Sunday evening in Qingdao, the joint venture of SAIC and Volkswagen (SVW) announced the pricing for the face-lifted Lavida compact sedan, one of the most popular cars in China. The nine versions, powered by either a 1.4L TSI or 1.6L engine, have a price range of 112,900-166,900 Yuan, basically unchanged from the previous.

Developed by SVW specifically for the local market, Lavida has been a best seller since its first release in June 2008, with accumulated sales reaching nearly 800,000 at the end of June this year.

The renewed model is still built on the PQ34L platform (a modified, extended version of PQ34) and retains the 2610mm wheelbase. It grows marginally lower, shorter, and wider, siting 4605mm long, 1765mm wide, and 1460mm tall. Extensive aesthetic alterations bring Lavida in line with other current VW models in exterior and interior styling, making it look especially like a smaller Passat.

For powertrain, the 2.0L engine option is axed, leaving only a 1.4L TSI (96kW/5000rpm and 220Nm/1750-3500rpm), matched with either a 5MT or 7DSG, and a 1.6L (77kW/5250rpm and 155Nm/3750rpm), matched with either a 5MT or 6AT.

Newly added features on selected versions include one-touch engine start, heated front seats, adaptive headlights, power folding exterior mirrors, and front row head-protection airbags. ESP and HAC become standard on all trim levels.

Main rivals of VW Lavida include VW Sagitar (from FAW-VW), Ford Focus, Buick Excelle GT, Peugeot 408, and Nissan Sylphy.

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