(Keywords: global models, MQB A0, Aisin AQ250 6AT, self-priming four-cylinder, Jiangsu production)
Volkswagen Lavida is a brand new model, the guidance price is 9.999-109,990, positioned as an entry-level A-class sedan, why the price of Lavida has dropped to 100,000, is this really the effect of the "involution" of the automobile market? In fact, this is not the case, this new Lavida and the Lavida on sale have nothing to do with it, even the two come from different platforms, Lavida new cutting-edge imported from the Indian market, so is this new car worth choosing? Let's break it down in detail.
Lavida introduced an overseas version for the first time, from the Indian market
Domestic Volkswagen Lavida is SAIC Volkswagen specially developed compact car for the domestic market, debuted at the Beijing Auto Show in 2008, is SAIC Volkswagen's first independent design and development of Volkswagen mass production car, its design meets the needs of domestic consumers, compared with global models pay more attention to configuration, etc., after the launch has become the backbone of Volkswagen sedan, and the latest third generation is based on the MQB platform to build.
So what is the origin of Lavida's new cutting-edge? In fact, this car is called Volkswagen Virtus overseas, Virtus was first unveiled in 2017, launched in Brazil on November 16, 2017, is the sedan version of the polo hatchback, between the smaller Voyage and the larger Jetta (domestically called Sagitar) in the Volkswagen Brazilian sedan series. The car is based on the polo platform and shares a large number of components, but modifications have been made to the front bumper and wheelbase, and the trunk capacity has also been increased. In Brazil, all Virtus are designed with a blended fuel (gasoline and ethanol), including 1.0L, 1.6L and 1.4T versions.
However, this Lavida cutting-edge in China is quite different from the styling of Polo, because the second generation version introduced in China was launched in India on March 8, 2022, to replace the sister models of Vento and Skoda Slavia. The styling of the new car has been redesigned, distinguishing it from the Polo and adopting a different interior design from the Polo, closer to Volkswagen's A-Class sedan. The platform used in the Indian version is MQB A0.
It is powered by a locally produced 1.0T three-cylinder engine with a maximum power of 115 hp, which is its main power model, and the Performance Line high-end version is equipped with a 150 hp 1.5T four-cylinder engine. However, after entering the country, the three-cylinder engine is obviously no longer suitable, and both models have been replaced with a 1.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine, which is 5 horsepower less than the three-cylinder engine in India. The domestically produced Lavida Xinrui is produced at the factory in Yizheng City, Jiangsu Province.
Volkswagen Lavida 1.5L automatic new version (99,900) configuration analysis
First driving
Equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine codenamed DRZ, belonging to the EA211 manifold injection series, compared with the previous DMB engine, the belt and intake manifold have been changed, etc., and a particle trap is installed to meet the emission standards of the third stage of China VI B, the maximum power is 110 horsepower, the peak torque is 141Nm, and it explodes at 4100 rpm, and the power is not superior in the 100,000-class model, and the acceleration is 12 seconds away from 100 kilometers, which is not suitable for users who pursue power, and fuel saving is its advantage.
But in terms of durability, EA211 is worthy of recognition, its matching is Aisin AQ250 6AT gearbox, 1.5+6AT is a mature power scheme.
Second ride
In terms of size, the sedan version is one lap larger than the POLO as a whole, with a length, width and height of 4561mm, 1740mm, and a wheelbase of 2651mm, but it is smaller than the current Lavida, with a shorter body of 117mm and a wheelbase of 37mm shorter, and the size is between Lavida and the current Santana, and the seating space is decent. When expanding the trunk space, the second row of seats is reclined as a whole, which is slightly inconvenient compared to the zone reclining type. Another disadvantage is the average comfort of the non-independent suspension of the rear torsion beam.
In terms of configuration, 99,000 Volkswagen can only be said to be barely enough, no sunroof, keyless start, seat material is fabric, but standard 8-inch touch LCD screen, support wireless CarPlay, Carlife and other mobile phone mapping interconnection, while supporting 4G network, wiFI hotspot function only appears on high-end models.
Third, security
The MQB A0 is an entry-level platform, but as a small car platform worldwide, the safety of models based on this basis is guaranteed, and both the Brazilian and Indian versions have received a 5-star rating in local safety crash tests. In terms of active safety, the domestic version is equipped with front side airbags and front and rear head air curtains as standard, as well as active braking and forward collision warning, which is worthy of recognition.
Fourth parking
In terms of parking, this car obviously continues the characteristics of the Indian version, there is no camera and reversing image, there is no front parking radar, only rear parking radar, and parking convenience is low.
Car Selection Detective's Viewpoint: In the South African market, this car is directly called Polo Sedan, which literally translates to the Polo sedan version. After Polo's market share fell sharply, Volkswagen introduced a sedan version, using a more familiar name to attract consumers. The power combination is based on leather durability, and the safety configuration is worthy of recognition, but the parking, entertainment configuration and power data are far from the same price independent brand, will you spend 99,000 to choose such a Volkswagen? Welcome to discuss.