What are the differences between the 2018 Lavida and the 2019 Lavida?

[MartinMarie]

The main differences between the 2018 Lavida and the 2019 Lavida lie in the engine tuning and emission standards. The transmission, body dimensions, configurations, exterior, and interior remain the same. The 2018 Lavida complies with the China V emission standard, while the 2019 Lavida meets the China VI emission standard. Both models are equipped with the EA211 engine, but they are tuned to different emission standards. Below is an introduction to the Lavida: 1. Interior: The Lavida offers a variety of interior colors, including the traditional black design, as well as moon gray and white. These colors significantly tone down the moon gray while making the black more prominent. The dashboard features a striking decorative panel that enhances the overall sense of luxury. Additionally, the multimedia display is embedded in the dashboard, creating a highly integrated design. 2. Engine: The Lavida is equipped with a naturally aspirated engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. In terms of fuel consumption, it is quite economical, requiring only 5.6L/100km.

[AliviaMarie]

As an owner of both the 2018 and 2019 Lavida models, the most noticeable change is the front fascia. The 2019 version integrates the grille and headlights into one unit, making it look wider and more imposing. Plus, even the mid and lower trims now come with LED headlights, significantly improving nighttime visibility. Inside the car, the first thing you'll notice is the steering wheel has been replaced with a flat-bottom sporty design, and the center console screen has changed from an embedded style to a protruding touchscreen that supports CarPlay—no more need for a phone mount. The seat upholstery has also been upgraded, and as someone who drives daily, I find the lumbar support much more comfortable. Although both models have a 1.5L engine, the 2019 version's engine code is now DLF, and it feels a bit more responsive at startup. In my opinion, spending a bit more for the 2019 model is worth it, especially since it typically fetches about 3,000 yuan more in the used car market.

[RemingtonRose]

Anyone who has studied the Lavida knows the 2019 facelift was a serious upgrade. While the wheelbase remains 2688mm, the body length has increased to 4670mm, allowing for an extra suitcase in the trunk. Hill-start assist and auto start-stop come standard across the lineup—a more considerate move than the 2018 model, especially since the start-stop system doesn't drain the battery in traffic. The engine retains the same displacement but now features the EA211 DLF variant, maintaining the 85kW max power while boosting torque to 150Nm, making city driving noticeably smoother. A standout is the infotainment system: the high-end 8-inch screen supports gesture control, letting you swipe to skip tracks. Safety features have also improved, with life-saving additions like heated side mirrors finally trickling down to mid-range trims.

[VanJuniper]

When choosing a car for a girl, I paid special attention to the differences between these two generations. The most appealing feature of the 2019 Lavida is the newly added elegant white interior with brown stitching, which looks very premium, while the 2018 model only had an all-black interior that felt too oppressive. The thoughtful detail of a lighted vanity mirror is very considerate, allowing for touch-ups at red lights without fumbling in the dark. The center armrest was changed to a sliding and telescopic type, so even with my 160cm height after adjusting the seat, my arms can rest comfortably. There are also details like the addition of a USB charging port in the rear, upgrading the car's four speakers to six, and even adding limiters to the cup holders. Although the wheels are still 16 inches, the petal design looks much younger than the 2018 model's double five-spoke wheels, and my friends all said it looks like a next-generation car when driving it out.

[VanAutumn]

A technician who has been repairing Volkswagens for five years shares some insights. The chassis structure remained unchanged from the 2018 to 2019 models, but the front suspension of the 2019 version was tuned to be slightly softer, making it less bumpy over speed bumps. The transmission is still the Aisin 6AT, but the shift logic was optimized in the 2019 model, significantly reducing the jerkiness during the 2nd to 3rd gear shift. The most noticeable change under the hood is the air filter box, which was redesigned from a cylindrical shape to a square box, making it much easier to replace the filter yourself. One complaint is that to cut costs, the 2019 model replaced the suede lining in the glove compartment with hard plastic. The rear emblem also got a makeover—the 2018 model had it above the license plate frame, while the 2019 version moved it directly below the logo, so you need to pay attention to matching when replacing the trunk lid. However, the rear brake pads are interchangeable, which is a plus.

[MacElena]

From the perspective of used car dealers, the price difference between the 2018 and 2019 models mainly lies in these aspects: The LED daytime running lights, which come standard on all 2019 models, make the car look significantly newer and can add 2000 yuan to the resale value. The infotainment system's support for smartphone projection is a must-have feature, as younger buyers always inquire about it. Another small but notable detail is that the 2019 model finally added rear air vents, eliminating complaints from family members sitting in the back during summer, which directly impacts the final selling price. Currently, the most sought-after 2019 models in the used car market are those with original factory option packages, especially the Winter Package (seat heating + folding mirrors) worth 5000 yuan, which typically commands a premium of 3000-4000 yuan over comparable 2018 models. However, it's important to note that some batches of the 2019 model are prone to sunroof seal aging, so special attention should be paid to checking the A-pillars for water stains during inspection.