The Volkswagen New Midsize Coupe (NMC) Concept unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show may preview a stylish production sedan that will compete against the Mercedes-Benz CLA, claims a report from Autonews.
The new four-door study is said to closely preview a future VW Jetta-based model that will be positioned as a smaller, cheaper alternative to the VW CC from 2016. According to VW design boss Klaus Bischoff, the New Midsize Coupe is an “avant-garde protagonist for a new compact sedan class.”
The production version of the NMC study is expected to be built at Volkswagen’s plant in Puebla, Mexico, as well as in China, at a joint-venture factory. The model will be based on VW’s modular MQB architecture.
Since the New Midsize Coupe may be assembled in Mexico, it would be logical for the production model to be offered in the United States, although the VW Group already offers a CLA competitor there, the Audi A3 Sedan. VW has to be careful though that the NMC doesn’t steal sales from the Audi A3 Sedan, and the pricing strategy will be key in this respect.
The NMC study showcased in Beijing looks production-ready, continuing the current VW design language that is defined by crisp lines, horizontal detailing and extensive surfacing. The New Midsize Coupe features a simple grille continued by LED headlights for a familiar VW face. The car also gets a touch of sportiness from the heavily curved roofline, frameless doors and notchback-style rear – all inspired from the VW CC.
By Dan Mihalascu
Story References: Autonews
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