Volkswagen launches Ameo diesel

Volkswagen launched the much-awaited diesel version of the Ameo. The car becomes the first one to receive the new 110 BHP EA 189 1.5-litre diesel engine. The new engine gets a bigger turbocharger which translates into a bigger power output. Prices start at Rs. 6.33 lakh while the top-end variant costs Rs. 9.32 lakh.

Volkswagen announced during the launched of petrol Ameo that the company is already working a 1.5-litre TDI engine. The new engine also makes Ameo, the most powerful diesel compact sedan. Earlier, Ford Figo held the feat with 98 BHP of maximum power. The new engine gets more localized parts and even the new turbo is sourced from an Indian manufacturer. The new engine will make its way to the Polo GT TDI, Vento and the new Skoda Rapid that is due for an update soon.

The Ameo diesel also gets 5-speed manual transmission standard equipment. It is also offered with a 7-speed DSG which is also a first in the diesel compact sedan segment. Only other cars that are offered with automatic transmission in this segment are the Maruti DZire and Tata Zest, both of which are offered with only AMT gearbox.

The car also gets dual airbags as a standard equipment across all the variants. Other features that are available with the higher end variants are cruise control, cornering lights, rain sensing wipers and touch-sensitive infotainment with Mirror Link. The infotainment screen can replicate the screen from a supported smartphone but it is not as the same as Apple CarPlay or Google Auto.

The Ameo diesel is available in three trim levels – Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. The Ameo is based on the Polo platform and is the first compact sedan from Volkswagen. The car gets a lot of firsts in the segment and should give Volkswagen much-needed push during the festive season sale. Volkswagen will also bring the GTI hot hatchback soon in India.