Volkswagen launches Ameo diesel, price starts at Rs 6.33 lakh

German automaker Volkswagen today launched in India the diesel variant of its compact sedan Ameo, priced between Rs 6.33 lakh and Rs 9.31 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The company, which had earlier this year launched the petrol version of the vehicle priced between Rs 5.24 lakh and Rs 7.05 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), today started accepting bookings for the 1.5 litre diesel engine Ameo.

The compact sedan, which has been developed specifically for the Indian market, is the German auto major's first ever sub 4-metre sedan.

"We have witnessed a successful launch of our made-in-India and made-for-India Ameo petrol during the summer this year. Now with the Ameo diesel being introduced during the festivities, we have an opportunity to cater to a wider set of customers, thereby further expanding the Volkswagen family," Volkswagen Passenger Cars India Director Michael Mayer said in a statement.

Ameo diesel will be equipped with a 5-speed manual and the 7-speed DSG gearbox automatic transmission making it the most compelling proposition in the segment, he added.

"Volkswagen's commitment to safety is not an option and is intrinsic to the brand's DNA. Ameo diesel comes equipped with standard ABS and driver and passenger airbags making it one of the safest cars in the market," Mayer said.

The German company has invested Rs 720 crore to make this sub-4 metre car, developed and designed especially for the domestic market.

With this, Volkswagen has invested Rs 5,720 crore in the country since its entry in 2007.

The Ameo will compete in the 25,000 units-a-month sub-4 meter car market that constitutes 8-10 per cent of the monthly volume.

This market has around half-a-dozen models with Maruti Suzuki's Dzire leading with almost 60 per cent market share, followed by Honda Amaze and Hyundai Xcent.