Spy Shots: Volkswagen Lavida - first China-only car caught
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 10:03AM (4/15/2008)
I wish I could visit YouTube at work, I would SO RickRoll you for that Ricky Martin song reference >:(
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Cliff 10:16AM (4/15/2008)
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.
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Red 4:38PM (4/15/2008)
Actually, I think it looks like a last gen. EM chassis Honda Civic (01-05) with a VW slapped on the front.
Lupo 4:44PM (4/15/2008)
thats how 99 percent of all chinese cars look; generic
Volk 8:59PM (4/15/2008)
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 11:55PM (4/15/2008)
UUuuuuuugggggl-yyyy.
Ugly.
Brian St. John 10:21AM (4/15/2008)
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.
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Carter 10:23AM (4/15/2008)
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?
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A&W 10:35AM (4/15/2008)
Yep. My first impression was VW-orolla. If it has VW's usually cool looking interior it would be nice to see.
Tourian 10:38AM (4/15/2008)
I agree, looks more like a Corolla then anything else. Very un VW like.
Gregg 10:41AM (4/15/2008)
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.
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jgp 11:01AM (4/15/2008)
Looks so much better than the fugly Jetta.
IMO, this is the _real_ successor to the last-gen Jetta.
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Lupo 4:50PM (4/15/2008)
blind or joking?
Jruhi4 11:25AM (4/15/2008)
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.
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deh 11:57AM (4/15/2008)
There are posters for this car everywhere in Shanghai and also on the expressways. I try get you a 'caught' photo for you.
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Craig 12:48PM (4/15/2008)
Kinda looks like a Cobalt from the side. It's quite bland and un-VW.
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XeroK00L 1:10PM (4/15/2008)
Can't blame VW for copying a successful formula I guess.
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vLane 1:55PM (4/15/2008)
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?
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Khanh 2:25PM (4/15/2008)
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"?
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Lemmiwinks (SSBBFC: 0903-2436-0891) 2:48PM (4/15/2008)
Looks like a Corolla's been boofing a Jetta...
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