Volkswagen Ameo diesel Delayed; Petrol to be launched first

Volkswagen showcased the Ameo at the 2016 Auto Expo and announced its launch by mid-2016. Although the car done with its homologation tests, sources close to the company recently revealed that Volkswagen will only be launching the petrol variant of the Ameo to start with. 

The petrol Ameo will come with the same 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit that works force in the Polo hatchback. This unit pumps out power of 75 horses and maximum torque of 110Nm. This unit comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. 

Volkswagen is expected to launch the diesel Ameo a month after the launch of its gasoline counterpart. The German auto giant is currently working on updating its 1.5-litre four-cylinder EA189 engine following the emission scandal. To ensure that these engines are in line with the emission standards, VW will be installing  the diesel Ameos with the latest software. Eventually, this updated engine will also be making its way into the Vento and the Skoda Rapid. 

Aside from the new software, the updated engine will also come with a new turbocharger, thanks to which the Ameo will not deliver 112PS as opposed to the previously announced 90PS. This shift will also make the Ameo the most powerful compact sedan in its class. Torque rating, however, is expected to remain at 230Nm. 

Volkswagen will commence bookings of the new Ameo on May 12. Interested buyers can pre-book the compact sedan offering by paying a minimum amount of Rs 25,000. Prospective customers will also get a preview of the new Ameo as Volkswagen will be organising road shows in 17 cities across the country. 

Also Read: Volkswagen Ameo: First Review