Next Generation VW Lavida to look exactly like mini Passat

---

The recently launched Passat will be getting a little brother in the next few months with the addition of the next generation Lavida. The Shanghai-VW made Passat is actually based on the American Passat, which seems to trounce its European brother, the Magotan, which is made via the FAW-VW joint venture in Changchun (Passat Sales in Dec: 16，897, Magtaon sales in Dec: 10，140).

The Lavida was solely developed by Shanghai-VW with only limited input from Germany and was based on the Neeza concept that debuted a year earlier, so far the Lavida has only seen China market sales although it could be exported elsewhere in the coming months. Engine power came in the form of a range topping 1.4TSI, strong selling 1.6L and also a rarely seen 2.0L model.

Although the images are just being leaked, the new Lavida is not expected to make it to market until at least June/July 2012 with a Beijing Auto Show airing in April 2012.