Volkswagen Ameo diesel launched at Rs 6.33 lakh

Volkswagen has launched the much-awaited diesel version of the Ameo. The diesel compact sedan is priced from Rs 6.33 lakh to Rs 9.32 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and is the first car from the VW Group in India to feature the updated 110hp 1.5-litre diesel engine.

At the time of the Ameo petrol’s launch, we had reported that Volkswagen had pushed back the introduction of the diesel version as it was working on updating the 1.5-litre TDI unit. The Ameo debuts the revised engine that sees a mild bump in power to 110hp thanks to a larger turbocharger. The engine’s power output makes the Ameo the most powerful diesel compact sedan in the segment ahead of the 100hp Ford Figo Aspire diesel. Interestingly, the engine also sees enhanced localisation levels with its use of an India-sourced turbocharger. You can expect this engine to make its way to VW’s Polo GT TDI and Vento as well as the facelifted Skoda Rapid that is due to be launched soon.

As standard, the Ameo comes with a five-speed manual transmission but for the first time in the compact sedan segment, buyers also get the option of a seven-speed dual-clutch unit. This gearbox is available only on the top-two trims. The Ameo’s diesel automatic rivals such as the Maruti Dzire and Tata Zest use more basic AMT gearboxes. On the safety front, all variants get dual airbags as standard.

Additional features include cruise control, static cornering lights, ESP and hill hold control (DSG only), rain sensing wipers and touchscreen infotainment system with MirroLink.  The Ameo diesel is available in three trim levels – Trendline, Comfortline and Highline – with equipment shared with its petrol sibling already on sale.

While we are yet to drive it, the Ameo TDI’s power specs and the option of a dual-clutch gearbox make it a competitive package in the segment. Our review goes live on October 5.  

Prices of the Volkswagen Ameo diesel (ex-showroom, Delhi)

1.5 TDI Trendline M/T - Rs 6,33,600
1.5 TDI Comfortline M/T - Rs 7,35,150
1.5 TDI Comfortline DSG - Rs 8,50,150
1.5 TDI Highline M/T - Rs 8,16,900
1.5 TDI Highline DSG - Rs 9,31,900