The largest car markets get the widest variety. With more than 21 million new units sold in 2021, it is no wonder China has model offerings from familiar brands some may never have even heard of…
The 2022 VW Lamando L is just that; a CN-spec Jetta sold by the local SAIC-VW joint venture and has been doing so since 2014 but the new model has been debuted as a stylish liftback boasting aesthetics from the ID. electric sub-brand of Volkswagen.
The 2022 VW Lamando L makes use of the MQB Evo architecture as opposed to VW’s regular MQB platform which features on models such as the Golf 8, Škoda Octavia, Audi A3, Seat Leon, and the large Talagon SUV which is also exclusive to the People’s Republic of China.
The design has departed from the generic and angular styling of Volkswagen’s standard range and has incorporated obvious aesthetics from the more curvaceous ID. range. Despite its misguiding styling, it does not employ an electric powertrain but rather the familiar 1,4-litre TSI engine which is good for 110 kW and 250 N.m which delivers power to the front axle through a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. It isn’t going to set the world on fire with performance either with a claimed 8,5 second to 0-100km/h time, but that could be improved if VW’s 2,0-litre TSI motor is offered later in the car’s life cycle.
Top spec models can feature wheels up to 18-inches in size and feature a front and rear LED light bar which seems to be the light-design direction the brand is sticking to. If that isn’t enough for you, then the centrally positioned and illuminated front and rear VW badges should be.
The interior shares many similarities to the Golf Mk8 and is well equipped with a Beats sound system, heads-up display, sunroof, shift-by-wire DSG switch, electric front seats, and adaptive cruise control.
The 2022 VW Lamando L which will go on sale at the end of Q1 may not comprise many of Volkswagen’s 2,5 million annual sales in China, but is sure to be an affordable yet premium offering to Chinese residents.
