Vento 2013-2015 Magnific 1.6 Highline Review
Volkswagen India, the fully owned subsidiary of the German automobile company has today silently rolled out the limited edition version of its popular sedan, Vento in the country. This version is available in the mid and top end variant platforms. Among those, Volkswagen Vento Magnific 1.6 Highline is the high end petrol variant and is blessed with a few additional set of features. It includes the advanced Blaupunkt infotainment system featuring a high resolution display along with rear seat entertainment package with an android tablet. Apart from this, all the other features of this trim remains exactly the same as those in the existing Highline variant. Powering this latest variant is the same 1.6-litre petrol engine that is mated to a five speed manual transmission gearbox. In terms of exteriors, this vehicle gets the same design without any update to any of its features. At the same time, its interiors too remains to be the same with dual tone color scheme and piano black accents on its steering wheel. On the other hand, its safety features too have been retained including airbags, anti lock braking system and an engine immobilizer with floating code. Like any other Volkswagen vehicle, this sedan too comes with a standard warranty of 2-years without any restraint to its kilometers.
Exteriors:
The external appearance of Volkswagen Vento Magnific 1.6 Highline trim looks the same as its existing high end trim, since the updates are given only to the features. It has the same black tinted headlight cluster with dual barrel design that houses powerful headlamps and turn indicators. In the center there is a sleek radiator grille featuring a pair of chrome strips along with the company's badge. The front bumper is in body color and is fitted with a black colored air dam along with a pair of round shaped fog lamps. Its side profile looks quite stylish with well carved fenders and expressive window frames. The company has fitted its wheel arches with sturdy set of alloy wheels that are further embedded with company's logo. Its window frames along with B pillars are garnished in black, while its door handles and ORVMs are painted in body color. Its rear facet too remains to be the same with plain bumper and expressive tailgate. Its also has radiant taillight cluster that has attractive brake light pattern. The manufacturer has built this sedan with an overall length of 4384mm along with a total width of 1699mm and with a decent height of 1466mm. This vehicle also has a minimum ground clearance of just 168mm and a wheelbase of 2552mm, which is quite long.
Interiors:
The internal cabin too remains to be the same as its earlier version with same color scheme. At the same time, its central console along with steering wheel gets piano black accents along with chrome inserts, which amplifies the interiors. There is an ample leg and shoulder space available inside the cabin along with decent boot volume. This vehicle also has 'Space Max' feature, which is helpful to increase the rear cabin leg space by adjusting the front seat. While the boot volume can be increased further, as its rear bench seat has 60:40 split folding facility. There are quite a few storage spaces provided inside the cabin like a large glove box, storage pockets and drink holders. At the same time, it is also provided with a few utility aspects like dual front sun visors, accessory power sockets and an inside rear view mirror.
Engine and Performance:
The manufacturer has fitted this variant with a powerful 1.6-litre engine that is integrated with a multi-point fuel injection technology. It has a total of 4-cylinders based on a DOHC valve configuration, which displaces 1598cc. This power plant can develop a maximum power of 103.6bhp at 5250rpm that results in a pounding torque output of 153Nm at just 3800rpm. Its transmission duties are handled by the advanced five speed manual gearbox that releases the torque output to its front wheels. This petrol motor helps the vehicle to give away a minimum mileage of 12 Kmpl on city roads, which goes up to a maximum of 15.04 Kmpl on highways. On the other hand, it accelerates from 0 to 100 Kmph mark in 12.3 seconds and can go upto a top speed of 185 Kmph.
Braking and Handling:
The automaker has bestowed this vehicle with a superior suspension mechanism by fitting its front axle with McPherson Strut, while pairing its rear one with semi-independent trailing arm system. Its front axle also has stabilizer bar, which is helpful to keep this sedan stable on any road condition. As far as braking is concerned, this vehicle gets ventilated disc brakes at front and solid drums at rear, which are further assisted by the anti lock braking system. Beside these, it is also integrated with an advanced rack and pinion based electro mechanic power assisted steering system with speed dependent control, which helps it to deliver superior response and makes handling simpler.
Comfort Features:
In terms of comfort aspects, this Volkswagen Vento Magnific 1.6 Highline trim gets an array of sophisticated features, which makes it even competitive in its segment. This trim is now blessed with a Blaupunkt multimedia system featuring a high resolution touchscreen that also includes navigation and other functions as well. Furthermore, it also gets rear seat entertainment package featuring an Android powered tablet that supports 3G connectivity. This top end variant also gets features like Climatronic auto air conditioning system, rear parking sensors, a multi-functional steering wheel, speed sensitive power steering system, electric trunk opening and front intermittent wipers. Additionally, it also gets central locking system, lane change indicator, power windows, space max seat adjustment and an advanced instrument cluster.
Safety Features:
This vehicle is blessed with a series of important safety features, which are good enough to minimize the risk of injury to the occupants. It gets a list including height adjustable head restraints, electronic engine immobilizer with floating code, interior rear view mirror, three point seat belts, high mount third brake light, fog lamps, dual front airbags and pinch guard protection for all four windows.
Pros:
1. Inclusion of Blaupunkt infotainment system is its advantage.
2. Safety and comfort features are at par with other models.
Cons:
1. Price range is rather expensive.
2. There is still more work to do to improve fuel efficiency.
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