The Volkwagen Lavida (or La Vida, perhaps) is VW's China-only sedan that will go into production this summer. The car will be built in China by Shanghai Volkswagen, and could get the Chinese produced 1.4-liter TSI engine as well, but is more likely to come with a 1.8- or 2.0-liter engine.
As a testament to VW's commitment to China, they haven't skimped on the car: it gets the PQ34 platform that sits under other VW Group products like the Bora and A4. Planned as a luxury car that will compete with the Buick Excelle, the car is 100 mm longer than the Bora and has been called a "mini Phaeton" by the Chinese motoring press.
The car's design has some split personalities and a bit of Zelig thrown in. If you look at the grille, it's obviously a VW. If you look anywhere else, well, it could be any number of Asian sedans -- but if you know it's a VW, you can also see VW cues, like the rear door line at the wheel well. Shanghai VW is expected to sell 8,000 Lavidas in the second half of this year.
Thanks for the tip, 21cdb!
[Source: The Tycho]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Benfolio @ Apr 15th 2008 10:03AM
I wish I could visit YouTube at work, I would SO RickRoll you for that Ricky Martin song reference >:(
Cliff @ Apr 15th 2008 10:16AM
Aside from the familliar VW grill, does anyone else besides me see the Chrysler Sebring sedan in this car when its viewed in profile? It has the same accent running up the side as well as a similar greenhouse design. Coincidence?..I hope so! Noone with an eye for good design would look to the Sebring for inspiration.
Red @ Apr 15th 2008 4:38PM
Actually, I think it looks like a last gen. EM chassis Honda Civic (01-05) with a VW slapped on the front.
Lupo @ Apr 15th 2008 4:44PM
thats how 99 percent of all chinese cars look; generic
Volk @ Apr 15th 2008 8:59PM
Can't you see, it's a Corolla! All VWs are now made to look like Corolla, you have to look at the badge and even then you wonder if someone just bolted in a VW badge as a joke. Despicable.
AMcA @ Apr 15th 2008 11:55PM
UUuuuuuugggggl-yyyy.
Ugly.
Brian St. John @ Apr 15th 2008 10:21AM
The PQ34 platform is the platform used for the BORA/Jetta IV, Golf IV, and the first-generation Audi A3. It lacks independent rear suspension. The other new Chinese VW sedan, the so-called "Model X" will also use the PQ34.
Carter @ Apr 15th 2008 10:23AM
Great the Corolla VW wanted after all. I see Corolla and Yaris in the styling.
Now I know orginally VW wanted to challenge Toyota with our Jetta, looks like they hit a homerun this time.
Anyone else agree?
A&W @ Apr 15th 2008 10:35AM
Yep. My first impression was VW-orolla. If it has VW's usually cool looking interior it would be nice to see.
Tourian @ Apr 15th 2008 10:38AM
I agree, looks more like a Corolla then anything else. Very un VW like.
Gregg @ Apr 15th 2008 10:41AM
Looks a lot like a Jetta would look if given a Passat roofline and a longer wheelbase. Makes sense, as stretched wheelbase VWs and Audi A6s sell like hotcakes in China.
BTW, a criticism of the latest generation Jetts styling is that it looks a lot like a Corolla. This actually makes it look a bit less like a Corolla.
jgp @ Apr 15th 2008 11:01AM
Looks so much better than the fugly Jetta.
IMO, this is the _real_ successor to the last-gen Jetta.
Lupo @ Apr 15th 2008 4:50PM
blind or joking?
Jruhi4 @ Apr 15th 2008 11:25AM
I've read rumors of less expensive sedans to either replace or complement the Jetta and Passat in the U.S. I wonder if, as such, we'll be seeing an Americanized version of the Lavida (but, presumably, built either in Mexico or at the upcoming new VW U.S. plant) on our shores.
deh @ Apr 15th 2008 11:57AM
There are posters for this car everywhere in Shanghai and also on the expressways. I try get you a 'caught' photo for you.
Craig @ Apr 15th 2008 12:48PM
Kinda looks like a Cobalt from the side. It's quite bland and un-VW.
XeroK00L @ Apr 15th 2008 1:10PM
Can't blame VW for copying a successful formula I guess.
vLane @ Apr 15th 2008 1:55PM
The Jetta's Audi equivalent is the A3, not A4. Though being the 99-04 design, it is the Volkswagen "A4" platform (confusing, ain't it?).
BTW, what are the meaningful differences between the Jetta A3 and Audi A4, aside from the transverse engine layout thing?
Khanh @ Apr 15th 2008 2:25PM
The model name reminds me of Ricky Martin's first song or something where one of the lyrics he keeps repeating goes like "Livin' Lavida Loca"?
Lemmiwinks (SSBBFC: 0903-2436-0891) @ Apr 15th 2008 2:48PM
Looks like a Corolla's been boofing a Jetta...