Volkswagen Lavida Pro: A New Chapter for Sedans in China

Volkswagen‘s Sedan Strategy Around the GlobeIt’s intriguing to note that Volkswagen no longer offers a traditional gasoline sedan in the European market. However, this doesn’t imply that the sedan body style has vanished entirely from the German automaker’s global lineup. The Jetta still graces the roads in the US, while the Virtus makes its presence felt in South America. Particularly in China, Volkswagen’s sedan portfolio is robust, with the latest addition being the Volkswagen Lavida Pro. Interestingly, while the new Passat is available only as a station wagon in Europe, China enjoys a sedan variant known as the Passat Pro.Introducing the Lavida ProThe Volkswagen Lavida Pro, a fresh entrant in the compact sedan category, has received official approval from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The car boasts modern features such as recessed door handles, a rear light bar, glossy black accents, and sleek headlights. Yet, its overall aesthetic is reminiscent of VW sedans from the early 2000s.Design and Features of the Volkswagen Lavida ProProduced by the SAIC-VW joint venture, the Lavida Pro might not be the most thrilling sedan, but it offers a distinctive choice in a market heavily skewed towards SUVs. Its notably high ground clearance brings to mind the Volvo S60 Cross Country. Continuing the tradition of its non-Pro predecessor, the Lavida Pro remains a dedicated family sedan. It’s powered by a modest 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 109 horsepower, with power delivered to the front wheels through an automatic transmission. Measuring approximately 4.72 meters in length, the Lavida Pro is nearly identical in size to the Jetta. Built on a version of the versatile MQB platform, the car has a curb weight of around 1320 kilograms.