Volkswagen NMC sedan spotted uncamouflaged

Barely a week after Volkswagen unveiled the New Midsize Coupe (NMC) Concept at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show, a test mule of the sedan has been spotted in China. Spy shots show the car completely undisguised and by the looks of it, the model looks production ready. Though the styling of the car has been toned down, Volkswagen hasn’t strayed away from the design of the NMC.

The NMC concept is a ‘sport sedan’ based on the Jetta, which is called as Sagitar in China. Though the concept rides on the MQB-B platform, the production model might be based on the current Jetta’s PQ35 platform, which is also shared with the Volkswagen Golf and the Audi A3. The spy shots show the car fitted with smaller wheels, while the headlamp design has also been simplified, though the LED units have been retained.  

 

Despite the coupe-like styling, the NMC is a spacious car, suitable to seat five people and has a huge 500-litre boot. The NMC concept housed a 220bhp 2.0-litre TSI engine under its hood, though the production car will also get the option of a 1.4-litre TSI, powering the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG gearbox.

As to what this car will be called is still unclear, as the test mule only sported Volkswagen and TSI badges. The production model is expected to make its debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show and the car will be manufactured locally by the Shanghai-Volkswagen joint venture.

 

While this car will be sold exclusively in China, the Indian customer has very limited options for a high performance sedan in a similar budget. Powered by a 177bhp 1.8-litre TSI petrol engine, the Skoda Octavia 1.8 TSI is a good option for someone who wants a good looking and powerful sedan. Click here to read our review of the Octavia.