[TheARUN]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

Thanks for the detailed review. I was more interested in the name "Foxhound",
was it named after the Russian Fighter Aircraft: Mig-31 "Foxhound" ?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikoyan_MiG-31

Nice catch. Check out his handle, Attorney+Aviator. Guess that answers your question

I have another question @Attorviator. Have you driven a Polo? If yes, how does the Ameo compare to the Polo as far as driving dynamics is concerned? I'll sneak in another one. Did you consider the Polo before picking up the Ameo or was your first option the Ameo?

[Attorviator]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

Thanks for the detailed review. I was more interested in the name "Foxhound",
was it named after the Russian Fighter Aircraft: Mig-31 "Foxhound" ?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikoyan_MiG-31

Yes Foxbat. You are absolutely correct. I am a military aviation enthusiast. Particularly, I've always loved Russian warplanes.

I chose to name this car Foxhound owing to a very personal analogy which popped into my (then) 20 year old noggin. Quite like the MiG-31, which was developed to intercept and chase away the incredibly fast SR-71, I believed that the Ameo 1.5 TDi was also commissioned for a very specific mission i.e., to simply be the fastest in the segment which back then was dominated by the Aspire TDCi.

To give you some background, back then, I used to drive an 8 year old Chevrolet Spark on which I learnt to drive. The obvious choice dictated by the family for an upgrade was MS Swift. I was particular that I only wanted a diesel car. Left with no choice, I was going to name my diesel MS Swift 正義 (Seigi) meaning Justice in Japanese. However, the prices of the MS Swift diesel shocked us all. I remember that a decent trim was quoted at north of 7L OTR which still missed out on ABS. Somehow, I ran into the Ameo TDi and I took it for a test drive. Coming from the Chevrolet Spark, I could term the experience of 108 BHP + 250 NM only one thing, flying. Invariably, I ended up naming the car Foxhound.

Originally Posted by TheARUN

Nice catch. Check out his handle, Attorney+Aviator. Guess that answers your question

I have another question @Attorviator. Have you driven a Polo? If yes, how does the Ameo compare to the Polo as far as driving dynamics is concerned? I'll sneak in another one. Did you consider the Polo before picking up the Ameo or was your first option the Ameo?

Firstly, I am truly amazed. This has been my handle on multiple platforms but, even people who know me very well couldn't make sense of it for a very long time. I am just glad to know that the handle is achieves the intended result and I truly feel like I belong here.

Coming to your question, yes I used to drive the polo quite frequently because my best friend at law school used to own one. I remember that every time I used to drive that car I just had an extraordinary experience. So, at the time, I remember seeing an advertisement about the VW Polo having some huge discounts. Considering that MS Swift costed around 7L, I convinced by family to at least have a look at the VW Polo for what its worth.

As it turned out, the VW Polo was around 9L OTR for the Trendline variant. By that time I did not even consider the VW Ameo as I simply assumed that longer car = more money. However, when the sales representative told us that the VW Ameo TDi was 8L OTR, I simply leapt at the opportunity. Personally, I did not like the extended boot one bit. I used to despise the concept of sub-4 meter cars. But then, here was the VW Ameo TDi which essentially had the VW Polo GT TDi's engine (minus numerous features) for a cost which was lower than the VW Polo. To sum up, I was getting more car for less bucks and the only trade offs were, ugly boot and features. After multiples fuses in my noggin burst, I decided that VW Ameo was the one to go for.

Coming to the driving experience, I've noticed people say that the VW Ameo has more body roll compared to the VW Polo. However, having driven both, I personally have never experienced a noticeable difference. On that front, I would give VW full marks because the boot integration was done very cleverly without compromising on the VW driving experience.

[VWAllstar]

Originally Posted by Attorviator

Coming to the driving experience, I've noticed people say that the VW Ameo has more body roll compared to the VW Polo. However, having driven both, I personally have never experienced a noticeable difference. On that front, I would give VW full marks because the boot integration was done very cleverly without compromising on the VW driving experience.

Very interesting posts Attorviator. I own an Ameo TDI HL+ DSG. Though I love the car, the driving dynamics aren't as good as a Polo or Vento. I own a Vento as well and have driven the Polo extensively. The boot of the Ameo sticks out during corners and isn't very stable compared to Polo or Vento. Understandably, Vento with a longer wheelbase will be more stable and stick to the road. Apart from this, Ameo has all characteristics of a VW (albeit excusing the timeless design at the rear)
Your post has motivated me to write one of my own. Been 2 years and 20K KMs with the Ameo and has been very happy with the ownership so far.

[Attorviator]

Originally Posted by VWAllstar

Very interesting posts Attorviator. I own an Ameo TDI HL+ DSG. Though I love the car, the driving dynamics aren't as good as a Polo or Vento. I own a Vento as well and have driven the Polo extensively. The boot of the Ameo sticks out during corners and isn't very stable compared to Polo or Vento. Understandably, Vento with a longer wheelbase will be more stable and stick to the road. Apart from this, Ameo has all characteristics of a VW (albeit excusing the timeless design at the rear)
Your post has motivated me to write one of my own. Been 2 years and 20K KMs with the Ameo and has been very happy with the ownership so far.

