Volkswagen Ameo is the first sub-compact sedan from the German carmaker for the Indian market offering a bunch of first in class features. Currently available only with petrol engine, the sedan derives power from the same 1.0 litre MPI engine that does duty on the Polo hatchback. Missing out on the oil burner, Volkswagen will add diesel variants to the line-up around festive season and a DSG autobox will also be introduced later on the diesel powered Ameo.

Ameo not just marks Volkswagen’s foray in the competitive sub-four meter segment but it is also the first made-in-India model from the company built exclusively for the Indian market. Priced between Rs 5.24 lakh to Rs 9.32 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), Ameo is the most affordable offering from Volkswagen India.  Reminiscent of the Polo hatchback, Ameo has a similar looking front profile as that of the popular B segment small car. Sublime side panels and rear add more charm to this sub-four meter sedan. Coming from the stables of Volkswagen, the cabin is packed with some of the first in segment features that bring it a notch above rivals in the populous segment.

Volkswagen Ameo Exterior

Underpinning PQ25 platform, the sub-compact sedan strongly resembles Polo hatchback which is also based on the same platform. Face is similar to Polo with add-ons like horizontal fog lamps and reworked bumper. Side profile too takes cues from Polo save for the new alloy wheels. Most of the changes are made to rear featuring new tail lamps and bumper. A subtle character line runs from headlamps right up to the tail lamps.

Volkswagen Ameo Interior

Cabin gets dual tone colour scheme and a square-shaped centre console with AC vents sitting at the top and a touchscreen placed beneath it. Volkswagen has given prime significance to storage space offering multiple storage points inside cabin. Ameo packs in plethora of features including some of the segment first goodies. Some of the other significant bits Volkswagen has worked on include the silver garnish around centre console, gear shift knob, steering wheel and inside door handles. 

Volkswagen Ameo Engine Specifications & Transmission

Mated to a five-speed manual transmission, Ameo derives power from 1.0 litre, three cylinder, MPI petrol engine churning out maximum power of 74bhp along with 95Nm of torque. The diesel variants plonk Volkswagen’s updated 1.5 litre unit that churns out 108bhp and 250Nm of torque. Both the engines are linked to a five-speed manual gearbox and Volkswagen’s seven-speed DSG unit is coupled to select diesel trims.

Volkswagen Ameo Features

Volkswagen Ameo packs in some segment first features like cruise control, rain sensing vipers, anti-pinch front/rear power windows, static cornering light, single folding rear seat backrest, front/rear power windows with one-touch operation and opening and closing of windows with key remote. On the outside, the sedan gets black finished halogen headlamps, wing mirrors with integrated turn indicators, body coloured bumpers/ORVMs, chrome detailing on air-dams and chrome finished outside door handles available exclusively on the top-spec variant. Inside, it sports high quality scratch resistant dash, sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel, 12V outlet on the centre console, storage compartment on front doors including bottle & cup holders, ambient lights with theatre dimming effect, leather wrapped gearshift knob and leather wrapped steering wheel among various others. 

Volkswagen Ameo Performance & Mileage

Powered by the 1.0 litre MPI petrol engine, Ameo is claimed to return impressive fuel economy of 19.44km/l. Diesel automatic variant delivers 21.73km/l. 

Volkswagen Ameo Accessories & Infotainment

Infotainment gizmos aboard include CD player, MP3 player with USB, AUX-in, SD card input. There is a touchscreen infotainment system and other vital features like Bluetooth connectivity for mobile phones, i-Pod connectivity, phonebook sync, SMS viewer, Mirror Link, radio preparation, steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth controls, four speakers and voice command.

Volkswagen Ameo Braking & Handling

Braking power is derived from disc brakes at front and drum units at rear. Anti-Lock-Braking system and electronic brakeforce distribution are standard across range. 

Volkswagen Ameo Safety & Security

Safety provisions such as dual front airbags, ABS and EBD are standard across line-up. Other safety features include height adjustable head rests in front and rear, engine immobilizer, 3-point seat belts in front & rear, rear defogger, fog lamps in front & rear, anti-pinch power windows in front & rear to name a few.

Volkswagen Ameo Comfort & Convenience

Volkswagen Ameo gets a raft of comfort goodies like reverse parking camera, reverse parking sensors, front centre armrest with rear AC vent, climatronic, height adjuster for driver’s seat, speed sensitive electronic power steering, speed sensing auto doors, electrically adjustable & electrically foldable outside rear view mirrors, remote controlled central locking, luggage compartment lighting etc . 

Volkswagen Ameo Wheels & Tyres

Redesigned alloy wheels are available only on the top-end variants of the sedan, rest of the trims in the model series come bereft of alloy rims.  

Volkswagen Ameo Competition

The sub-compact sedan segment has a couple of worthy contenders that have carved a niche place for themselves. Models including Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent, Tata Zest, Ford Figo Aspire pose a strong threat to Ameo in this space.