Volkswagen Vento: The Best Package For A Family.

Volkswagen Vento: The Best Package For A Family.

The Polo and Vento have received a lot of attention from Volkswagen in the last two years. With the Polo, VW has rolled out a number of engine-gearbox combos on the stock hatch as well as the Cross variants, while the Vento received the superb seven-speed DSG not too long ago. We recently learned that there's a Vento-based compact sedan in the pipeline, but, before that arrives, it's the updated Vento's turn. The Vento now gets the familiar VW face. It looks more like the Jetta now. We preferred the Vento's pre-facelift look, but with VW’s new design language, all its cars are closer to each other in terms of looks. The Vento now gets more prominent creases on the hood, which by the way, has grown in length. The grille is now bigger than before, and wider, too. The bumpers have been redesigned, as have the headlamps and the fogs. Inside, not much has changed apart from a slight difference in the upholstery colour combination. But with this update, VW has added a few creature comforts to make your life a bit easier - like the new electrically-folding ORVMs with integrated turn indicators. Bluetooth, Aux-in and USB connectivity has been carried over from the outgoing Vento. There's now a button on the boot lid to pop it open from the outside, something that VW forgot to add all these years. But, despite these additions, VW has left out a reverse cam even with this update. A reverse cam is now almost standard for this segment, but clearly, VW thinks otherwise. In terms of mechanicals, the Vento gets nearly no changes. It can still be had with the same 1.6-litre petrol, the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol or the 1.5-litre diesel engine, mated either to a five-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. The automatic gearbox is the best in this price bracket, and far more advanced than its rivals. In terms of drivability, too, the Vento is top dog. Solid German engineering has resulted in sound dynamics. VW has worked on the suspension on this version to suit Indian road conditions. It has become quieter while going over battered tarmac, and is easier on the back. Prices for the new Vento hadn’t been revealed at the time of going to press, but we expect them to go up only marginally. Prices will be in the range of Rs 8.3-11.8 lakh depending on the engine you choose. The Vento has always been a good-looking sedan with sound driving dynamics and one that's available with a bunch of engine options. The facelift has freshened things up, and brought it in line with the rest of the VW family appearance-wise. The added features only heighten its appeal. The numbers 1498cc, 4cyl, turbo-diesel, 104bhp, 250Nm, 7A, Rs 8.3-11.8 lakh (est, on-road, Mumbai) The verdict Fresh looks and added goodies make an already good package even better