Why was the Volkswagen Lavida Hatchback discontinued?
2 Answers
SAIC Volkswagen discontinued the Lavida Hatchback due to poor sales. 1. Reasons: The Lavida Hatchback was launched in 2013, derived from the second-generation Lavida sedan converted into a hatchback. Apart from the different body structure, its exterior, interior, chassis, and powertrain were completely identical. However, the wagon market in China is not as prosperous as abroad. Chinese consumers generally dislike this "tailless" body style, even though it offers better space than the sedan version. 2. Features: The Lavida Hatchback had decent active safety features, with ESP stability control standard across all trims. Its chassis tuning was solid, and the bodywork craftsmanship was good, making it quite durable. It used a dual-clutch transmission with clear shift logic and smooth power delivery, capable of handling normal road conditions. The interior design was conventional—manageable without a central touchscreen, though the plastic-heavy materials felt cheap and somewhat dated.
As an enthusiast who frequently studies automotive market trends, I find that the discontinuation of the Volkswagen Lavida is actually a normal model update strategy. In recent years, Volkswagen has accelerated product innovation in the Chinese market, such as launching the Lavida Plus and new energy versions. These new models offer better performance, more advanced technology, and comply with the latest environmental requirements. Although the older Lavida was reliable in quality, its outdated design couldn't keep up with consumer demands for smart driving and low emissions. Sales data shows a significant decline in the Lavida's market share, as domestic brands like Geely and BYD have introduced competing models with lower prices and more comprehensive features, attracting many customers. I've also observed that Volkswagen is shifting toward an electrification strategy, focusing resources on developing the ID series of electric vehicles. Discontinuing older fuel-powered models is an inevitable move. Overall, this is part of the industry's evolution—companies must adapt to the market to survive, and we car owners should welcome the better experiences brought by new models.
