The FAW-Volkswagen joint venture has introduced the new Sagitar S model in China. This sedan, sized similarly to the Jetta, combines modern technology with exclusively gasoline engines. The car’s price starts at 79,800 yuan and reaches 117,800 yuan for the fully-equipped version.
Modern design at an affordable price
Volkswagen is not planning to abandon classic gasoline sedans, at least in the Chinese market. The new Sagitar S from the FAW-VW joint venture offers modern design and technology at a budget-friendly price.
The car’s length is 4702 mm, which is 110 mm shorter than the Sagitar L model introduced last year. The Chinese sedan is also 35 mm shorter than the American Jetta, while having an almost identical wheelbase of 2688 mm.
The exterior design is typical for Volkswagen: simple lines and a traditional sedan silhouette. From the side, the Sagitar S has similar body sculpting to the Sagitar L model but is equipped with conventional door handles. The front end is more rounded with slim headlights and interconnected bumper air intakes. From the rear, the model looks like a budget version of the Audi A5 with full-width LED taillights and a body-colored diffuser.
An interior to envy
The new sedan appears as part of Volkswagen’s new “Joint development of gasoline and electric models” strategy in China, meaning that ICE cars will receive high-tech features typical of electric vehicles.
The Sagitar S’s dashboard makes the interiors of previous generations seem outdated thanks to a more modern and technological design. The digital cockpit includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch touchscreen for the multimedia system. The model lacks physical climate controls but retains clickable buttons on the steering wheel.
The gear selector has been moved to the steering column, freeing up space on the two-tier center console. Other features include 30-color ambient lighting, AI integration for advanced voice recognition functions, and a Level 2 ADAS system for driver assistance.
Practicality is a key advantage: the trunk volume is 555 liters, significantly more than the Jetta’s 400 liters, although measurement methodologies in China and the US differ.
Classic powertrains
The Sagitar S is built on the proven MQB architecture, like most Volkswagen products. Under the hood, you will find only non-hybrid gasoline engines, indicating the company’s commitment to the traditional formula.
The base naturally aspirated 1.5-liter engine develops 110 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Those seeking more power can opt for the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with 160 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, which is combined with a seven-speed DSG transmission.
Affordability as a key advantage
The VW Sagitar S starts in China at a price of 79,800 yuan. This means that for the price of one American Jetta (starting at $23,995), you can buy two Chinese Sagitar S models. Even the fully-equipped version with the turbo engine will cost 117,800 yuan, which is close to the starting price of the extended Sagitar L (114,900 yuan).
Competitors in the Chinese market are the Toyota Levin/Corolla and Nissan Sylphy, as well as offerings from local automakers such as the BYD Qin Plus and Geely Emgrand.
The appearance of the Sagitar S clearly demonstrates that demand for affordable and practical sedans with internal combustion engines in China remains significant, despite the global trend towards electrification. The model fills the niche between budget offerings from local brands and more expensive imported counterparts, offering customers the recognizable Volkswagen brand, modern equipment, and an attractive price. This strategy allows the group to maintain its presence in one of the world’s largest automotive markets while simultaneously developing its lineup of electric vehicles.