
The high-end version of the Lavida comes with a rearview camera, while the base model does not, but it can be installed separately. The rearview camera is also known as a parking assist system, or a reversing visual system, or an onboard monitoring system. The Volkswagen Lavida comes standard with LED headlights across the lineup, equipped with a new 1.5L and 1.4T efficient engine. The body dimensions are 4605mm in length, 1765mm in width, and 1460mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2610mm. The front face design of the Lavida is significantly different from previous A-class cars under the Volkswagen brand, especially its teardrop-shaped headlights, which are very distinctive. The traditional Volkswagen family grille and U-shaped front face design are also inherited and enhanced in the Lavida. In terms of powertrain configuration, in addition to the 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, there is also a 1.4TSI turbocharged model available for selection.

The reversing camera on the Lavida depends on the trim level you choose. The base version usually doesn't come with one, while higher trims or newer models often have it pre-installed. Last year, I bought a Lavida Comfort trim which didn't include it from the factory, so I spent 1,200 yuan to install an aftermarket HD camera at an auto parts market. It's made reversing much easier now, with clear night visibility too. If your budget allows, I'd recommend going for the higher trim directly - the factory-installed reversing camera integrates better with the infotainment screen and has lower failure rates. By the way, if installing afterwards, pay attention to proper wiring to avoid damaging the original circuits. Regularly cleaning the camera lens is also important - mud in rainy weather can blur the image.

The reversing camera configuration of the Lavida is quite interesting, with significant differences across various model years. Models before 2015 generally didn't come with it as standard. Starting from the 2017 version, some higher-end trims began including factory-installed cameras. Now, the new 280TSI Luxury trim comes with a high-definition panoramic imaging system. I've studied the parts system - lower trims have pre-wired interfaces, making aftermarket installation relatively easy. I recommend using Volkswagen's genuine camera module for better compatibility and to avoid fault codes. Honestly, a combination of parking sensors + reversing camera is most practical, as cameras alone can be limited in extreme weather. When retrofitting, remember to adjust the head unit parameters, otherwise image distortion may occur.

As a female driver, the reversing camera is literally a lifesaver. My Lavida 1.5L Auto Vision Edition comes with a factory-installed reversing camera, featuring clear screen display and guiding lines. It's been three years without any malfunction, and it works fine even on rainy days. Compared to my bestie's older Lavida model which only has parking sensors, she once scratched the bumper. Remember to ask the salesperson to demonstrate the trajectory line function when picking up the car—it's especially practical for beginners. My personal advice: don't cheap out on aftermarket cameras; they perform poorly at night and break easily. Nowadays, most family sedans around 100,000 yuan come standard with this feature, and the Lavida has kept up with the trend.


