The Volkswagen Lavida III (facelift 2022) 300TSI, equipped with a 160 horsepower engine and a 7-speed Dual Clutch Gearbox (DSG), represents a significant iteration within the Lavida lineage, a compact sedan specifically designed for the Chinese automotive market. Introduced in 2022, this facelift builds upon the success of the Lavida III, aiming to enhance its appeal with updated styling, improved technology, and refined powertrain options. The Lavida, in general, has become a cornerstone of Volkswagen’s sales in China, catering to a broad demographic seeking a comfortable, reliable, and technologically advanced vehicle. The 300TSI variant occupies a mid-range position within the Lavida III lineup, offering a balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and price.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lavida |
| Generation | Lavida III (facelift 2022) |
| Type (Engine) | 300TSI (160 Hp) DSG |
| Start of production | 2022 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined WLTC) | 5.40 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg, 18.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | China VI |
| Power | 160 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1750-4000 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1750-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA211 |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine systems | Start & Stop System |
| Trunk (boot) space (minimum) | 510 l (18.01 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 51 l (13.47 US gal | 11.22 UK gal) |
| Length | 4678 mm (184.17 in.) |
| Width | 1806 mm (71.1 in.) |
| Height | 1474 mm (58.03 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2688 mm (105.83 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive, ICE |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16; 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Lavida III 300TSI is the EA211 engine, a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is a key component of Volkswagen’s modular engine family, known for its compact design, lightweight construction, and efficiency. The EA211 utilizes direct fuel injection, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber for improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. A single turbocharger with an intercooler provides forced induction, boosting power output and torque. The engine produces 160 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1750 and 4000 rpm. This broad torque curve contributes to responsive acceleration in everyday driving situations. The engine is paired with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Gearbox (DSG), which offers quick and smooth gear changes, enhancing both performance and fuel economy. The DSG transmission is known for its efficiency and responsiveness compared to traditional automatic transmissions.
Driving Characteristics
The 300TSI variant of the Lavida III offers a comfortable and refined driving experience. The 160 horsepower engine, coupled with the 7-speed DSG, provides adequate power for typical urban and highway driving. Acceleration is brisk, and the DSG transmission ensures seamless gear changes, minimizing any interruption in power delivery. Compared to lower-powered versions of the Lavida, the 300TSI offers a noticeable improvement in performance, making overtaking maneuvers easier and more confident. While not a sports sedan, the 300TSI provides a balanced driving experience, prioritizing comfort and efficiency without sacrificing performance. The DSG transmission’s gear ratios are optimized for both fuel economy and acceleration, providing a good balance between the two. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Lavida III 300TSI typically comes well-equipped, reflecting Volkswagen’s commitment to providing a modern and feature-rich vehicle. Standard features often include automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a rearview camera, and a suite of safety features such as ABS, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels may add features such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, automatic headlights and wipers, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Interior upholstery is typically a combination of fabric and leatherette, with higher trims offering full leather options. The dashboard layout is clean and modern, with a focus on ergonomics and ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The Lavida III utilizes 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 provides a comfortable ride quality while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. The front brakes are ventilated discs, providing ample stopping power, while the rear brakes are solid discs. The steering system is an electric power steering (EPS) system, offering light and precise steering feel. Tire sizes vary depending on the trim level, with 205/55 R16 and 225/45 R17 being common options. The chassis is designed to provide a balance between comfort, handling, and safety.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lavida III 300TSI has been well-received in the Chinese market, praised for its combination of performance, fuel efficiency, and features. Critics have noted the engine’s responsiveness and the DSG transmission’s smooth operation. Compared to other compact sedans in the Chinese market, the Lavida III 300TSI offers a competitive level of equipment and a refined driving experience. In terms of fuel economy, the 300TSI achieves a combined fuel consumption of 5.40 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg), which is competitive within its class. Compared to lower-powered Lavida variants, the 300TSI offers a significant performance upgrade, while remaining relatively fuel-efficient.
Legacy
The EA211 engine family, including the 1.5-liter turbocharged unit found in the Lavida III 300TSI, has proven to be a reliable and durable powertrain. While long-term reliability data specific to the Chinese market is still developing, the EA211 engine has a generally good reputation for reliability in other markets where it is sold. The Lavida itself has established a strong reputation in China as a dependable and well-built compact sedan. As a result, the Lavida III 300TSI is expected to hold its value reasonably well in the used car market, appealing to buyers seeking a comfortable, efficient, and technologically advanced vehicle.
