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Fresh from launching the Vento TSI, Volkswagen India has just announced the Vento Corporate Edition. Essentially a no-cost accessory pack as opposed to a new model, the latest newcomer is aimed at business users. Available on Trendline, Comfortline or Highline models, the Corporate Edition pack brings Rs 40,000-worth of accessories including alloy wheels, door protectors, door sill trim, mud flaps, navigation system with rear view camera, rear boot lid spoiler, seat covers, and chrome window surround trim. The smart-looking extras can be added to 1.6-litre-engined Ventos.

Meanwhile, in Malaysia, Volkswagen has unexpectedly refreshed the Polo Sedan. The new model sees a price reduction from RM99,888 to an estimated RM86,888, despite boasting many new features. New equipment includes an RCD 320 radio system with Bluetooth, iPod and USB connections (and Golf 7-style design), Climatronic air-conditioning, and a height-adjustable front armrest. The exterior styling now includes a new design of headlamp, and the ‘Polo’ badge has been moved to the opposite side of the boot lid. The 1.6-litre 104bhp petrol engine and six-speed automatic gearbox stays. Sources state that the new car could in fact be the locally-made version, built from CKD kits at DRB-Hicom’s Pekan factory. The outgoing car is imported from the Pune plant in India.

It wasn’t expected until next week, but Volkswagen India has today announced the Vento TSI. Powered by the 1.2-litre, 104bhp turbocharged engine already seen in the Polo GT TSI, the Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) new saloon comes with a seven-speed DSG transmission, ABS, ESP, hill-hold function, twin front airbags, and ‘TSI’ badging. priced at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The TSI will replace the 1.6-litre automatic petrol Vento – the manual car will still be sold in both petrol and diesel variants.

Additional equipment highlights include ‘premium’ leather upholstery, sound system with USB/aux/SD card capabilities, rear air-conditioning outlets and 15” alloy wheels with 185/60 R15 tyres. “With the new Vento TSI, Volkswagen takes the lead with producing cars that are high-tech, powerful and efficient. With a turbocharged petrol engine and 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox, Vento TSI provides excellent performance and fuel economy,” Arvind Saxena, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Managing Director said.

[Source: zigwheels.com]

Volkswagen India is expected to announce a GT TSI version of its booted Polo saloon, the Vento in the coming days. According to various online sources, a ‘sports’ version of the notchback is forthcoming, to compliment the Polo GT TSI, which has itself only just come to market. The Vento GT TSI will feature the same 104bhp 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the Polo GT TSI, as well as the same seven-speed DSG gearbox. Other equipment highlights should include different 15-inch alloy wheels; leather-wrapped steering wheel, handbrake lever and gear knob; automatic air-conditioning; ‘premium upholstery’; and four-speaker RCD 320 music system with USB, aux, and SD card inputs.

Externally, the Vento GT TSI is expected to be understated, just like its Polo sister. Outside adornments will include a silver ‘GT’ badge on the front grille and rear boot lid, as well as decals on the base of the rear pillar. Believed to be up to Rs 50,000 more expensive than the equivalent Polo hatchback according to cartrade.com, the newcomer will join the recently-expanded Polo and Vento range. Volkswagen India has, over the past few months, launched new GT TSI, GT TDI and CrossPolo versions of the Polo, further boosting the model’s India success story. It is unclear as to whether the 1.6-litre petrol-powered Vento model with the same 104bhp power output will now be discontinued.

South African Engen Volkswagen Cup driver Jeffrey Kruger took victory at the second round of the Volkswagen Polo R-Cup India 2013 on 11 August. During the first race of the double-header, the championship leader and guest driver couldn’t get past pole-sitter Prasanth Tharani and had to settle for second place. Rahil Nooranj completed the podium positions. Nooranj then crossed the line first in the second race, but was awarded a 20-second time penalty for a jump start. This meant Kruger was handed his second win of the season, finishing ahead of Tharani and Yatin Magu. ‘I’ve made the podium in every Volkswagen Polo R-Cup India race so far. That’s given me the motivation to win even more races,’ said Kruger.

The races at Coimbatore also saw the debut of the support championship the Volkswagen Vento Cup. With a field of eight cars, the 10-lap race marked, as far as we know, the first time the Polo’s booted sister has taken to the race track. Details on the cars themselves are scant, but they may be the same as the Tiger Sports 180bhp 900kg racing Vento unveiled last month. Volkswagen India Motorsport runs the five-round Volkswagen Polo R-Cup India 2013 series in conjunction with JK Tyres. The field of young, largely Indian racers drive identical and centrally prepared 1.4-litre TSI-engined, 178bhp Polo R-Cup cars. Round 3 of the championship is due to take place on 27-29 September at Greater Noida.

We’d seen pictures from the recent reveal, but our friends at Indian Autos Blog have confirmed that the Tiger Sports Volkswagen Vento is ready to hit the tracks in the Indian Touring Car Championship. Created by the Indian racing team, the race-tuned Polo saloon is based on a standard Polo 6R-based Vento, on sale in India (and South Africa and Russia as the Polo Sedan). The car still has four doors, and is powered by a modified twin-cam 1.6-litre engine. Power is up to 180bhp from the standard car’s 106, thanks to a remapped ECU and data logger. An advanced lambda sensor is also fitted for an accurate air-fuel mix.

A close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox replaces the standard five-speeder, while a limited-slip differential helps put the power down to the track. Weight is down to 900kg, 220kg lighter than a customer-specification Vento, partly due to three doors, the wings, bonnet and boot lid being made from aerospace-type composite. Moving onto the chassis, KW Suspensions have fettled with the Tiger Sports Vento’s set-up, while uprated brakes also feature, along with an all-disc operation at the rear. Finally, the racing Vento also confirms to FIA safety standards. At the time of writing, there is no word on when the car will see its competitive debut.

[Source: Indian Autos Blog]