So, a sub-4m Volkswagen sedan? Is it a Vento with a smaller boot or a Polo with a slightly bigger boot?
Well, the Vento is essentially a Polo with a big boot, and while being based on the same platform, the Vento gets an extended wheelbase that provides added legroom at the back. However, the Ameo has the exact wheelbase as the hatchback with almost no changes mechanically. So, the Ameo is more of a Polo with a slightly bigger boot.
Does it mean that the Germans have just stuck a boot to the Polo?
Not exactly. By redesigning the front bumper, VW has reduced the front overhang by 35mm and added those very millimeters to the rear, which makes it look more proportionate. They've also added some design bits to the front bumper to make it look less bulky as compared to the Polo's.
Are these the only design changes?
So, while it borrows the hood, headlamps, side fenders, doors and the upper grille from the Polo, the rest of the car has been redesigned. For instance, the roof has been lowered by 15mm and there’s a sweeping C-pillar to make the design more flowing than the hatches.
What about the rear design?
Everything is new. A new stubby boot, new tail lamps, new bumper and all that. VW says the Ameo is the first VW made especially for India. While it was designed in Germany by German designers, they've taken a lot of input from the guys sitting in VW’s India office. Also, they say, it's been tailor-made according to Indian needs based on customer surveys done all over the country.
That’s good to know. Now tell us, how's it to drive?
In short, exactly like the Polo. The platform that it's based on, is a capable one. And if you really push it hard, it can hold its line rather well. The steering has the right amount of weight and it increases progressively with speed. It is, by far, the best sub-4m sedan in terms of handling. And that's no surprise because the hatch that it is based on is one of the best driving hatches in the segment.And the ride?
Umm, we'd say the Amaze and the Xcent do a better job of absorbing bumps. But this one is a bit more pliant and has less vertical movements compared to its rivals. The struts tend to get a bit noisy at times, but nothing that you should be worried about.So you say it's the best one out there in terms of driving dynamics, but what about the space?
It's not as spacious as the Amaze or even the Xcent. The rear knee room is a bit tight. But to free up as much space as possible, VW has scooped out some bits of the front seat padding. But even with that, six-footers will find it a bit cramped at the back with the front seats adjusted to accommodate a decently built adult.What’s the interior like?
Again, exactly like the Polo's – well-appointed dashboard with the dual-tone finish. The materials are of good quality and fit and finish is good too.What about the engines?
For now, there's just one engine on offer: the 3-cyl, 1200cc petrol that churns out 74bhp and 110Nm of torque. Like all three pots, there are fair bit of vibrations from the engine.Is that power enough for this one?
The numbers aren't impressive and nor is the performance. It's fine if you wish to cruise on the highway or for your daily commute in the city, but at times when you need to quickly overtake fast paced cars on the highway, you'll have to drop a cog or two and make the motor spin at 4000rpm or above to really get going. We'd have liked some more rush from the engine, but as they say, no amount of power will ever be enough.
And what about the pricing?
As we told you a couple of days back, VW has got it right with the Ameo's pricing. It beats almost all of its rivals, with prices starting from Rs 5.41 lakh and going up to Rs 6.91 lakh.What sort of goodies do we get in the top-end Ameo?
It's been loaded with creature comforts. You get everything from auto AC, cruise control, rear AC vent, electrically folding ORVMs, Bluetooth, steering controls and reverse camera amongst the rest.If it were you, would you put your money on this or one of its rivals?
As we told you, it drives better than all of the other sub-4m sedans, is loaded with features and the pricing is aggressive too. We wouldn't say it's a looker, but you can't have everything, you see.
Specs3cyl, 1198cc petrol, 74bhp, 110Nm, 5M, 1069kg, boot space: 330 litres, fuel tank 45 litres, Price: Rs 5.41 lakh – 6.91 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra).
The verdict aggressively priced compact sedan has build quality, driving dynamics and a healthy feature list on its side. Petrol motor lacks punch, though.