The Volkswagen Lavida III 1.5i (116 hp) was a compact sedan produced by the Volkswagen joint venture in China, SAIC-Volkswagen, from May 2018 to 2019. Positioned as an entry-level trim within the Lavida III range, it served as a key model in Volkswagen’s strategy to cater to the growing Chinese automotive market. The Lavida, in general, was specifically designed for the Chinese market, offering a blend of European engineering and localized features. This particular 1.5i variant aimed to provide an affordable and fuel-efficient option for consumers seeking a practical family sedan.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lavida |
| Generation | Lavida III |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5i (116 Hp) |
| Start of production | May, 2018 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | China V |
| Power | 116 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 77.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 150 Nm @ 4000 rpm (110.63 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine Model/Code | DMB |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 510 l (18.01 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 51 l (13.47 US gal | 11.22 UK gal) |
| Length | 4670 mm (183.86 in.) |
| Width | 1806 mm (71.1 in.) |
| Height | 1474 mm (58.03 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2688 mm (105.83 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive, Internal Combustion Engine |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Lavida III 1.5i was powered by the Volkswagen DMB engine, a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilized a multi-port fuel injection system, a common setup for its time, providing adequate fuel delivery for efficient combustion. The engine produced 116 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 150 Nm (110.63 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The DMB engine was designed with a focus on fuel economy and reliability, rather than outright performance. It featured a relatively simple valvetrain configuration, contributing to its ease of maintenance. The engine was paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, the sole transmission option for this variant. This transmission was chosen to maximize fuel efficiency and keep the vehicle’s price point competitive.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5i Lavida III offered a comfortable, but not particularly sporty, driving experience. With 116 hp, acceleration was adequate for city driving and highway merging, but it wasn’t a quick car. The 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 11.7 seconds reflects this. The 5-speed manual transmission required frequent shifting to maintain momentum, especially when overtaking or climbing hills. Compared to higher-trim Lavida models equipped with larger engines, the 1.5i felt noticeably less powerful. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine often operated at higher rpm during highway cruising. The suspension provided a reasonably comfortable ride, absorbing most road imperfections without excessive body roll. However, it wasn’t designed for aggressive cornering.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Lavida III 1.5i was typically equipped with a basic set of features, reflecting its entry-level positioning. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, but not luxurious, design. Optional extras, depending on the specific package selected, could include alloy wheels, a more advanced audio system, and rear parking sensors. Safety features typically included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and dual front airbags. The trim level focused on providing essential features at an affordable price point, making it attractive to first-time car buyers and those prioritizing practicality.
Chassis & Braking
The Lavida III utilized a front-wheel-drive chassis with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam suspension in the rear. This suspension setup was a common choice for compact sedans, offering a good balance of ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, providing adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The use of disc brakes all around was a step up from some competitors in the segment. The vehicle rode on 15-inch wheels with 195/65 R15 tires, a tire size chosen for comfort and fuel efficiency. The chassis was designed to be lightweight, contributing to the vehicle’s overall fuel economy.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lavida III 1.5i was generally well-received in the Chinese market as an affordable and practical sedan. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride, but noted its lack of performance compared to higher-trim models. Compared to other 1.5-liter sedans in the Chinese market, the Lavida III offered a competitive level of features and build quality. Its fuel economy of 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg) was considered good for its class. Reliability was generally reported to be above average, typical of Volkswagen products. However, some owners reported minor issues with the infotainment system and interior trim.
Legacy
The Volkswagen Lavida III 1.5i, while not a performance icon, played a significant role in Volkswagen’s success in the Chinese market. The DMB engine proved to be a reliable and fuel-efficient powerplant, and the vehicle’s overall practicality and affordability made it a popular choice among Chinese consumers. In the used car market, the Lavida III 1.5i remains a relatively affordable option, known for its low running costs and decent reliability. While it may not offer the excitement of more powerful trims, it continues to provide a practical and economical transportation solution for many drivers.
