Performance-Based Volkswagen Ameo GT TSI Could Be Launched In India

Volkswagen Ameo Cup_1

Volkswagen Ameo GT TSI is expected to use the same 1.2-litre TSI engine found in the Polo GT and produce 105 PS and 175 Nm torque

The scenario in the domestic car market is that we call Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS and Ford Figo Sports as performance-based in the hatchback segment as they deviate from the regular range with mechanical changes. While the Fiat Punto Abarth can be said as a genuine hot hatch, its understandable high pricing has made it a largely unsuccessful product.

The scope for success of performance-oriented models has always been there if priced well. Standing in contrast, the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI is rewarded with good volume numbers for its sporty handling attributes ever since it was launched. It looks like Volkswagen is going to repeating the same trend again but this time with the Ameo subcompact sedan.

Also Read: Volkswagen Ameo Sport Spotted Testing In India

Volkswagen Ameo Cup_3According to a report emerged on the internet, Volkswagen is seeking ways to introduce a sportier Ameo that deviates from the sticker-job limited editions due to its mooted performance. You could be mislead with the ‘Sport’ version spied running trials at the beginning of this year with plenty of black accents and garnishes as it will remain as a special edition with no mechanical changes.

Instead, the GT version of the Ameo will come strapped with a 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine used in the Polo GT. The four-cylinder mill is good enough to kick out a maximum power output of 105 PS at 5,000 rpm and 175 Nm of peak torque delivered between 1,500 rpm and 4,100 rpm. It is connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission.

Also Read: 2018 Auto Expo: Performance-Based Tata Tigor JTP Has Arrived!

Volkswagen Ameo Cup_2Dimensional changes won’t be there as the Ameo will reportedly become the first sedan within four-metre length to get a dedicated badge for a sporty version. By being one of the most sought after segments, the sub-4m sedan space has seen increasing competition lately and in order to find its own place, Volkswagen seems to be doing what it is best at with the Ameo GT TSI.

The German auto major could incorporate the learning on track from the Ameo Cup and put them at work in the road-going model. The tin-top race machine uses a bigger 1.8-litre TSI turbo motor from the Skoda Octavia and Superb and it delivers a massive 205 PS power and 320 Nm torque. It is unrealistic to think that this engine will be employed in the Ameo GT TSI but the race car’s suspension tuning and ECU mapping could be taken into account in the production model.

With Tata Motors gearing up to introduce the sportier JTP version of Tigor, we can expect Volkswagen to react quickly with the Ameo GT TSI. With the standard Ameo range priced between Rs. 5.5 lakh and Rs. 9.9 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi), we can expect the performance-based GT TSI to cost around Rs. 10.5-11 lakh (ex-showroom) when it goes on sale.