- The FAW-VW joint venture has introduced the Sagitar S in China.
- The Jetta-sized sedan combines modern tech with ICE-only engines.
- It is priced between ¥79,800 ($11,600) and ¥117,800 ($17,100).
Volkswagen isn’t ready to let the humble gasoline sedan fade into the sunset just yet – at least not in China. The new Sagitar S by the FAW-VW joint venture is a Jetta-sized model, offering modern styling and technology on a budget price.
With a length of 4,702 mm (185.1 inches), the Sagitar S is 110 mm (4.3 inches) shorter than the Sagitar L that debuted last year. The Chinese sedan is also 35 mm (1.4 inches) shorter than the US-spec Jetta, while sharing a nearly identical wheelbase of 2,688 mm (105.8 in).
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The exterior design is typical of VW, with simple lines and a traditional sedan silhouette. On the profile, the Sagitar S has similar surfacing with the Sagitar L, but adopts conventional door handles. The front end is more rounded with slim headlights and interconnected bumper intakes. From the back, the model looks like a budget Audi A5 with full-width taillights and a body-colored diffuser.
An Interior To Be Jealous Of
The new sedan arrives as part of VW’s new “Oil & Electricity Co-advancement” strategy in China, which essentially means that ICE-powered models will share high-tech features with EVs.
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The dashboard of the Sagitar S puts the aging Jetta to shame with a more modern and tech-heavy design. The digital cockpit comprises a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. The model doesn’t get physical climate controls, but it keeps the clicky buttons on the steering wheel.
The gear selector has been relocated to the steering column, freeing up space on the double-story center console. Other highlights include the 30-color ambient lighting, AI integration for sophisticated voice recognition capabilities, and Level 2 ADAS.
Practicality is a major selling point, with a trunk capacity of 555 liters (19.6 cu-ft) outshining the 400 liters (14.1 cu-ft) of the Jetta although China and US have different measurement protocols.
Old-School Powertrains
The Sagitar S rides on the tried-and-tested MQB architecture, as with the vast majority of VW products. Under the hood, you’ll only find non-electrified gasoline engines, with VW sticking to the traditional recipe.
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The entry-level naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter engine produces 110 hp (81 kW / 112 PS) and 141 Nm (104 lb-ft) of torque, paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox. Those looking for more grunt can opt for the turbo 1.5-liter engine with 160 hp (118 kW / 162 PS) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque, paired with the more engaging seven-speed DSG transmission.
A Half-Price Jetta
The VW Sagitar S carries a launch price of ¥79,800 ($11,600) in China. This means you can buy two for the price of a single US-spec VW Jetta, which comes with a starting MSRP of $23,995 in the States. It is worth noting that even a full-spec turbo Sagitar S will cost you ¥117,800 ($17,100), which is similar to the ¥114,900 ($16,700) starting price of the longer Sagitar L.
Rivals in the Chinese market include the Toyota Levin / Corolla and Nissan Sylphy, as well as offerings from local automakers such as the BYD Qin Plus and Geely Emgrand.
