Volkswagen is all set to launch the diesel engine version of the Ameo compact sedan this week in India. At the time of its original launch, a few months ago, Volkswagen only introduced the petrol variant as the diesel 1.5-litre EA189 engine was due for a major update.
The new updated engine will feature more power than before at about 110bhp and will develop an expected 250Nm of torque due to new parts like a bigger turbocharger. The Ameo diesel will also be offered in both manual and the DSG automatic gearbox options, unlike the petrol that we drove, which only gets a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Ameo diesel’s upgraded engine will also be featured in a slightly upgraded Polo and Vento which could be launched immediately after. The same engine will also go into the likes of the Skoda Rapid.
The Diesel Ameo Will Get the 1.5-litre EA189 Engine
The Ameo diesel will be identical in terms of the way it looks on the exterior and interior front apart from the TDI badge on the boot although we would have liked Volkswagen to offer a set of larger 16-inch wheels as shown on the car unveiled just before the Auto Expo. It will be available in three variants: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline and will feature the same gadgetry and tech available in the petrol-powered car like a touchscreen infotainment system, rain sensing wipers, cruise control and a reversing camera with parking sensors.
The diesel engines are better to drive than the petrol and the upgraded engine will be an improvement on the same. Sales of the Ameo have been slow since its launch a few months ago but we think that the diesel engine should change that as most customers still want a diesel-powered compact sedan. The addition of the automatic gearbox will be seen as an added benefit too.
The Ameo will go up against competition like the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent, Tata Bolt and the Ford Figo Aspire. We expect Volkswagen to price the Ameo extremely competitively just like they have with the petrol powered variant. Expect pricing to be between Rs 6.9-9.5 lakh to take the fight directly to the market leaders in this segment.
[“source-ndtv”]