I see. Honestly, you really are better placed to point out the differences in the driving dynamics since you own the Vento and Ameo simultaneously. I have never driven a Vento. So one may say that I have not experienced a true VW sedan.
Also, there may be another reason why I've never felt that the Foxhound isn't planted around the corners. Foxhound drives on Yokohama S-drives 205/55/R15. Before this it was Bridgestone 175/70/R14 if I remember correctly which were an absolute let down. After the tyre upgrade, I've often felt that the fatter tyres have slightly killed the performance. However, it is much more planted than before.

Looking forward to your review!

[Foxbat]

Originally Posted by Attorviator

Yes Foxbat. You are absolutely correct. I am a military aviation enthusiast. Particularly, I've always loved Russian warplanes.

I chose to name this car Foxhound owing to a very personal analogy which popped into my (then) 20 year old noggin. Quite like the MiG-31, which was developed to intercept and chase away the incredibly fast SR-71, I believed that the Ameo 1.5 TDi was also commissioned for a very specific mission i.e., to simply be the fastest in the segment which back then was dominated by the Aspire TDCi.

Happy to meet a fellow Aviation enthusiast and that too one of Russian warplanes!

You may want to check out this thread where some of us post our collection of model planes and their backgrounds:

Originally Posted by Foxbat

The Mikoyan MiG-31 (Russian: Микоян МиГ-31; NATO reporting name: Foxhound) is a supersonic interceptor aircraft developed for use by the Soviet Air Forces.

[VWAllstar]

Originally Posted by Attorviator

Foxhound drives on Yokohama S-drives 205/55/R15. Before this it was Bridgestone 175/70/R14 if I remember correctly which were an absolute let down. After the tyre upgrade, I've often felt that the fatter tyres have slightly killed the performance. However, it is much more planted than before

Mine drives on Yoko BluEarth 195/55/ R16 which gives a compliant ride. 205/55/R15 are the best for an Ameo/Polo.

Another point you highlighted was the yearly service cost. Why not go for the 2 year AMC which I bought it for 22K. It includes two annual services and two checkups with additional services for free (WA, WB, Interior Cleaning, Pick up & Drop etc) This saves a considerable amount and though not cheap by any means however closer to non German cars' service costs.
The recent grouse I have is the dipping FE. Will be taking it for 2nd Service tomorrow and shall highlight the same to the SA.

[Attorviator]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

Happy to meet a fellow Aviation enthusiast and that too one of Russian warplanes!

You may want to check out this thread where some of us post our collection of model planes and their backgrounds:

I'm equally thrilled to meet a Hyderabadi aviation enthusiast! I was born and brought up at Hyderabad and I lived there for 22 years including my college life. I moved to Delhi 3 years ago. I will plan a visit back home soon after the pandemic blows over. We should plan on meeting!
P.S. Your model of the MiG-31 is very detailed. Loved it.

Originally Posted by VWAllstar

Mine drives on Yoko BluEarth 195/55/ R16 which gives a compliant ride. 205/55/R15 are the best for an Ameo/Polo.

Another point you highlighted was the yearly service cost. Why not go for the 2 year AMC which I bought it for 22K. It includes two annual services and two checkups with additional services for free (WA, WB, Interior Cleaning, Pick up & Drop etc) This saves a considerable amount and though not cheap by any means however closer to non German cars' service costs.
The recent grouse I have is the dipping FE. Will be taking it for 2nd Service tomorrow and shall highlight the same to the SA.

My mind is at an ease now over my tyre choice. As regards the 2 year AMC, I honestly didn't know that this existed. I will enquire about this when I go down for my inspection service. 22k for two services is good value for money.
A dip down to 12-13 kmpl is unusual. Mine doesn't have a full MID so my calculation has always been manual on a full tank to full tank basis which mostly returned a constant 14-15 in the city and around 16-17 on highways.
It'll be interesting to see what the service center would have to say on this.

[t3ofil4us]

Wow! Its been a while since I saw such an interesting thread here about the Ameo!

I have a white Ameo trendline TDI which I got 3 years ago and the driving experience always leaves me with a smile! Yes, service costs are comparatively higher with the annual service schedule. The ugly boot kind of grew on me and I don't mind it too much .

The MID is something that I have been trying to find solutions around but it seems like something I have to live with now.

You have a beautiful color and your foxhound looks quite well maintained!

I get similar mileage in the city but on highways, being a little more disciplined gets me closer to 20kmpl

Theo

[Attorviator]

Today I upgraded the window glasses of my ride to the “UV-Cut glasses with Dark Green Tints”.

Sharing some images of the same.

Suri, these look breathtaking. Congrats!
I've been looking for these for a long time. Which service center and what was the cost?

Thanks!

[SuperSuri]

Originally Posted by Attorviator

Suri, these look breathtaking. Congrats!
I've been looking for these for a long time. Which service center and what was the cost?

