Volkswagen Ameo launch on Feb 2

Volkswagen, the German carmaker, will launch their new compact sedan, the Ameo, on February 2. Based on the Polo/Vento platform, the sub-four-metre sedan will be launched a day prior to the Auto Expo in Delhi.

The Ameo will get the Volkswagen family face with a wide horizontally slatted front grille and trapezoidal swept back headlamps. The front fascia might be slightly tweaked as compared to the Polo to create a distinct identity for the Ameo.

While the side profile is the same till the C-pillar, the narrowed C-pillar merges into the stubby boot of the compact sedan. Inside, it may get the black/brown and beige combination for the interiors with the feature list carried over from the Polo.

Under the hood, the Ameo may get all three engine options like the Polo. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 74bhp of power will be mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The new 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine producing 89bhp of power will also be mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. With the popularity of automatics increasing, the Ameo may also get the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol TSi engine with the 7-speed automatic DSG gearbox.

The February launch of the Ameo will be a world premiere for the car specifically built to take on the likes of the Maruti Dzire, Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent and the Tata Zest.