Volkswagen’s made-for-India, made-in-India compact sedan, the Ameo, is quite a nifty package. It’s well-priced, packed with features, and is now available with the much-awaited diesel engine. Here’s what makes the diesel Ameo worth a look:
Engine details
The Ameo’s diesel engine is an updated version of the 1.5-litre unit in the Polo GT and Vento and features a new, localised and larger turbocharger. The unit now develops 110hp which makes the diesel Ameo the most powerful in the segment, above the 100hp Figo Aspire and Amaze diesels. Another big talking point is the diesel automatic. The Ameo makes use of VW’s seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox – its rivals the Dzire and Zest make do with simpler AMT gearboxes. The Ameo is the only diesel to use a dual-clutch transmission in the segment.
Equipment
Volkswagen has made the Ameo as a value-for-money proposition. It has hence, quite uncharacteristically, loaded its Polo-based compact sedan with features; many of them even class-first. The diesel automatics get near identical features to the petrol Ameo though with a select few additions. Equipment available on the Ameo diesel includes:
• Dual front airbags (standard)
• Anti-lock brakes
• Electronic Stability Program (only on 1.5-diesel automatic)
• Hill-start assist (only on 1.5-diesel automatic)
• Touchscreen Infotainment System with CD/MP3, USB, aux-in, SD card, Bluetooth and Mirrorlink
• Cruise Control (first in segment)
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Climate control
Prices and rivals
While the petrol Ameo is priced between Rs 5.24 and Rs 7.05 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the diesel Ameo is priced from Rs 6.33 lakh for the base Trendline variant and going up to Rs 9.32 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi) for the top Highline automatic variant. The Ameo diesel rivals the likes of the Honda Amaze, Tata Zest, Maruti Dzire and the Ford Figo Aspire.