Thanks!

Thanks Buddy,

I ordered the glasses at VW Noida workshop. It took 1 week to arrive. Went to them only to get it fixed. Also got the air filter and cabin filter replaced. Total cost including labour was 8k.

Must tell you that these glasses are too good in reducing the cabin temperature as well as the inconvenience caused due to the glaring sun rays while driving in the afternoon.

This is a MUST HAVE part. DM/PM me if you need the contact number of the store person I ordered with.

Sharing some images to explain.

[msd7]

Hello Everyone.

Need a small help and ideas from you all. I was looking to change tyres on my 2016 Ameo 1.2 Highline.
The car has run around 65000 Kms on the original JK Vectras. The tyres are fine but the tread depth is now running low. This car is predominantly used in the city now a days.

Now the main questions.
1.) Should I go for any tyre size upgrade, if yes then what?
2.) If no upsizing the which brand tyres should I consider?

[Rahul Bhalgat]

Originally Posted by msd7

Hello Everyone.

Need a small help and ideas from you all. I was looking to change tyres on my 2016 Ameo 1.2 Highline.
The car has run around 65000 Kms on the original JK Vectras. The tyres are fine but the tread depth is now running low. This car is predominantly used in the city now a days.

Now the main questions.
1.) Should I go for any tyre size upgrade, if yes then what?
2.) If no upsizing the which brand tyres should I consider?

Your JK Vectra has served you for long. This is a wear resistant tyre (treadwear rating of 480).

IMO, there is no need to upsize the tyres. Wider profile will give you better grip at the cost of more fuel. It will also give you better braking. But if the grip and braking are good enough, there is no need to upsize.

If you talk of ride quality, the change of tyres itself will show a noticeable improvement in the ride quality. Afterall your tyres are 5 year / 65,000 km old.

Though I was happy with stock JK Vectra on my SX4, many members had complaints with them. So you can go for MRF, Ceat, Ultramile, Michelin, Yokahama. Select as per your budget.

I also run 60to 70 thousand km in 5 years. After the stock JK Vectra I have used the following:

1. Ultramile UM551: Very cost effective, no complaints in 60,000 km of use.
2. Followed by Ceat Milaze. Because by this time, the cost advantage of Ultramile had reduced. Availability was also a problem at the time of purchase (imported tyre, pandemic). But had Ultramile been available, I would have purchased it and it would been still cheaper than Ceat Milaze by good Rs. 800 per tyre. Mine are 205/60 R16. Ceat Milaze costed Rs. 5250; reasonable cost. Good life expected. Inspected the tyre closely before buying and compared with other brands. This one seems to have sturdy sidewalls, thick rolling surface below the grooves. Robust.

[COMMUTER]

Our Ameo diesel has crossed 66k kms and is due for service. I didn't know about the poly V belt requiring change at the 60k service. I have decided to order it and get it changed by 75k service since I have failed to procure the part this time.

I have ordered part number 03L903137T from boodmo here. Link

Is it the right part?
Should I be ordering it with the pulley too?

[Attorviator]

Originally Posted by SuperSuri

Update:

Got the Paddle Shifter Steering Wheel installed today. Sharing some pics. I feel I would need to get the extensions for these. Any leads for the same will be appreciated.

Also, waiting for your response!

Attachment 2195124

Attachment 2195125

Attachment 2195126

Attachment 2195127

Firstly, let me say that I absolutely love Super Suri's new Ameo mod.

Coming to the point, I just wanted to post a major update on my Ameo experience.

Love.

I got completely screwed over by Google Maps. Midnight (around 11), Gmaps led me into a road which is not even meant for tractors.

That dark part is not concrete. Its mud.

I had to endure pure sludge and mud. The Ameo performed beyond my expectations. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would endure such roads in a FWD. I was sliding at places. I could not even reverse out (trust me, I tried) because of wheel spin.

Somehow (read God's grace), I managed to make it out with a midnight adventure of a lifetime.

What I really would like to highlight for the purposes of this thread are the serious Indian-road capabilities this car has. I was warned by multiple sources before I bought Foxhound about VW's low GC. I was really surprised today. I even saw a Brezza back out (I had no other choice).

I firmly believe that I owe it all to the 250 NM of torque and Yoko S-drive 205/55/R15s.

As always, here's an epilogue.

[COMMUTER]

Originally Posted by msd7

Hello Everyone.

Need a small help and ideas from you all. I was looking to change tyres on my 2016 Ameo 1.2 Highline.
The car has run around 65000 Kms on the original JK Vectras. The tyres are fine but the tread depth is now running low. This car is predominantly used in the city now a days.

Now the main questions.
1.) Should I go for any tyre size upgrade, if yes then what?
2.) If no upsizing the which brand tyres should I consider?

Our Ameo Trendline is running on 205/60 R14. It had crossed 67k kms recently. You can try 195/60 R15 since it is 2.1% larger than 185/60 R15(if this is the stock size).