VW shows Chinese ‘Neeza’ Concept

Volkswagen had the foresight to get into the China market in the 80s, and at this year’s Shanghai motorshow, it launched the Neeza concept car, a crossover vehicle that has been designed and built specially for the China market. Although it looks like a 4x4, it is only front-wheel driven. Looking like a Passat wagon with a raised suspension, the Neeza has a spacious cabin that has front seats that can be rotated to face the rear ones. The rear doors are rear hinged (like those of the Mazda RX-8) for easier access, and there is a panoramic glass roof for a brighter interior. There is also a ‘magic box’ that provides a central interface for the radio, sat-nav, built-in phone and personal organiser. The name Neeza is derived from ‘Ner-zha’, the mythical child-warrior that fought with spears and ringed weapons, and overthrew tyrant kings and evil spirits. If the concept proves popular, the Neeza could be the first in a new series of Asian VWs, designed and built exclusively for the Asian markets.