Volkswagen unveiled the new midsize coupe concept at the ongoing 2014 Beijing Motor Show that showcases the versatility of the modular transverse matrix platform. The four-door coupe concept car features a sports car like stance with the practicality of a saloon and is being envisioned to be positioned below the Passat in the future. Offering a striking presence, Volkswagen states that customers all over the world can look forward to the model that will be underpinned by the new platform over the next few years.
The new Volkswagen Midsize Coupe Concept measures 4597 mm in length, 1838 mm in width and 1422 mm in height. Shorter than the Passat and the Jetta in length, the four-door coupe concept scores with a very wide body that offers low visual centre of gravity. The short overhangs in particular have helped the designers achieve a visually more effective design, while the long front hood and muscular shoulders make for a sporty appearance on the new coupe.
The front features a strong character with the three-bar grille, while the side profile features powerful styling with the coupe roofline sweeping back and the strong shoulder line running across from the front fender of the car. The new 3D LED headlights with integrated DRLs accentuate the overall design on the midsize coupe. The tail lights on the other hand feature LEDs with integrated aluminium accents coupled with the sporty looking twin exhaust pipes and a glossy black diffuser in the middle.
Powering the new midsize coupe is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, turbo petrol, direct injection engine that belts out 220 PS, and is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The German manufacturer state that the four-door coupe would be able to achieve a top speed of 244 km/hr, while accelerating from 0-100 km/hr in 6.5 seconds. The midsize coupe is fairly frugal too, returning a fuel economy of 15.6 km/l. The concept runs on 20-inch alloys and 245/40 low profile tyres.
The interiors on the new midsize four-door coupe features ample space and Volkswagen suggests it can take up to five people in comfort. The new leather sports seats get silk and contrast black colours with contrast stitching in dragon red (paint shade on the outside), while the rest of the cabin has been done up in Alcantara leather. The multi-function sports steering wheel and the array of switches come from the current generation Golf, which is also based on the MQB-A platform. While the coupe exhibits sports car like properties, it also comes with a very useable boot providing 500-litres of storage capacity.
The new midsize coupe concept is still in conceptual stage and will take some time and effort to go into production. With the diverse applications that the MQB platform can support, the coupe makes financial sense as well for the company apart from being a driver’s delight. The new midsize coupe might just start an all-new segment when launched. A timeline has not been announced though for the production of the new model.
