Vento 2013-2015 1.5 TDI Comfortline AT Review
Volkswagen India has launched the facelifted version of its premium sedan Vento in the country with a few exterior and interior updates. It is being sold in both petrol and diesel engine options for the buyers to choose from. It will compete against the likes of Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Skoda Rapid, Ford Fiesta, Maruti Ciaz and others in this segment. Among several trim levels, this Volkswagen Vento 1.5 TDI Comfortline AT is the mid range variant. The company has powered it with a new 1.5-litre diesel power plant that can produce a displacement capacity of about 1498cc. It has the ability to generate about a maximum power output of 103.5bhp in combination with 250Nm of peak torque output. The braking and suspension mechanism are quite proficient, which helps in keeping the vehicle well balanced at all times. This is one of the most stylish sedan in the country's car market with an eye-catching body design. The company has modified its exteriors and designed it with a revamped radiator grille, body colored bumper and refreshed headlight cluster with high intensity halogen lamps. Whereas, the rear also gets a modified bumper and tail light cluster. At the same time, the internal cabin is quite spacious and it is made of scratch resistance plastic. The interiors gets a few changes like a flat bottom three spoke steering wheel with piano black finish and silver accentuated center console.
Exteriors:
To begin with the frontage, it is designed with a bold radiator grille, which is fitted with a couple of chrome plated slats. This grille is flanked by a neatly crafted headlight cluster, which is incorporated with halogen lamps. Then, there is a body colored bumper with a wide air dam, which has a pair of round shaped fog lamps. Its large windscreen is made of green tinted glass, which is integrated with a couple of intermittent wipers. The flared up wheel arches are fitted with a sturdy set of 15 inch steel wheels, which are equipped full wheel covers. These rims are covered with 185/60 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres . It also has a full size spare wheel affixed in the boot compartment. Its door handles and ORVMs are painted in body color, while the window sill is in black. The external rear view mirrors are electrically adjustable and integrated with a side turn blinker. Its rear profile is designed with stylish tail light cluster, body colored bumper with a pair of reflectors and an expressive boot lid, which is embossed with variant badging. The windscreen is integrated with a defogger and is accompanied by a high mounted stop lamp as well. Currently, the company is selling this sedan in several exterior paint options, which include Toffee Brown, Candy White, Deep Black Pearl, Reflex Silver, Night Blue and Terra Beige.
Interiors:
The dual tone internal cabin of this Volkswagen Vento 1.5 TDI Comfortline AT is quite spacious and is made of high quality scratch-resistant material. Its new 3-spoke steering wheel and silver accentuated center console gives it a classy look. The seats are well cushioned and covered with superior Livon fabric upholstery . These seats are integrated with adjustable head restraints. The rear seat comes with foldable function, which helps in increasing the boot volume. Its dashboard is equipped with a number of equipments like an illuminated instrument panel, a large glove box along with sun glass holder and AC vents. The company has given this trim a lot of utility based aspects, which includes center console with cup holders, rear doors with storage compartment, front center armrest featuring cup holders for rear passengers, rear center armrest and three grab handles along with foldable coat hooks. Its tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel is quite responsive and makes handling convenient even in peak traffic conditions.
Engine and Performance:
The manufacturer has powered this variant with a new 1.5-litre, TDI engine that is capable of displacing 1498cc . It is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration. This mill has four cylinders, 16 valves and is integrated with a common rail direct injection system. It is skillfully paired with an advanced 7-speed DSG automatic transmission gear box. It helps in generating a maximum mileage of 21.21 Kmpl, when driven on bigger roads. This motor has the ability to produce a peak power of 103.5bhp at 4400rpm and yields a maximum torque output of 250Nm in the range of 1500 to 2500rpm.
Braking and Handling:
The braking system is quite efficient with disc brakes fitted to its front wheels and drum brakes are used for the rear ones. It is further assisted by an anti-lock braking system that further boosts this mechanism. On the other hand, its front axle is affixed with a McPherson strut and stabilizer bar, while the rear one is assembled with a semi independent trailing arm. This sedan is blessed with an electronic power assisted steering system that supports a minimum turning radius of 5.4 meters and enables convenient handling.
Comfort Features:
This mid range trim has various comfort aspects like remote opening of boot lid, rear defogger, front sun visors with vanity mirror as well as ticket holder, lane change indicator, electric trunk opening as well as remote opening and closing of windows. It is bestowed with a multi function display that has traveling time, average speed, outside temperature, speed limit warning, fuel efficiency, distance till empty, clock and digital speed display. The external rear view mirrors are electrically adjustable, while it has one touch operation for power windows. The comfortable driver's seat has height adjustment facility, while the front and rear seats have center armrest, which adds to the comfort levels. There is a speed sensing electronic power steering with tilt and telescopic adjustment function. This trim includes an advanced air conditioning unit with dust and pollen filter along with rear air vents. The audio unit includes a CD/MP3 player, USB port, AUX-In, SD card input and has four speakers as well.
Safety Features:
This stylish Volkswagen Vento 1.5 TDI Comfortline AT trim is packed with a lot of safety aspects. The list includes three point front and rear seat belts along with lap belt in the middle, high mounted third brake light, Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), hill hold control as well as day and night internal rear view mirror. The front and rear seats have height adjustable headrests, while all its power windows have pinch guard safety feature. It has anti-lock braking system that prevents skidding of vehicle in the event of sudden braking. There are airbags for driver and co-passenger, which avoids injuries in case of collision. Its electronic engine immobilizer device with floating code functions by avoiding the chances of any unauthorized access and protects it from theft. In addition to these, it has robust front disc brakes, central locking system , rear parking sensors as well as fog lamps that adds to the safety quotient.
Pros:
1. Several comfort features are available.
2. Highly responsive power steering.
Cons:
1. Price tag can be slightly more competitive.
2. Engine NVH levels can be reduced.
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