Volkswagen Vento 1.5 TDI Highline AT BSIV

Vento 1.5 TDI Highline AT BSIV Review

The automatic version of the 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine of the Volkswagen Vento is available in three trim levels: Comfortline, Highline and Highline Plus. The Vento 1.5 TDI Highline DSG was the range-topping variant in its lineup until the automaker recently added the Highline Plus, equipped more or less similarly to the former. The Vento 1.5 TDI Highline DSG automatic is priced at Rs 12.72 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi, as of May 5, 2017).

In terms of features, the 1.5 TDI Highline automatic trim is decently loaded save for a few snazzier ones exclusive to the top-spec Highline Plus grade. It comes with a 5-inch infotainment system with a capacitive touchscreen. Besides Bluetooth phone integration and other connectivity options, the unit comes with MirrorLink support as well (mirrors select apps onto the touchscreen system). It carries forward the features of the Comfortline trim, and further adds leatherette upholstery, a multi-functional flat-bottom steering wheel, automatic wipers and front passenger seat adjustment from the rear to liberate more space. Also offered are electrically-foldable rearview mirrors and an auto-dimming inside rearview mirror among others.

As far as safety is concerned, all variants of the Volkswagen Vento, including the 1.5 TDI Highline DSG, come with dual-front airbags (driver and front passenger) along with ABS (anti-lock braking system). Like the Comfortline DSG variant, the 1.5 TDI Highline DSG also has ESP (electronic stability program) and hill-hold control (which prevents the car from rolling backwards on an incline). It rides on 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/60 cross-section tyres.

The uprated 1.5-litre diesel engine was added to its range in November 2016, post its debut in the Volkswagen Ameo. The engine is now rated at 110PS (5PS more compared to its previous tune). Its maximum torque output remains the same at 250Nm. The automatic variants of the Vento, including the 1.5 TDI Highline DSG, are mated to a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch) automatic gearbox, similar to its petrol counterparts. The ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of the Volkswagen Vento 1.5 TDI Highline DSG automatic is 22.15kmpl, which is only 0.12kmpl less than its respective manual variant.

The Volkswagen Vento 1.5 TDI Highline DSG goes up against its alter ego, the Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI CR Style AT and the Hyundai Verna 1.6L CRDi SX (O) AT.