Earlier this month we told you about Volkswagen’s plans to put the Polo GT TDI’s new 1.5-litre diesel engine in the Vento and that the company might also bring its fantastic 7-speed DSG gearbox to the mix. VW India has done just that and the car was launched today with the new engine and with both the five-speed manual and DSG automatic gearboxes to choose from.
Moreover, while the ‘normal’ Polo with the same engine is good for 90 PS and 230 Nm torque, both the Vento TDI variants get the new engine in its ‘Polo GT TDI state of tune’ – 105 PS and 250 Nm. Plus, the diesel hatch makes do with a five-speed manual gearbox only whereas the diesel sedan gets the DSG. Of course, VW already sells the Polo GT TSI and Vento TSI petrols with the DSG gearbox.
Anyway, the 1.6-litre diesel in the Vento range has been done away with but the other engines, 1.2 and 1.6 petrols, continue in their previous avatars with no changes whatsoever. Still, all variants get cosmetic and other changes including two new colours – Toffee Brown and Night Blue.
This facelift gets the Vento dual front airbags on all variants (VW India deserves a pat on its back for this), upgraded instrument panel, new flat-bottomed three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, and illuminated footwell. On the outside, it gets new alloy wheels, dual-beam headlamps, body-coloured mirrors and door handles.
2014 Volkswagen Vento facelift prices:
Vento 1.6 petrol – INR 7.44–8.87 lakh
Vento 1.5 TDI (New) manual – INR 8.57–9.90 lakh
Vento 1.2 TSI DSG – INR 9.36–9.92 lakh
Vento 1.5 TDI (New) DSG – INR 10.49–10.94 lakh
The manuals are available in three trim levels, Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline, whereas the automatics skip the Trendline variants and can only be had in Comfortline and Highline trims.
Even then, the top-end diesel Vento, with the DSG gearbox, is cheaper than both the top-end models of the Honda City and Hyundai Verna, whereas the diesel Honda does not even come with an auto ‘box. Also, even the Vento petrol automatic is cheaper than the City petrol automatic. Now, VW India needs to go all gung-ho with its marketing for the new Vento as it finally has something for everyone, thanks to the fantastic new engine/gearbox combos on offer.
**All prices are ex-showroom, Mumbai**
Related: 2014 Ford Fiesta vs Honda City vs Hyundai Verna: Spec Comparo
