In the domestic compact sedan market, Volkswagen brand models are quite rich, from Jetta, Santana, to Bora, Langyi, Golf, to Sagitar, Lingdu, in the market segment can be described as pervasive. Because of this, Volkswagen's position in the car market has always been quite stable.
However, as other joint venture brands continue to increase their size in the compact car market, coupled with their own brands also paying more and more attention to the car market, this makes the competition in the compact car market become extremely fierce. Although Volkswagen's position in the compact sedan market is difficult to shake, its competitiveness has declined.
But fortunately, the skinny camel is bigger than the horse, and Volkswagen's huge volume in the compact sedan market makes it easy to just move its fingers and sit firmly at the top of the market segment.
For example, this year, Volkswagen's two compact star products will usher in a new one. One is FAW-Volkswagen's new Sagittarius, and the other is SAIC-Volkswagen's new Lingdu L.
The former will be equipped with the new EA211 EVO 1.5T engine, and the latter will be equipped with frameless doors + hatchback tailgates. It can be said that this is the biggest highlight of each of the two models.
There are differences in the positioning of the two models
Sagitar and Lingdu have always belonged to volkswagen's two joint ventures in China, sagittarius as a global model, in China has a long history. Lingdu is a model specially built for the Chinese market, and it has been almost 8 years since it was first launched.
Many people will think that Sagittarius and Lingdu are similarly positioned, but this is not the case.
Sagitar has always been the main practical and certain sense of luxury. Therefore, Sagitar's space is always in a leading position in its class. Especially after the replacement, based on the MQB platform to create a new Sagitar, the wheelbase is extended to 2731mm, and the rear legroom is comparable to that of many B-class cars.
In the interior, the texture of the new Sagitar is between Bora and Magotan, which is comparable to the golf, mainly reflected in the fact that the interior has more leather materials and soft materials. In addition, in the material of the seat, some models also use Alcantara fur and leather mixing.
But Lingdu is different. Since its inception, this car has been under the concept of "wide-body coupe", so its body width is wider than other models in the same class, comparable to the mainstream B-class car. However, due to the positioning of the coupe, Lingdu has always been called a small CC, and the wheelbase and body length are slightly shorter than those of the sagittarius in the same period.
But in terms of the texture of the interior, LingDu is better than Sagitar. This is not only reflected in the senses brought by the wider body, but also in the overall interior material. This also makes Lingdu's interior texture closer to Passat and Maiteng.
Through the above comparison, it can be seen that although Lingdu and Sagitar are both positioned compact cars, there is actually a clear difference in positioning. All along, Lingdu's performance in the rear legroom due to its size and wheelbase is not large.
This has led to Lingdu's sales not as good as Sagitar, and it is obviously not important whether it is built for the Chinese market, after all, the two models on sale are from the same platform. Judging from the pricing of Lingdu slightly higher than Sagitar, this can further explain the difference in positioning of the two cars.
The new Sagittarius strengthens the home attributes, and the new Lingdu L makes up for the shortcomings
With the new Sagitar and the new Lingdu L about to enter the market, the information of the two models is becoming clearer and clearer.
So, after the replacement, can the respective advantages of the two models be maintained? Will the positioning difference between the two be so pronounced?
First, let's take a look at the new Sagitar.
As a mid-term revamp, the most anticipated thing about the new Sagitar is the new EA211 EVO 1.5T engine. It is said that it is brand new, but in fact, this engine has been installed in overseas markets for several years.
However, compared with the overseas version, the new domestic EA211 EVO 1.5T engine has improved in terms of power parameters. Its maximum power was increased to 118 kW (160 hp), reaching the level of the second-generation EA888 1.8T engine. Therefore, when the new Sagitar was declared, its tail mark also changed from the previous "280TSI" to "300TSI".
Technically, this new engine has more advanced technology than the previous 1.4T engine. For example, it is equipped with Variable Geometry Turbine Technology (VTG), High Compression Ratio Miller Cycle Technology (Compression Ratio 12.5:1), and Combustion Efficiency Increased to 37.5%. It is also equipped with high-pressure common-rail fuel injection systems (up to 350 Bar pressure), technologies such as APS coating, main cylinder shut-off technology, and gasoline particulate matter traps.
Of course, the purpose of these advanced technologies is to exchange for better fuel economy to meet the current environment of energy conservation and emission reduction and policy needs. For users, the installation of the new engine can also save more fuel money for car owners in daily use.
