The compact sedan made at Sino-German joint venture Shanghai Volkswagen Automobile Co was launched last week with two engine options: 1.4-liter TSI and 1.6-liter four cylinder.

The 1.4-liter version is twinned with a five-speed manual or seven-speed DSG transmission. The 1.6-liter version offers either a five-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic gearbox.

The 1.4-liter version generates maximum power of 96kW/5000rpm and offers peak torque of 220Nm/1750-3500rpm. It accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds and has a top speed of 190km/h. The 1.6-liter version produces peak power of 77kW/5250rpm and offers maximum torque of 155Nm/3750rpm. Its top speed is 180km/h.

The all-new Lavida is 4605mm long, 1765mm wide and 1460mm high. It has a 2610mm wheelbase.

The model retails between 112,900 and 166,900 yuan. It goes head-to-head with a slew of other models, such as the Volkswagen Sagitar made at the German carmaker's other joint venture in China, the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.