Volkswagen has positioned the new Ameo compact sedan, bang in competition with the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and the Hyundai Xcent. With the prices starting at Rs 5.24 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Ameo not only undercuts most of its sub-four metre sedan rivals, but also its sibling, the Volkswagen Polo. We pit the new entrant against the segment leaders in the compact sedan segment for a spec comparison.
Dimensions: They all have similar lengths considering the constraints on the sub-four metre segment and then in terms of the width, the Dzire at 1,695mm is the biggest followed by the Ameo at 1,682mm and then the Xcent at 1,660mm. On wheelbase however, the Ameo is much larger than the other two at 2,470mm; the Dzire and Xcent measure 2,430mm and 2,425mm respectively. Taking the wheelbase into perspective, the Ameo should have the largest cabin, while the Xcent and Dzire should be similar.
One useful aspect where sthe Xcent is better than the others is the boot space. At 407litres, it is much larger than that of the Ameo and the Dzire, which measure 330litres and 320 litres respectively.
Equipment: All three cars offer decent number of features in the top trim. The Xcent has start/stop function, music player with 1GB memory, reverse camera and auto-dimming cabin mirror among others. The Dzire also gets start/stop button, retractable mirrors, parking sensors and a decent music system. With features from the Vento, the new VW compact sedan probably has something extra to offer. It misses out on keyless start, but has cruise control, touch-screen music system and rain sensing wipers.
On safety, Volkswagen is the only one to offer airbags and ABS as standard from base trim. The Dzire gets ABS-EBD and airbags as optional from base variant onwards, while the Xcent has to do with driver side airbag and ABS for the entry-level variant.
Engine: Where Maruti and Hyundai offer both petrol and diesel engine options from their respective sedans, the Volkswagen Ameo at the moment is available only with the petrol engine. To keep the comparison relevant then, we are looking only at the petrol engines then at the moment.
All three have similar displacement of around 1200cc. The Maruti engine produces 83bhp and 115Nm of torque, the Hyundai unit manages marginally lower numbers at 81bhp and 114Nm. The Ameo is the least powerful of the three, sending just 74bhp and 110Nm to the wheels. Also, where the Dzire and Xcent have petrol automatic options, the Ameo is available only with the five-speed manual.
Price: Volkswagen has positioned the Ameo almost on par with the Dzire at the entry-level and much below the Xcent. It starts at Rs 5.24 lakh (ex-Delhi), just above the Dzire which costs Rs 5.23 lakh. The Xcent costs Rs 5.37 lakh for the base trim.
For the top-end, the Dzire costs Rs 6.98 lakh, while the Ameo costs Rs 7.06 lakh and the Xcent is priced at Rs 7.10 lakh.
