Volkswagen Lavida - the history of the best-selling Chinese sedan

Few people know about Volkswagen Lavida in Russia. The car was designed and assembled in China, and only reached us last year. The first models were assembled at the Shanghai Automobile Plant in Anting.


Chinese engineers and designers have moved away from the traditional style of the German brand. So the sedan received more rounded shapes, and became an example of oriental automobile fashion.

Remember all

The Volkswagen Lavida sedan was first shown to the general public at the Beijing Auto Show in 2008. Visitors then appreciated the joint project of the VW concern and the state automobile company SAIC (PRC).

The first models were built on the A4 platform, like the Jetta and Bora Mk4. Under the hood there were 1,6 and 2,0 liter engines. A year later, they introduced the Sport package with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic transmission.

In 2010, the Lavida sedan became the best-selling passenger car in China.


There are many reasons for this popularity. But everyone then noted the model’s compliance with the needs and aesthetics of the Chinese consumer.


In the summer of 2012, the second generation of VW Lavida was shown. The model was offered in three trim levels.

The basic version had several interesting systems:

✅ Traction control
✅ Dynamic stabilization
✅ ABS
✅ Electronic brake force distributor
✅ MASR and MSR, controlling motor torque.

Lavida II was equipped with a 105 horsepower engine. The unit produced 190 km/h. Fuel consumption was excellent - about 5 liters per 100 km. In a richer configuration, a 1,4-liter TSI engine with 130 horsepower was offered.


In 2013, the VW Cross Lavida was introduced, which many considered as a more “pumped up” version. The sedan received linings on the wheel arches, light alloy wheels as standard, and the shape of the bumpers and sills was changed. In the interior, the seat upholstery was updated, a touch screen and climate control, a multi-steering wheel and a sunroof were added.

New generation VW Lavida

At the Detroit Auto Show (2018), guests were shown the updated Volkswagen Lavida III sedan. The model was now based on the MQB platform, which made it possible to increase its dimensions and wheelbase. The design was reminiscent of the popular VW Jetta.

The range of engines consisted of a 1,2-liter engine with 116 hp. s, a unit with a volume of 1,3 liters and a power of 150 “horses”, as well as a one and a half liter “aspirated” engine, which produced 116 hp. With.

Sedans from 2022 are available in China and Russia in Deluxe, Comfort, Fashion and Vision trim levels. The engine range consists only of 1,5 AT petrol engines with 113 horsepower and 1,4 AMT with 150 hp. With. The hybrid version has an AT engine with 136 horsepower under the hood.

Our dealers delivered the restyled Volkswagen Lavida III model last year.


The manufacturer offered an updated appearance, line of engines and trim levels. Let’s look at this particular version of the sedan in more detail.

Design and salon

The body format is quite classic, and has retained the features of the first generations of Lavida. Based on its outline, say, in the dark, the car can be confused with a VW Jetta. Differences include different front and rear bumpers, headlights and taillights. The exterior restyling is noticeable even against the backdrop of the 2022 Volkswagen Lavida.

Dimensions of a category C sedan:

✅ length 4 mm
✅ width 1 mm
✅ height 1 mm

Wheelbase 2 mm. The front track width is 688 mm, the rear track is 1546 mm. Wheel size 1520/225/R45.


The sedan has LED headlights and R16 alloy wheels as standard. There was no sunroof on the roof.

Some experts say that the Lavida's design is quite boring and gets lost among similar Chinese cars. In some ways they are right. But we must remember that the Volkswagen Lavida was created and finalized specifically for the Chinese consumer.

The interior of the Lavida is made of eco-leather (the 2022 model had a fabric interior). The steering wheel is adjustable in height and reach, and there are buttons to control the audio system. Many people praise the lateral support and mechanical height adjustment of the front seats.


Between the passenger and the driver there is a console with an adjustable armrest, gear selector and cup holder. The engine start button is also installed there.


The instrument panel is fully digital, which was not the case in the base 2022 version. In the center is a fairly large display of the multimedia system, and just below is the air conditioning control unit. For China, there are versions of the sedan with full climate control, but for us it’s only a “duychik”.


The rear of the Volkswagen Lavida is quite spacious. There are two smartphone charging ports, a center armrest and air vents.


The second-row seatbacks fold down to expand the trunk. Speaking of him. The declared volume is 510 liters. There is a storage bin under the floor just in case. The trunk is extended due to the folding rear row. However, the step is very noticeable.


There are comments online about the poor quality of the interior materials. In particular, they complained about cheap plastic, which quickly scratches and becomes “shaggy” during use. Leather trim develops folds and creases even after short use.

What about technology

The 2023 Volkswagen Lavida is available in Star Edition and Starry Sky Fit Edition trim levels. There are two main engines for them - petrol AMT with a volume of 1,4 and 1,5 liters (150 and 160 horsepower, respectively). Maximum torque – 250 N*m. There is a direct injection system and turbocharging. These units are paired with a seven-speed robot, front-wheel drive only.


In the car market there are sedans with a naturally aspirated 1,5 AT engine with 113 hp. s, which is familiar from the Polo, Rapid and Octavia models. The only difference is a different piston group, and the attachments and everything else are identical. This engine is combined with an automatic transmission.


The model has an independent spring suspension at the front and semi-independent at the rear.


Disc brakes (front ventilated). Accordingly, more expensive ones are installed at the front due to the drive and increased operating requirements.

Dealer prices

Our dealers are asking for the restyled version of the Volkswagen Lavida in the Starry Sky Fit Edition configuration from 2 without discounts. When buying on credit and trading in an old car, you can save up to 800 rubles.

For this money they promise:

✅ LED optics
✅ Air conditioning, leather interior, ABS and ESP
✅ Central locking, electric mirrors and windows, cruise control
✅ Rain sensor, parking sensors, video camera
✅ Panoramic sunroof, R16 alloy wheels

In China, on open sites you can order a similar model of the same configuration for $13. In ruble equivalent, this is just over 500 rubles.


Such a difference in price cannot be explained by an increase in the recycling fee, which many are now talking about - dealers delivered the car in 2023. Lavida is more than affordable for consumers in China and is worth the money. But the question of the advisability of buying a sedan remains open for us.

We must not forget about the availability of consumables/spare parts for the Chinese model. Many brands from China have problems with this. Therefore, all other things being equal, many prefer the more proven and recognizable 2023 VW Jetta model from 2 rubles.