Volkswagen Vento 2013-2015 Konekt Diesel Highline

Vento 2013-2015 Konekt Diesel Highline Review

VIPL (Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd.) is a popular automaker known for offering stylish vehicles in the Indian car market. It has now launched the limited edition variant of its successful sedan, Vento, which is available in diesel and petrol versions. It is available in a few trim levels among which, Volkswagen Vento Konekt Diesel Highline is a top end variant in its model lineup. The company offers it with a Konekt package that includes a Blaupunkt infotainment system along with Bluetooth enabled telephony and GPS navigation system. It comes with a high resolution 7-inch TFT touchscreen color display and includes the latest Igo-Navtech maps for navigation. This infotainment system supports USB connectivity and compatible with iPod as well as iPhone devices. In addition to this, it has a rear seat entertainment system that gets an Android powered Bluetooth enabled 8-inch Blaupunkt tablet with 3G compatibility, twin SIM functionality and Wi-Fi capability. This exclusive package further includes Konekt badging on the boot, scuff plates and leatherette seat covers. This trim is powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine that is paired with a five speed manual transmission gear box. It is blessed with a number of safety aspects like ABS,engine immobilizer and many other features, which ensures protection of its occupants. This vehicle is offered with a standard warranty of two years or unlimited Kms, whichever is earlier. This period can be further extended to one year or 80,000 Kms at an additional cost.

Exteriors:

The car maker has designed it with an overall length of 4384mm, width of 1699mm and has a total height of 1466mm. It has a large wheelbase of 2552mm which indicates a spacious cabin inside and has a minimum ground clearance of 168mm. This sedan comes with a galvanized body structure that has 6-year anti-perforation warranty. Its external appearance is simply outstanding and equipped with many remarkable aspects. To begin with the front facade, it has a trendy looking headlight cluster with black finishing and is integrated with powerful halogen headlamps. The wide windscreen is made of heat insulated glass and equipped with a couple of intermittent wipers. The bold radiator grille has chrome finishing and is engraved with an insignia of the company in its center. The body colored bumper is fitted with an air dam and a couple of fog lamps that have chrome finish. Coming to the side profile, it has neatly carved wheel arches fitted with a set of alloy wheels. There are also door handles and outside rear view mirrors available, which further adds to its appearance. Its rear end looks decent and has aspects like a boot lid with Konekt badge, body colored bumper, windshield with defogger, a radiant tail light cluster and a set of fog lamps.

Interiors:

This trim is bestowed with a roomy cabin that comes with high quality scratch resistant plastic material. There are well cushioned seats incorporated which are covered with premium leatherette upholstery. The neatly designed dashboard houses an instrument cluster, leather wrapped steering wheel, glove box and a center console. The important functions on the instrument panel include a tachometer, odometer and a speedometer along with a few other notifications. It is installed with a climatronic automatic air conditioning unit that comes along with dust and pollen filter. There are a number of storage spaces available like cup holders in center console, sun glass holder inside glove box and rear doors with storage compartments. The gear shift knob as well as the handbrake lever handle are wrapped with leather. Other aspects in the cabin include three grab handles, coat hooks, 12V power outlet for charging electronic devices, front seat center armrest, height adjustable driver's seat.

Engine and Performance:

This Volkswagen Vento Konekt Diesel Highline variant is powered by a 1.6-litre diesel power plant that has the displacement capacity of 1598cc. This mill churns out the maximum power of 103.6bhp at 4400rpm and yields a peak torque output of 250Nm in the range of 1500 and 2500rpm. It carries four cylinders, sixteen valves and is based on a dual overhead camshaft valve configuration. This motor is skillfully paired with a five speed manual transmission gear box that improves the engine's performance. It is integrated with a common rail direct injection system that helps in returning a mileage of 20.54 Kmpl, which is quite good. This vehicle is capable of attaining a top speed of 186 Kmph which is impressive.

Braking and Handling:

It comes with an efficient braking system wherein, its front wheels are fitted with a set of disc brakes and the rear ones get drum brakes. It is further assisted by anti lock braking system, which improves this mechanism. In terms of suspension, the front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut and stabilizer bar, while the rear one is fitted with a semi independent trailing arm. On the other hand, the manufacturer has incorporated it with an electric power assisted steering system that has tilt adjustment function. It supports a minimum turning radius of 5.4 meters and results in convenient handling.

Comfort Features:

This top end Volkswagen Vento Konekt Diesel Highline variant is bestowed with a number of comfort aspects that gives an enjoyable driving experience to its occupants. The multi functional display is equipped with several functions like outside temperature display, average speed, fuel efficiency, speed limit warning, traveling time and digital speed display as well. It has a 2-DIN RCD 220 music system that supports USB connectivity, Aux-in, SD card slot, Bluetooth connectivity and has four speakers as well. In addition to these, there are front and rear power windows, electrically adjustable ORVMs, remote control central locking, multi functional steering wheel, lane change indicator, ticket holder and remote opening of boot lid.

Safety Features:

The automaker has loaded it with a number of safety aspects that ensures protection of its passengers and the vehicle as well. The list includes three point seat belts, high mount third brake light, pinch guard function for power windows, anti lock braking system, height adjustable head rests and an electronic engine immobilizer with floating code.

Pros:

1. Interior design is quite impressive.

2. Availability of ample leg room to its occupants.

Cons:

1. Ground clearance is rather low.

2. Engine noise and vibration can reduce.