Launched in 2010, Volkswagen Vento is a decade-old sedan in the Indian market. Except for the mechanical changes, the styling still continues to remain old school. That's why we called it as a timeless design because apart from a bit cosmetic changes and updated features, both new and older models look the same. Here, in our first look review we explain to you why Volkswagen Vento is still an amazing pick to choose from and what it has to offer!
Our first look review of Volkswagen Vento comprises on its new design and features, mechanical changes, competition check, pricing and last but not the least is pricing!
Smaller Petrol Engine But Now With A Turbo
Volkswagen Group shocked the Indian market when they announced post BS6 implementation, there will not be any diesel cars in their portfolio. That meant the rowdy and agile 1.5L TDI was no longer to be on the offer. Also, the 1.6L MPI also had to step down for a newer 1.0L turbo petrol engine.
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This 1.0L unit now makes 110 PS and a peak torque of 175 Nm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter unit. This same unit is also used in its cousin Skoda Rapid. This smaller unit delivers 17.69 km/l which is good when compared with older-gen Honda City.
Exterior Design
One look at it and you can tell nothing has changed from the older model. Well, that's what normal people would say! Well, some enthusiasts too will agree as nothing major on the design and construction of the car has been changed.
At the front, it borrows some cues from the discontinued Volkswagen GTI. The design of the grille now looks fresh and that honeycomb mesh pattern brings a new character than what those three-slats offered before. Also, the front bumper is redesigned and gets split air dam with fog lights on either side. The side profile more or less remains the same while the rear bumper continues with the GTI style. It also gets a chrome-tipped exhaust which adds a bit of sportiness.
Interiors and Features
Step inside and you will notice nothing has changed. It still continues with the beige and black interiors with hard plastics but scratch resistant. Also, the lack of under-thigh is still noticeable at the rear seats. Coming to the list of features then the top-spec Highline Plus model isn't the most feature-loaded as its rivals but does the job pretty good.
It comes with a touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Voice Command. It also gets cruise control, automatic wipers, auto-levelling headlights and among others. The German carmaker also provides Vento with Volkswagen connect which ensures to provide further information to the user like vehicle diagnostics, trip tracking, fuel cost monitor, driving behaviour, location sharing and more.
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Prices and Competition
| Model | Volkswagen Vento | Hyundai Verna | Maruti Ciaz | Honda City |
| Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 8.91 lakh - Rs 13.4 lakh | Rs 9.31 lakh - Rs 15.11 lakh | Rs 8.33 lakh to Rs 11.09 lakh | Rs 10.90 lakh - Rs 14.64 lakh |
| Warranty | 4 years / 100,000 km | 3 years / Unlimited | 2 years / 40,000 km | 3 years / Unlimited |
Volkswagen Vento competes with these three main rivals that are Hyundai Verna, Maruti Ciaz and 2020 Honda City. It also gives competition to Toyota Yaris and Skoda Rapid. What do you think about the new Volkswagen Vento? Do you like it? Should Volkswagen bring the newer iteration of the Vento soon? Do let us know in the comment section below!
