Volkswagen has launched the Vento in India, which is the sedan version of the current generation Polo. Billed as an “entry level premium sedan” the Vento is certainly priced quite “premium” from Rs 6.99 lakhs. For perspective, one can buy a base Maruti Swift for just over Rs 4 lakhs (ex showroom Delhi). The Vento range tops out at Rs 9.24 lakhs for the 1.6L TDI Highline.
The Vento is built at VW’s Chakan plant in Pune, which has an an annual capacity of 110,000 cars. There are two engines available – a 1.6-litre petrol with 104 bhp/153 Nm and a 1.6 TDI, also with 104 bhp but with 250 Nm of torque. The petrol unit can be paired to a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed auto with Tiptronic, while the diesel can only be had with the manual ‘box.
No TSI/DSG combo for India, but both powertrains are well proven units that should be very robust. Remember the cute VW Cross Polo that was sold here? That’s the same engine and gearbox VW is using for the Indian Vento. VW quotes 15.83 km/l and 14.4 km/l for the petrol manual and auto respectively, while the TDI is capable of 20.54 km/l. As with all new cars in India, the engines are Bharat Stage IV (their version of Euro 4) compliant.
Two trim levels are available – Trendline and Highline. Trendline is very basic and can be recognised by its non-body coloured door handles and only two solid colour options – white and red. Highline gets goodies like ABS, dual airbags, front passenger seat that can be adjusted from the rear, CD/MP3 stereo with 4 speakers, electric wing mirrors, Climatronic with rear AC vents and remote control central locking. The Vento’s steering is reach and rake adjustable, which is nice.
For more details on the Vento/Polo sedan, click here. More hi-res images after the jump.
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