Gasgoo.com (Shanghai December 18) - Shanghai VW's much awaited New Santana made its debut in Beijing this week, auto.163.com reported today. The New Santana comes with two different engine choices and is available in eight different variations priced between 84,900 yuan to 123,800 yuan ($13,506-$19,694).
The New Santana (pictured) showcases a complete design revamp, with its predecessor's antiquated boxy shape being replaced with a more modern figure. The New Santana is built on the same platform as the New Jetta, and as such inherits several design traits from it. It measures 4.47 m long, 1.71 m wide and 1.47 m tall, with a 2.6 m long wheelbase.
The New Santana's interior is designed similar to other VW vehicles, but with certain cuts made in order to ensure the car's affordability. At the same time, the standard model is missing a lot of now very common features, including parking sensors, front fog lamps and multiple power window controls on the driver's door panel. Electronic stability control and four airbags are included as standard safety features.
Two engine options from the EA211 line power the New Santana: one being a 1.4 L motor outputting up to 66 kW, and the other a 1.6 L motor able to output 81 kW. Both five-speed manual and six-speed manumatic transmission options are available.
The New Santana will directly compete with the Hyundai Elantra and Nissan New Sunny, as well as the upcoming Skoda Rapid, Citroën Elysée, and Peugeot 301. Despite its relatively austere interior and lack of substantial features, its simplicity and brand name should be able to attract a fair share of buyers in the Chinese market.
