The new VW Lavida has rather big shoes to fill in as its predecessor is the best-selling compact sedan in China.
The German manufacturer will showcase the new Lavida at the Auto China 2018 that takes place in Beijing.
VW has sold around 450,000 Lavidas in 2017 alone and the brand-new replacement offers a slightly more modern styling along with a roomier cabin. Ditching the outdated PQ34 underpinnings of the old model for the MQB platform certainly helps, with the new Lavida Plus featuring a 78mm (3.1in) longer wheelbase and a more premium cabin.
The new VW Lavida will be reportedly offered alongside the current generation and will be powered by a range of turbocharged petrol engines, including 1.2-liter, 1.4-liter and the latest 1.5-liter units. A six-speed automatic transmission will be an option.
VW will also debut the Chinese version of the Arteon at the same event, which will use the CC nameplate. The coupe-like fastback will be manufactured locally and will target Chinese customers looking for a premium saloon.
The German company has sold almost 3.2 million vehicles in 2017, making it the most successful brand in the country. The first quarter of 2018 shows no signs of slowing down, as VW sold more than 750,000 vehicles, a 8.6 percent increase when compared to last year’s results. VW plans to launch no less than 10 electric vehicles by 2023 in China, aiming to sell as many as 650,000 EVs there by 2025.
The new VW Lavida will be manufactured by the SAIC-Volkswagen local venture, with sales set to start this July.
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