Volkswagen Vento 1.5 TDI Trendline BSIV

Introduction

Volkswagen Vento is one among the various vehicles that has been launched with some additions before the 2016 Auto Expo. The company has added it with many interesting elements like the rain sensing wipers, advanced infotainment system and so on. But, these are limited only to the top spec range. However, all its other variants including the Volkswagen Vento 1.5 TDI Trendline, carry some interesting aspects that make it a good buy in this range. Let us delve into its the details and get to know more about this particular model, which is in rivalry with Maruti Ciaz, Hyundai Verna and Honda City.

Pros

• Speed sensitive electronic power steering enables easier turns and handling in all conditions.
• Good performance by its diesel engine, which also returns a healthy mileage.

Cons

• None of the latest attributes are present in this trim.
• It has no ABS and music system, which are indeed its major setbacks.

Stand Out Features

• Airbags for driver and front passenger does add to the security quotient.
• Elegantly designed interiors that leaves you with a pleasant driving experience.

Overview

The craze for Vento is still intact even after it's been many years since it first entered the Indian market. Its external appearance is eye catching with a stunning body line and creases that flow flawlessly. What's noticeable on the outside is the wide chrome treated radiator grille, 3D effect tail lamps and door mirrors with turn indicators, which altogether gives it a stunning appeal. Even its interiors look upmarket with high quality scratch resistant plastic materials, and advanced attributes like the monochrome multi functional display, tilt steering and an air conditioner as well. Powering this machine is a 1.5-litre, diesel motor that makes a peak power of 103.5bhp in combination with torque output of 250Nm. It gets a five speed manual transmission gear box that helps in better acceleration and pickup. This model is good on the safety front too, which is packed with features like height adjustable head restraints, dual front airbags, and electronic engine immobilizer to name a few.

Exterior

This model series is rather good in terms of dimensions, which are generous and gives better space inside as well. As for the design and appearance, every bit of Vento is intriguing, be it the smartly sculpted boot lid in the rear or the large glowing lamp cluster at front. The front fascia in specific, is specially highlighted by the chrome garnished radiator grille with VM logo, which sits exactly at its center. The hood is plain although, the sharper lines adds style to it. A large headlight cluster surrounding the grille is another key highlight in its frontage. This one, comes with bright halogen headlamps that gets black finishing as well. Then, it has a sharp-lipped bumper with a wide air intake section and a couple of fog lamps on its either sides. On the sides, it is the visible character lines that turns this profile from simple to stylish. These lines start from the from headlamps, stretch along with its length and continues till the rear lamps. Fitted to its neatly carved wheel arches are a set of 14-inch steel wheels that have attractive wheel covers as well. Adorning these rims are radial tubeless tyres that are of size 175/70 R14. In the rear, it has the expressive boot lid with prominent company's insignia embossed on it. The windscreeen is wide is size that provides a clear view of the vehicles behind. Meanwhile, the tail lamps are the eye catching elements here, which come integrated with 3D effect lamps and turn indicators.

Interior

Decent space and sophisticated features are what you can notice once you step inside the cabin. A dual tone color scheme used on all the panels leaves you with a pleasant feel. The cockpit is not as modernistic as other sedans in this segment, yet it manages to gain attention with the set up it carries. The design of its dashboard is indeed decent but the equipments on it like the power steering wheel and a mutli function display, gives it a contemporary touch-up. For added convenience, you have an air conditioning unit with dust and pollen filter. Also, a few storage spaces are available like bottle holders in front doors, sunglass holder inside glove box and rear doors with storage compartments. Seats provide enhanced comfort throughout the journey, while the height adjustment facility to driver's seat is an added benefit. For storing luggage, you have boot space of around 494 litres, which is good enough indeed. Aside from these, it also has a ticket holder, front and rear power windows, vanity mirror on the left side and a 12V power outlet.

Performance

Diesel

Under the bonnet, it has a 1.5-litre diesel engine that comes with 1498cc displacement capacity. This is a four cylinder motor, which is paired with a five speed manual transmission gear box. It delivers power of about 103.5bhp at 4400rpm and yields torque output of 250Nm between 1500 to 2500rpm. Fuel economy is rather good with a maximum of around 20.64 Kmpl on the highways. On the other hand, it attains a top speed of about 180 Kmph and takes nearly 11.07 seconds to cross the 100 Kmph speed mark.

Ride Handling

The Volkswagen Vento 1.5 TDI Trendline does leave you impressed on the handling front. It comes with efficient suspension set up that can take on any road conditions, no matter how bad they are. On the front axle, it features a McPherson strut and a semi-independent trailing arm is assembled on the rear one. Even the braking system is reliable with ventilated discs and drum brakes fitted to its front and rear wheels respectively.

Safety

Security standards are pretty good in this lineup, which makes driving safe and hassle free. In this trim, there are airbags offered for both driver and co-passenger, while three point seat belts are available for all passengers. Besides these, aspects like electronic engine immobilizer with floating code, high mount stop lamp, and central locking system are also on the offer.

Verdict

The absence of music system certainly causes disappointment and even, the simple external appearance may not appeal to everyone. However, some of the aspects like the handling characteristics, engine performance and comfort levels, everything is rather good for a sedan of this range.