New Volkswagen Lavida Pro: Aiming High in a Competitive Market

SAIC Volkswagen has officially unveiled the new Lavida Pro model. The new vehicle is available in four versions, priced between 89,000 to 113,000 CNY, approximately $10,390 to $13,203.

The Lavida Pro showcases a design inspired by the Passat Pro, offering two front facia options: a classic style with horizontal lines and a “sports” version featuring large black grilles. All versions are equipped with LED lighting and an illuminated Volkswagen emblem.

The Lavida Pro has increased in size compared to its predecessor, with a length now at 4720 mm (approximately 15.49 feet) and a height of 1482 mm (around 4.86 feet). The car now features new alloy wheels in 16 or 17 inches, available in four exclusive body colors.

The interior has been completely redesigned and now includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment screen. The traditional gear selector has been replaced by an electronic switch on the steering column.

Underpinning the model is the updated MQB Evo architecture. The infotainment system is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 SoC, supporting WeChat, Tencent Maps, Apple CarPlay, Huawei HiCar, Baidu CarLife, as well as AI systems like Baidu Wenxin and DeepSeek.

The Lavida Pro includes a suite of driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and auto-parking. Experts highlight the intuitive adaptive cruise control, though feedback indicates some room for improvement in the lane-keeping system.

The vehicle offers two engine options: a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with 110 hp paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and a 1.5-liter turbocharged EVO II engine with 160 hp coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The turbocharged version comes with an upgraded independent rear suspension – a four-link rear setup.

Volkswagen Lavida remains the most popular passenger car model in China. As of November 3, this year, the 6.5 millionth Lavida rolled off the production line, marking it as the first passenger car model in China to reach such a production volume.

Despite its established popularity, Volkswagen faces heightened competition within the Chinese market, challenged by both local automotive brands and emerging electric vehicle technologies.