Volkswagen Lavida Variant estate teased ahead of Shanghai debut
Volkswagen has previewed the Lavida Variant estate with teaser billboards in China, ahead of its official unveiling at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show.
Volkswagen is preparing to unveil the Lavida Variant, an estate version of its popular Lavida saloon, at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. The car is being promoted through billboards in China, generating anticipation ahead of its official debut. This new model will be built and sold exclusively in China through the Shanghai-Volkswagen joint venture, highlighting the brand’s continued focus on the Chinese market.
Volkswagen Lavida Variant Teased for Shanghai Motor Show
China-Only Estate Joins Lavida Range
The Lavida Variant expands Volkswagen’s Lavida line-up, which has seen considerable success in China since its introduction. Unlike the standard saloon, the Variant features a hatchback-style estate body, designed to appeal to buyers in need of greater practicality and cargo space. This body style is relatively rare in the Chinese market, where saloons tend to dominate, so the Variant aims to carve out a niche among families and those seeking versatility without moving up to a larger segment.
Production will be handled locally by the Shanghai-Volkswagen partnership. Local manufacturing is expected to help keep the estate competitively priced within its segment. The Lavida Variant will share its 2,610 mm wheelbase with the existing Lavida saloon, and much of its chassis and running gear will be carried over from the four-door model. This approach should help Volkswagen control costs and ensure reliability, as these components are already well-proven in the Chinese market.
Engine Options and Specifications
Engine choices for the Lavida Variant are expected to mirror those of the saloon. Buyers will likely be able to choose between a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 130 bhp (97 kW) and a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine rated at 104 bhp (77 kW). Both engines are already familiar to Chinese Volkswagen customers and are known for their balance of performance and efficiency. The use of established powertrains is likely to appeal to buyers looking for proven technology and low running costs.
| Body style | Estate/Hatchback |
|---|---|
| Market | China only |
| Wheelbase | 2,610 mm |
| Engines | 1.4 TSI (130 bhp), 1.6 (104 bhp) |
| Estimated starting price | 120,000 yuan (approx. €14,900/US$19,400) |
| Production | Shanghai-Volkswagen joint venture |
Pricing and Availability
The Lavida Variant is expected to start at around 120,000 yuan, making it an affordable option within the estate segment in China. This pricing is aimed at families and buyers who need additional boot space without stepping up to a larger or more expensive vehicle. The model will not be exported and will remain exclusive to the Chinese market, reflecting Volkswagen’s strategy of tailoring specific models to local preferences.
Full technical details, equipment lists, and official images are due to be revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show. Until then, information remains limited, but the Lavida Variant is expected to build on the strengths of the existing saloon while offering new levels of practicality for Chinese buyers. The launch of this estate further demonstrates Volkswagen’s commitment to meeting the needs of China’s rapidly evolving automotive market.
