BEIJING: VW’s New Gran Santana is definitely not a unique model in any way. It’s not a new model either, if you’re thinking globally. For China though, this is quite the treat since they’re so used to sedans over there.
Measuring at 4282mm/1706mm/1475mm, the Gran Santana happens to about as long, tall and wide as the Skoda Spaceback, even though from the outside, you won’t mistake it for anything else than a Volkswagen. Oh and the wheelbase is the same size as the Spaceback’s, just in case you were still wondering.
The front of the car reminds us of the previous generation Passat, while the rear of the car is sort of a mix between the Skoda Rapid Spaceback and the VW Touran (taillights, a little bit).
It’s strange to look at a car that has obviously been put together using bits and pieces from so many current models we’re familiar with. And yes, we mean this from a design perspective the most. A VW front fascia, Skoda profile, a mix between the two at the rear like we said, it’s a funny little thing.
The Gran Santana is currently powered by a 1.4 liter TSI petrol engine, producing 131 HP all going towards the front wheels with the help of either a 5 speed manual or a 6 speed DSG transmission.
Just like its sedan sibling, the Gran Santana will be manufactured in China by the Shanghai-Volkswagen joint venture, and as a small budget family car, we think it makes a lot of sense… as long as you don’t expect it to be sporty or particularly comfortable over long distances. It’s not much of a looker either.
