Volkswagen Ameo Diesel launched with the updated 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine making 108 bhp and 250 Nm of peak torque
Volkswagen India has launched the Ameo subcompact sedan with a diesel engine today. After much waiting, the German auto giant has introduced the entry-level diesel variant at a starting price of Rs. 6.33 lakh for the Trendline variant while it goes all the up to Rs. 9.32 lakh for the range-topping Highline automatic version (both prices, ex-showroom Delhi).
Among the three trims – Trendline, Comfortline and Highline – only the base variant comes with manual only transmission as the other two can be ordered by customers equipped with a DSG unit. The delaying of the market arrival of the diesel engine is an aftermath of the emission cheating scandal endured by Volkswagen Group.
Also Read: Volkswagen Ameo Diesel Launching Today
As time had been taken to update the EA189 1.5-litre TDI four-cylinder diesel motor, Volkswagen stuck with launching the India-specific Ameo sedan only with a petrol engine a few months ago at a competitive price range. The now-updated gas-guzzler has been tuned to deliver a maximum power output of 108 bhp and 250 Nm of peak torque.
The 1.5-litre TDI diesel mill is not new to India as it has already been featured underneath the Polo hatchback, Vento and Skoda Rapid sedans. Following the Ameo diesel’s launch, the updated engine could be reinforced into the lineup of other models in their facelifted avatars. The two transmission options for the Ameo diesel are a five-speed manual and a seven-speed DSG automatic unit unlike the petrol variants that are offered only with the manual.
Also Read: Volkswagen Ameo Compact Sedan Deliveries Begin
Volkswagen takes this opportunity to appeal for a wider range of audiences as the festive season galore slowly kicks in. Except for the added TDI badge, the Ameo sedan mimics its petrol sibling in every possible way. The key features that are carried over from the petrol Ameo are anti-pinch power windows, cooled glovebox, cruise control, rain sensing wipers, rear view camera with parking sensors, touchscreen multimedia music system with Mirror link, I-pod connectivity, phonebook / SMS viewer, “Climatronic” automatic AC with dust & pollen filter, electrically adjustable & foldable ORVMs with LED turn indicators, auto dimming IRVM, tilt & telescopic steering wheel, centre arm rest, rear AC vents, etc.
It continues to measure 3,995 mm in length, 1,682 mm in width, 1,483 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,470 mm. The fuel tank capacity stands at 45 litres while the bootspace is rated at 330 litres. With packed features and appealing interior, the Ameo diesel is a force to reckon with in the sub-4m sedan space but will the fading craze towards diesel engines due to emission awareness affect its sales?
