The well-known Volkswagen Jetta sedan traditionally has two Chinese variants called Sagitar and Lavida, the former with a slightly longer wheelbase. And now this pair is preparing for a generational change. The new Volkswagen Sagitar was certified back in March, and now in the online database of the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Commerce there is a Volkswagen Lavida Pro sedan, that is, the next generation Lavida.
This car is developed by the joint venture SAIC Volkswagen and is largely united with its predecessor: the MQB platform, the wheelbase of 2688 mm and even the body frame are transferred from it. But all the exterior panels are different, the body springs are redesigned, so the Lavida Pro looks completely different. The front with the lowered main grille is made in the modern Volkswagen style, and two versions with different “grills” are certified at the same time.
Lavida has for the first time received retractable door handles and a monofilament rear lamp. The length of the sedan has increased by 42 mm (up to 4720 mm) with the generation change, the width has not changed (1806 mm) and the height has increased by 8 mm (now 1482 mm). The range of wheels with a diameter of 15 to 17 inches is indicated, although the smallest will be available only for the basic version for taxis. The interior has not yet been shown.
The new Volkswagen Lavida Pro is certified with two engines. The base 1.5 MPI engine (110 hp, 141 Nm) is combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the turbocharged 1.5 TSI engine (160 hp, 250 Nm) is equipped with a seven-speed DSG robot with two dry clutches. The second engine belongs to the updated EA211 Evo II family and has a turbocharger with variable vane geometry and direct injection under a pressure of 350 bar.
The new Volkswagen Lavida Pro, like its Sagitar counterpart, will appear on the Chinese market in the third quarter. All details will be revealed earlier. And then the global Jetta will change generation.
