VW's Lavida Pro is yet another sedan that the US market will not experience | Carscoops

      The new VW Lavida Pro sedan from China is comparable in size to the Passat that is available in the USA.

      This latest Volkswagen sedan is notably smaller than the larger and wider Passat Pro.

      The Lavida Pro comes solely with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

      Volkswagen has designed the compact sedan with a striking exterior, but has not yet disclosed details about the interior.

      VW offers a variety of models in China via its three joint ventures with SAIC, FAW, and JAC—many of which are not available in Western markets. One such model is the VW Lavida Pro, which seems to be an updated iteration of the standard Lavida that has loose ties to the North American Jetta. It is manufactured through the SAIC-VW collaboration.

      Recently released photos from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology showcase a surprisingly bold exterior design for the Lavida Pro, at least for Volkswagen. While many VW sedans in the US and elsewhere typically feature soft lines and smooth curves, the Lavida Pro takes a somewhat different approach.

      Although it retains many curves, the Lavida Pro presents a sharper overall aesthetic. Its front end boasts a wide gloss black grille alongside slender headlights that incorporate slim LED daytime running lights, giving it a more aggressive appearance than is usually associated with VW sedans.

      Painted in a pink-lavender hue, the Lavida Pro will be available with 15- and 16-inch wheels featuring three distinct designs and comes equipped as standard with door handles that are flush with the body. At the rear, it has LED taillights and a light bar that resembles those on other VW models, including the Jetta sold in the U.S.

      According to data, the Lavida Pro measures 4,720 mm (185.8 inches) in length, 1,806 mm (71.1 inches) in width, and 1,482 mm (58.3 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,688 mm (105.8 inches). This gives it dimensions similar to the North American Jetta. The car has a weight of 3,924 lbs (1,780 kg) and will exclusively feature VW’s EA211 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 109 hp (81 kW), which will be delivered to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

      This new model is significantly smaller than the VW Passat Pro, which was added to the brand’s offerings in China last year, measuring 5,006 mm (197.1 inches) in length, 1,850 mm (72.8 inches) in width, and 1,489 mm (58.6 inches) in height.

      While interior images are not yet available, it is reasonable to predict that the Lavida Pro will share much of its interior layout and features with other recent VW models, incorporating a familiar blend of digital displays and standard Volkswagen switchgear.

      The Lavida Pro is not the only new addition to VW’s sedan lineup in China. Last month, initial images and details about the new Lamando L were released. This model is linked to the Sagitar, which is the Chinese variant of the Jetta. While the Lavida Pro is limited to 109 hp (81 kW), the Lamando L features a more powerful 1.5-liter engine producing 158 hp (118 kW).