Vento 2013-2015 1.5 TDI Highline AT Review
It seems like Volkswagen India is in no mood to stay behind in this festive season as it has officially launched the refurbished version of its premium sedan, Vento. The updates are mostly regarding its technical specifications and interiors. Currently, it is available in both petrol and diesel engine options for the buyers to choose from. However, its diesel variants are now equipped with a new 1.5-litre TDI engine, which will replace the previous 1.6-litre power plant. This mill is mated with an advanced 7-speed DSG automatic transmission gearbox. The car maker claims that the vehicle can generate a maximum mileage of about 21.6 Kmpl, which is impressive. This sedan received minor updates in terms of its interiors with a new flat-bottomed steering wheel and high-gloss black package. Its interiors are quite plush as the car maker has used high quality scratch-resistance plastic. At present, the automaker is offering this sedan in several trim levels among which, Volkswagen Vento 1.5 TDI Highline AT is their top end diesel variant. This trim has some of the finest features including an electronic power steering system, a stylish instrument cluster, an automatic air conditioning unit and lots more. It is also loaded with sophisticated safety aspects like dual front airbags, engine immobilizer, ABS and other such features.
Exteriors:
This refurbished sedan looks identical to its earlier version as it gets some minor cosmetic updates. Its front facade has a black finished headlight cluster, which is incorporated with powerful halogen lamps and turn indicators. It surrounds a chrome radiator grille, which is embedded with a prominent insignia of the company. Just below this grille, there is a body colored bumper, which is designed with a wide air dam and fog lights. The wheel arches on the side profile are neatly carved and have been fitted with a set of newly designed 15-inch 'Spokane' alloy wheels, which are further covered with tubeless radial tyres. The window sill are garnished in black, while the ORVMs and door handles have been painted in body color. Its rear body colored bumper is fitted with an exhaust pipe. Its boot boot lid is quite expressive and is decorated with company's logo along with chrome inserts. The taillight cluster received a minor tweak with improve lighting pattern, which adds to its elegance. This sedan has a total length of 4384mm, width of 1699mm and a height of 1466mm, which is rather decent. Its total wheelbase is 2552mm, whereas its ground clearance is pretty generous with 165mm.
Interiors:
This Volkswagen Vento 1.5 TDI Highline AT trim has a plush interior cabin, which is spacious and can host seating for at least five passengers. The automaker has used high quality scratch-resistance plastic material, which gives it an up-market look. The seats are quite comfortable featuring head rests and are covered with leatherette seating upholstery. The dashboard has a dual tone look and is fitted with some of the sophisticated equipments like a music system , AC unit and ergonomically positioned switches. Its central console gets a minor tweak and is now done up with brushed aluminum inserts. The three spoke steering wheel gets a flat-bottomed design and is covered with leather upholstery. It is further decorated with high-gloss black inserts along with company's insignia. There are a few utility based features incorporated inside like trunk illumination, ashtray, drink holders, front center armrest, accessory power socket, 3-grab handles, dual front sun visors with vanity mirror and storage compartment.
Engine and Performance:
Under the hood, this particular variant is powered by a new 1.5-litre diesel engine that can displace 1498cc . This power plant is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. It is skilfully coupled with a five speed manual transmission gearbox that distributes the engine power to its front wheels. It allows the sedan to attain a top speed of about 186 Kmph and it can accelerate from 0-100 Kmph in close to 11.2 seconds. It can unleash a maximum power of about 103.5bhp at 4400rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 250Nm between 1500 to 2500rpm. It is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which helps in churning out a maximum mileage of 21.21 Kmpl.
Braking and Handling:
Its front wheels are fitted with a set of disc brakes and the rear ones get drum brakes. This braking mechanism is further assisted by ABS along with hill hold control (HHC). In addition to these, the manufacturer has also given electronic stabilization program (ESP). Its front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut and stabilizer bar, while the rear axle is fitted with a semi independent trailing arm type of mechanism. This variant is incorporated with an electric power assisted steering system, which is speed sensitive and makes handling effortless even in peak traffic conditions. It has tilt adjustment function and supports a minimum turning radius of 5.4 meters.
Comfort Features:
The variant is being offered with a wide range of comfort features that gives the occupants a pleasurable driving experience. It has an automatic climatronic an air conditioning unit, which also has rear AC vents along with dust and pollen filter. The advanced 2-DIN music system comes with voice command technology. It is equipped with CD/MP3 player, radio with AM/FM tuner, USB interface, Aux-in port, SD card slot and four speakers . It has cruise control, which maintains a steady speed as set by the driver. The multi-functional steering wheel is mounted with audio, call and cruise control switches for convenience of the driver. This variant gets all four power windows with comfort operation and it also has auto up and down function. Apart from these, the company has bestowed it with rear parking sensors, space-max seat adjustment, gear shift indicator, height adjustable driver's seat, vanity mirror in left side sun blind and many other aspects.
Safety Features:
For stress free driving experience the company has incorporated this Volkswagen Vento 1.5 TDI Highline AT trim with quite a few innovative protective aspects. It has an advanced engine immobilizer with floating code that safeguards the vehicle from theft and unauthorized entry. It is integrated with pinch guard safety for all four power windows, airbags for driver and front co-passenger that enhance the safety in case of any collision. Apart from these, some other standard safety aspects include rear fog lamps, a centrally located high mounted stop lamp, day and night internal rear view mirror, height adjustable head restraints and 3-point seat belts for all passengers.
Pros:
1. Trendy body design adds to its advantage.
2. Spacious internal cabin with impressive comfort features.
Cons:
1. Initial cost of ownership is quite high.
2. Engine noise and vibration can be reduced.
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