Second generation of successful Volkswagen model in China launches as an entirely remade car
Wolfsburg, 30 October 2012 – With nearly four million units sold, the Volkswagen Santana is one of the most successful models in China. The notchback saloon maintains a greater presence on Chinese roads than any other car.
In the mid-1980s, not only did Volkswagen introduce mobilisation to an entire country with the Santana in China; at the same time, it laid the foundation for a long and sustained partnership with the Chinese automobile industry and a new era of modern carmaking. Today, 29 years later, the Santana is a synonym for the quality of the brand and its tradition.
The new Santana was fully redeveloped with styling that is Volkswagen clear and precise. Its intelligent space concept and 2,603 mm wheelbase create noticeably more knee room at the rear seats, and the car’s boot is spacious with 480 litres of cargo capacity. Safety, comfort and a sophisticated appearance were focal points in its development. Accordingly, its features include such key details as ABS, front, side and head airbags, ESC electronic stabilisation programme, air conditioning or automatic climate control, electric sliding sunroof, alloy wheels, parking sensors and leather upholstery – which are either standard or optional depending on the equipment line. In China, the Santana is available in the Trendline, Comfortline and Highline versions.
The Santana is powered exclusively by naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engines of the newly developed EA 211 petrol engine series. These innovative aluminium engines – with 16-valve technology and integration of the exhaust manifold in the cylinder head – are distinguished by high efficiency. The 1.4-litre version produces 66 kW / 90 PS and has a combined fuel consumption of just 5.9 l/100 km, while the 1.6-litre has 81 kW / 110 PS and fuel consumption of 6.0 l/100 km. Compared to the previous model, fuel economy and CO2 emissions were improved by up to 28 per cent.
The world debut of the new Santana took place yesterday evening in a premiere celebration at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg, which is the development site for the first Santana. The new Santana was revealed in the presence of Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG.
The new Santana is produced in China at Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive.
