Volkswagen Vento 1.6 Comfortline BSIV

Overview:

Volkswagen is going through one of the worst phases and has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. But that hasn't stopped the manufacturer to come up with updated models as a result Volkswagen India has launched the face lifted version of its sedan car, Vento. Available in only some markets this is a stretched version of its popular hatchback, Polo. Since its inception in India, it has been one of the top players on road. Honda City and Hyundai Verna are said to be the top contenders against this trim in the market. Let's see whether this trim has got enough potential in its arsenal to take combat the competition and come out as a winner.

Pros:

1. Decent interior space, more leg room and 500 liter boot space are appreciable.
2. Attractive exterior design.

Cons:

1. Touchscreen infotainment should have been included.

Stand Out Features:

1. Massive 1.6L petrol engine under the hood is really exciting.
2. Safety standards available for this trim are very impressive.

Overview:

Vento was introduced in India in the year 2010. It has performed decently in terms of sales as it has been getting periodic updates. And now Volkswagen has come up with the second facelift in the last seven months for this trim. On road, the car is available in three variants, trendline, comfortline and highline in both diesel and petrol variants. Vento 1.6 Comfortline is a petrol variant running on MPFI technology. Under the hood, the revised edition did not get any new updates. Exteriors also remain the same. Interiors are refreshed to enrich the user convenience. Storage compartments for the trim are complemented. 500 liter boot space is appreciable which comes along with pockets on doors, bottle holders and other compartments. Steering system, suspension all remains untouched.

Exterior:

In the latest update, this trim has got the same old aerodynamic body. You cannot spot any major changes on the outside. On the front, it has got bonnet with expressive lines. Attached is a dual beam headlight cluster that delivers magnificent looks to the front. It is integrated with high intensity halogen head lamps with black finish. In the center, we have striking radiator grille affixed with chrome inserts and company logo on it. At the bottom, body colored bumpers with air intake structure adds to the whole character. The image is carried out on to the perfectly balanced side profile. B-pillar design, lines covering the whole length and body colored mirrors door handles deliver an everlasting impression. Nicely trimmed wheel arches are fixed with a set of 15" steel wheels that are covered under full wheel covers. Fitted to these rims are tyres with 180/60R15 size. Lengthy rear has got decent stance. Body colored bumpers with a pair of reflectors, 3D tail lights and highly mounted stop lamps all are very modest. Tinted glass for wind screen and mirrors not only add to the machine looks but also, helps to protect the passengers from heat.

Interior:

Vento comes with a black theme which appears quite eye soothing. It incorporates scratch resistant plastic interiors. Center console comes with aluminum finish which gives a plush look to the interior section. Neatly designed dashboard is attached with a number of elements like illuminated instrument panel, glove box, AC vents and other aspects. Accessible is a speed sensitive electronic power steering with flat-bottom. Dead pedal and height adjustable seat does enhance driver convenience. The trim is blessed with a lot of comfort raising elements like climatronic automatic AC with rear vents, ticket holder vanity mirror in sunvisors, cooled glove box, rear defogger and storage compartments. For entertainment purpose, incorporated is a CD/ MP3 player with SD card input. It comes along with Bluetooth connectivity and I-POD connectivity. MFD (Multi-function Display) enables to view traveling time, speed limit warning and other such features.

Performance:

Machine draws power from a 1.6L MPI petrol engine that works on multi point fuel injection technology. The valve train is composed of 4 cylinders and 16 valves that employs dual over head camshaft valve configuration. The energetic engine with 1598cc displacement capacity can churn out 77bhp of power at 5250rpm with a combination of 153Nm torque between 1500-4100rpm. Paired to a 5 speed manual gearbox, it runs on front wheel drive transmission. The machine can attain 0-100 kmph feat in 12.3 seconds and reaches top speed of 185 kmph. Manufacturer claims that the machine retuns 16.09 kmpl mileage with reduced emissions and also complies with BS IV emission norms.

Ride Handling:

Volkswagen builds its vehicles to offer top rated ride and handling experience. Even driving conditions are drawn from McPherson strut suspension with stabilizer bar on front axle and semi independent trailing arm type of suspension on the rear axle. Rack pinion type power steering is incorporated with tilt telescopic ability to hand over smooth handling. It has a turning radius of 5.4 meters. At the base, we can find the 15" tubeless radial tyres which are dressed with ventilated disc and drum brakes at front and rear wheels respectively. ABS (Antilock Braking System) is linked up to boost the braking mechanism.

Safety:

You will always feel protected inside this machine. Dual front airbags have been attached for driver and passenger safety. ABS and front disc brakes complement the braking mechanism by enabling short stopping distances and easy control. Front and rear height adjustable head restraints, 3-point seat belts and others ensure high level of safety for passengers in the car. Power windows with pinch guard function on all doors, interior rear view mirror with day/ night function and high mounted stop lamps are some of the features which are present in its depot. Manufacturer has incorporated an electronic engine immobilizer with floating code to protect the machine from theft.

Verdict:

1.6L Petrol engine in this machine delivers exceptional performance and surely makes the ride thrilling. Improved safety standards, luxurious interiors and dynamic exteriors blend perfectly. It offers top rated handling with speed sensitive power steering system. If you want a vehicle which is powerful with great exteriors and plush interiors then this is the variant to choose.