of by McPherson strut with stabiliser bar at the front, while Semi-independent trailing arm at the rear. The straight line stability, disc and drum brakes at front and rear respectively, and good approach and departure angle allow the rider to handle in every conditions as well as to keep safe from the potholes.

Variants and Features:-

For now, the Ameo is available in following three variants that all are powering through only a petrol engine option and a single transmission unit. Also comes in five different colors- Reflex Silver, Candy White, Toffee Brown, Carbon Steel, and Blue Silk.

1. Volkswagen Ameo Trendline:-

As an entry level trim, it is fitted with all the basic features altogether with some common safety features like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), height-adjustable head restraints for both front and rear, electronic engine immobiliser, fog lamps at the back, and dual airbags for driver and front occupants. For all the features, it will be priced at INR 5.31 Lakhs (Ex-showroom, New Delhi).

Cruise-Control

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2. Volkswagen Ameo Comfortline:-

Along with all the regular features, it will be offered with some additional elements such as dual beams at the front, fabric design, ambient lights inside the cabin and cruise control, height adjustable driver seats as an comfort features. For safety, it comes attached with fog lamps at the front and Anti-pinch power windows for both front and rear, which is also claimed to be first in segment. The carmaker brings this trim for the price of INR 6 Lakhs (Ex-showroom, New Delhi).

3. Volkswagen Ameo Highline:-

It will make you run for INR 7.13 Lakhs (Ex-showroom) that comprise all the basic and best in class features. The list of the features includes chrome applique on door handles, leather stitched steering wheel in piano black color scheme, leather covered gear knobs, auto dimming interior rear view mirror, voice commands and many others.

Verdict:

In India, where most of the consumers are looking for the car that can return the best mileage, it is always troublesome to find something that matches the above statement. So, for your ease we have listed all the details of the Volkswagen Ameo sub-compact sedan, I hope it will be fruitful to you.