The Ameo is the Volkswagen’s entry into the compact sedan segment in India. The ‘Made for India’ car, as they call it, will offer the most premium package in terms of driving dynamics and interior features, along with offering the added benefits of a luxury badge.
The Volkswagen Ameo will rival against competitors including Honda Amaze, Maruti Swift Dzire & Hyundai Xcent. Speculated price for Ameo will be from INR 5.30 lakh which will make it extremely competitive. Of course, these prices will be for the base model petrol variant, the top of the line variants are expected to be more expensive, albeit official prices are yet to be announced.
The petrol engine for Ameo will be a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine with a 5-speed gearbox. Volkswagen will also eventually launch a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, badged as the Ameo GT TSI. On the other hand the diesel engine will be a 1.5-litre motor with a 5-speed manual transmission. There will also be a diesel automatic that will be launched soon, which will have the 7-speed DSG gearbox. The Ameo of course, will be a larger car than the VW Polo and will have more space in the back seat along with a larger boot. The Ameo will also have ABS and airbags as standard fitment in all variants while the top of the line variants getting added gadgets including Apple CarPlay and a touch-screen infotainment setup.
Government of Pakistan is keen to let the European car makers enter the market & it is said that the new auto policy is also heavily tailored to favor Volkswagen. Representatives from VW had visited Pakistan earlier this year to explore possible venues for investments. It will take a few years for them to successfully set up their production base here, however our market badly needs car of this type for the vast majority of middle class.
A price tag of approximately INR 5.30 lakh is equivalent to PKR 8.2 lakh and is still cheaper than the Pak Suzuki WagonR. Even at PKR 10 lac it won’t be a bad buy at all, considering the fact that it has a fuel efficient engine with lower displacement, which means lower taxation. Being a sedan it’s practical and its size makes it easy to commute within city and to park too. This also gives us an idea how affordable yet cheap, cars in other countries are. Compared to Pakistan where similar amount of money can’t even buy you a Wagon-R and you are stuck with the eternal Mehran!
Volkswagen certainly has a much diversified portfolio and there are products which can fit nicely into our market or have the potential to create a market of their own. The new auto policy has opened doors for new entrants and if all goes well we will surely be able to see the likes of VW Ameo.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
