Just over a week after we first saw Volkswagen's über-attractive (and über-boringly-named) New Mid-Size Coupe concept in the metal at the 2014 Beijing auto show, we've landed spy shots of the production version. The pics show a decidedly less sexy four-door than was shown in Beijing, and come courtesy of the Chinese site autohome.com.cn.
Sadly, the New Mid-Size Coupe's transition from show-stand candy to production reality apparently involved the removal of all coupe-like styling cues. The NMC concept boasted a gorgeous stance, a low and swoopy roofline, and a sleek front end. The unnamed production car—we can't make out what the tiny decklid badge says—features a higher ride height and wears an upright roof and a tail that recalls those of the U.S.-market Passat, only melted.
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At least the car's mechanicals are solid—underneath, the NMC is pure VW MQB, the same excellent front-drive platform that underpins the 2015 Golf and GTI, plus the Audi A3—and the interior is a nice compilation of Golf parts. This contrasts with the Jetta we get here, which rides on VW's unappealingly named "PQ35 Low-Cost" architecture and features an interior a notch below the richly appointed Golf's. No word on what might power the new Chinese-market four-door, which will be assembled at Volkswagen's Shanghai facility, but we'd guess a 1.4- or 1.8-liter turbo four (check those "TSI" badges) probably is on the docket.
When the NMC concept debuted, we were smitten but realistic; a Jetta "four-door coupe" variation similar to the larger CC makes little sense for the U.S., as it would require a $30K starting price and could poach CC sales. Given that the production model appears as if it will be a relative snooze, we won't shed too many tears if it doesn't hit our shores.
from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/nSHy27
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