Meet the Volkswagen New Midsize Coupe concept, or the NMC in short, which has just made its world debut at Auto China 2014 in Beijing. In essence, it previews a coupe-like sedan positioned between the Jetta and Passat models. A junior CC, if you like.
At 4,597 mm long and 1,838 mm wide, the NMC is shorter than the C-segment Jetta, yet wider than the D-segment Passat. Its 1,422 mm height is lower than both the standard sedans too, giving it a low visual centre of gravity.
The NMC sits on Volkswagen Group's modular MQB platform. It introduces the VW design boss, Klaus Bischoff's new vision of front end design, with a complex grille, 3D-effect LED headlights and a large but closely detailed lower air intake. The show wheels are huge 22-inchers with body matching 'Dragon Red' highlights.
Its side profile is said to retain a coupe's cab-backwards design, using a long bonnet, sweeping C-pillar and a short boot lid to create the effect. Moving back, the strong character lines that run across the sides merge into a neatly integrated boot lid spoiler. Fancy LED rear lights and dual tailpipes in matching shapes enhance the visual width of the NMC.
Connected to the exhausts is the Golf GTI's 2.0 litre turbocharged TSI engine. This time paired to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox, it can get to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and up to 244 km/h. A promising cD value of 0.299 gives an impressive fuel consumption of just 6.4 litres per 100 km (15.6 km per litre).
The interior is only shown in design sketches so far, but Volkswagen claims that it's as practical as it is sporty, with ample space for five and a generous 500 litre boot. A production version should be well under way, so anyone smitten just yet?
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