• The Sagitar S keeps gasoline sedans relevant in China with modern tech.
  • It measures slightly smaller than the Jetta but shares a similar wheelbase.
  • Inside, the cabin feels far more advanced than the aging Jetta design.

Volkswagen isn’t ready to let the humble gasoline sedan fade quietly into the sunset, at least not in China. Even in a market rapidly moving toward electrification, the brand is still making room for affordable, combustion-powered models. The new Sagitar S, developed by the FAW-VW joint venture, is a Jetta-sized model pairing modern styling and technology with a budget-friendly 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).

More: VW’s Biggest, Most Powerful Electric SUV Yet Costs Less Than An ID.4

The exterior design is typical of VW, with simple lines and a traditional sedan silhouette. In profile, the Sagitar S shares similar surfacing with the Sagitar L but adopts conventional door handles. Up front, the design is more rounded, with slim headlights and interconnected bumper intakes. From the rear, it carries a resemblance to a budget Audi A5, thanks to full-width taillights and a body-colored diffuser.

VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta

An Interior To Be Jealous Of

The new sedan arrives as part of VW’s “Oil & Electricity Co-advancement” strategy in China, meaning ICE-powered models will share high-tech features typically found in EVs.

More: Finally, The 2027 VW Atlas Gets A Cabin You Won’t Have To Apologize For

The dashboard of the Sagitar S puts the aging Jetta to shame, with a more modern and tech-heavy layout. The digital cockpit includes a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. While physical climate controls are gone, the steering wheel retains tactile buttons.

The gear selector has been relocated to the steering column, freeing up space on the two-tier center console. Additional highlights include 30-color ambient lighting, AI integration with advanced voice recognition, and Level 2 ADAS.

Practicality remains a strong selling point, with a trunk capacity of 555 liters (19.6 cu-ft), easily surpassing the 400 liters (14.1 cu-ft) of the Jetta, although China and the US use different measurement protocols.

VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta
VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta

Old-School Powertrains

The Sagitar S rides on the well-established MQB architecture, shared across much of Volkswagen’s global lineup. Under the hood, there are no electrified options, as VW sticks with a traditional gasoline-only approach.

More: Toyota Is Selling A New EV For Less Than A 15-Year-Old Used Corolla

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 with a six-speed automatic gearbox. For those wanting more performance, a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine delivers 160 hp (118 kW / 162 PS) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque, paired with a seven-speed DSG transmission.

A Half-Price Jetta

The VW Sagitar S carries a launch price of ¥79,800 ($11,600) in China. That means you could buy two for the price of a base VW Jetta, which starts at $23,995 in the States. Even a fully equipped turbo Sagitar S costs ¥117,800 ($17,100), close to the ¥114,900 ($16,700) starting price of the larger Sagitar L.

Rivals in the Chinese market include the Toyota Levin / Corolla and Nissan Sylphy, along with local contenders such as the BYD Qin Plus and Geely Emgrand.

VW’s New Compact Sedan Costs Less Than Half What Americans Pay For A Jetta

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