PoloDriver

In an unsurprising move, Volkswagen India unwrapped the latest version of the Polo 6R-based Vento this week. A refreshed model in a similar vein to the updated Polo which recently went on sale, the updated three-box saloon now includes a 1.5 TDI model available with a seven-speed DSG gearbox – a first in the class.

Standard features on all models include twin front airbags, dual-beam headlamps, an upgraded instrument panel, redesigned alloy wheels, footwell lights, Bluetooth connectivity, and a flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel, as seen on the refreshed Polo. Following the Indian trend for brown-coloured saloons, new colours include Toffee Brown (pictured) and Night Blue.

The new 1.5-litre engine also sees service in the New Polo. Producing 103bhp and 183lb ft (250Nm) of torque, the TDI unit joins the 1.2-litre TSI and 1.6 MPI engines already in use. Volkswagen India states that all of the New Vento powerplants offer ‘an excellent blend of power, performance and fuel economy’.

The seven-speed double-clutch DSG gearbox can be coupled to both the 1.2 TSI and 1.5-litre TDI, and offers improved fuel economy and lower tailipipe emissions. The 1.2 TSI produces 103bhp as before, while the 1.6-litre petrol engine has the same power output but less torque (112lb ft vs 129lb ft).

Overall, the changes echo those of the Indian-market New Polo and bring the three-box Vento into line with the hatchback range. Available in three trim levels, the New Vento is on sale now priced from Rs 7.44 to Rs 10.94 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai). Visit www.volkswagen.co.in for further information.

2014 VOLKSWAGEN VENTO PRICES
1.6 MPI: Rs 7.44 – Rs 8.87 lakh
1.2 TSI DSG: Rs 9.35 – Rs 9.92 lakh
1.5 TDI: Rs 8.57 – Rs 9.90 lakh
1.5 TDI DSG: Rs 10.49 – Rs 10.94 lakh

2014 VOLKSWAGEN VENTO MODELS
1.6 MPI: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline
1.2 TSI DSG: Comortline, Highline
1.5 TDI: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline
1.5 TDI DSG: Comortline, Highline