Even before its official debut at the Detroit Motor Show, the Mercedes CLA has picked up a fight with Volkswagen.
Reports suggest that Volkswagen's stylish coupe based on the new Golf platform will rival the upcoming hottie from Mercedes.
A Golf-based Coupe? You mean a coupe variant of Volkswagen Jetta?
Well, the answer is both Yes and No. To explain it in a much simpler terms, the Golf based coupe will be to the Jetta what the Passat CC is to the Passat - not exactly the same car, but one that's a little wider, lower and longer.
Volkswagen evinced interest on a Jetta coupe way back in 2010 revealing the New Concept Coupe at the Detroit Motor Show. Since then, we never saw production plans materializing on that front.
However, with Mercedes all gung-ho about the CLA and Audi about to finish the A3 sedan project, there is bound to be a demand for less flashier coupe from people who are not interested in driving a luxury brand.
AutoExpress reports that the Jetta Coupe/Golf CC will be developed on the MQB matrix. It will be a slightly lengthened version of the MQB platform because the same base underpins the Golf Estate variant and of course Audi’s new A3 sedan. It will get a notchback style wide-opening tailgate and not the boxy saloon boot seen on the current Jetta.
Being a premium product, expect highly refined and powerful versions of the familiar 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TDI under the bonnet. Just like most future VW Group models, cylinder deactivation technology will boost fuel economy to 23 kmpl. Plans to launch a hotter GTI version with the 2.0 TSI to rival the Mercedes CLA 45 AMG and provide a cheaper alternative to the Audi S3 saloon, are reportedly sanctioned.
When it sees the light of the day in 2015, prices will range from 19,000 GBP (around 16 -17 lakhs INR). It will be mostly sold in the US, Europe and Chinese market.
Despite being one of the fastest growing automotive markets in world, it is disheartening to see that coupes and convertibles are hidden away from us. Perhaps, there is still a long way to go for the Indian consumer to develop a liking for an out-of-the-box design.
[Source: Autoexpress.co.uk]
[Rendering Courtesy: AutoBild/Larson]