Referring to the overseas version of the Golf equipped with this power, its WLTP fuel consumption can run a comprehensive fuel consumption of 4.6L/100km, which is close to Toyota's model equipped with the THS hybrid system. In other words, Volkswagen has achieved the fuel economy of the EA211 engine to the extreme.
In addition to the upgrading of the power system, the new Sagitar has made small adjustments to the appearance, the biggest change is the replacement of the middle grid grid similar to the new Passat shape, and the shape of the lower grille has also been greatly adjusted. The entire front face looks more stylish and atmospheric than before the upgrade.
In terms of interior, the new Sagitar originally built-in central control touch screen was replaced by a large suspension screen. In addition, the car machine system adopts a new Zebra network, as well as the Travel Assist L2 level intelligent driver assistance system, and the sense of technology has been improved.
As for the size and space, since the wheelbase has not changed, the lengthened 38mm body is most likely only due to the difference in bumper design. Therefore, the actual experience inside the new car is not much different from the current model, and it is still in a leading position in the same class.
It can be seen that the new Sagitar has been further strengthened after being equipped with an engine with better fuel economy, equipped with a more functional car engine system and intelligent driving assistance function.
Let's take a look at the new Lingdu L.
After the new car was exposed, its heat continued to heat up.
The reason is that the new Lingdu L has changed drastically compared to the previous generation, and it is even impossible to remind people of the previous Lingdu. It can be said that the Lingdu L is the least likely model of Volkswagen fuel vehicles at present.
First of all, in terms of appearance, the front of the new Lingdu L has been transformed into a "Ferrari" supercar design, the oversized grid grid placed under the logo, and the headlights that are raised upwards, all of which make the front of the new Lingdu L give people a bright feeling.
Secondly, the frameless door that conservative consumers expect is finally arranged this time. Previously, Qi Panjun also experienced the new Lingdu L in the 4S store, and the visual impact brought by the frameless door was indeed much stronger than that of the ordinary car door. In addition, the new car also sent an Easter egg, that is, it also adopts a hatchback tailgate design.
In this way, the new Lingdu L is called "small CC" and can be solidified.
Not only that, the new Lingdu L has added through taillights to the front and rear of the car, and the front and rear Volkswagen logos can also be lit. It can be said that the new Lingdu L not only interprets the design of the coupe to the extreme, but also makes the vehicle design swim between the fuel car and the pure tram through new elements such as LED light strips.
In terms of interior, the new Lingdu L can give people a sense of luxury.
In addition to adhering to the advantages of the B-class car as always, the new central control design and a large number of scientific and technological configurations can set off a more luxurious atmosphere.
For example, the new car is equipped with 30-color mood lights, and the instrument and center control adopt a screen design similar to that of the eighth-generation Golf. In the light control area on the left side in front of the main driver, the new car also replaced the previous knobs and buttons with touch.
For example, these touch button areas, together with mood lights and screens, can bring a "nightclub style" feeling when driving at night. In addition, the new car is also equipped with the same model as Porsche, and it is very delicate and compact electronic gear. However, the disadvantage is that the new Lingdu L is not equipped with a paddle shifter.
These technology configurations actually benefit from the new architecture of MQB EVO.
Of course, another highlight is the space. Under the new platform, the new Lingdu L has a larger body and wheelbase, with a wheelbase of 2731mm, which is consistent with the new Sagittarius. This makes the new Lingdu L jump into the category of A+ cars, making up for the lack of space in the rear of the previous model.
However, the new Lingdu L is not equipped with the new EA211 EVO 1.5T engine, which is still the current 1.4T + 7-speed dual-clutch powertrain.
Therefore, if only from the perspective of home, there is no obvious gap between the new Lingdu L and the new Sagittarius, not to mention that Lingdu L also has a hatchback tailgate, which is more practical than Sagittarius. However, the new sagittarius engine, in terms of fuel economy, is obviously unmatched by the new Lingdu L.
From the perspective of the positioning difference between the two, the price of the new Lingdu L after listing will be much higher than that of the new Sagittarius. In addition, Sagitar's long-standing high sales volume can also become a major reason for consumers to buy Sagitar.
It can be seen that the target population targeted by the two cars is quite different.
The new Sagitar is still mainly for home use, and it is stronger than the new Lingdu L in terms of practicality, fuel economy, and price. The new Lingdu L is suitable for young people who pursue sports, fashion and pay more attention to personal enjoyment, and the audience is smaller than Sagittarius.
If it were you, how would you choose between the two models?