2020 Volkswagen Vento 1.Zero TSI Assessment

Ten years! Yup, it has been ten years since Volkswagen India launched the Vento compact sedan. Nonetheless, should you have a look at the newest iteration of the automobile, it nonetheless appears to be like the identical because it did ten years in the past. In actual fact, aside for a bunch of beauty updates and revision of options each two or three years, the automobile by no means actually obtained any main replace in India. And the identical goes for its sibling, the VW Polo, and their Czech cousin, the Skoda Speedy. There are numerous similarities between the three automobiles, and now, all three fashions additionally include the identical 1.Zero-litre TSI turbo petrol engine. We’ve got already pushed the opposite two fashions and informed you all about them. So, it is now time to see how the brand new small-displacement turbocharged engine performs within the Vento.

Engine

So, earlier than we dive into the efficiency side of the automobile, allow us to get all the very fact and figures out of the best way, beginning with the showstopper. The brand new 999 cc, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol motor is the recipient of the 2018 Worldwide Engine of the 12 months Award. The motor is tuned to churn out round 108 bhp between 5,000 to five,500 rpm, whereas creating a peak torque output of 175 Nm that kicks in from as little as 1,750 rpm, going all the best way as much as Four,000 rpm. The engine comes paired with a brand new 6-speed guide gearbox and as of now, that is the one choice you get. Nonetheless, Volkswagen did announce that an computerized 6-speed torque converter unit will likely be launched quickly, and that’s more likely to go on sale in India later this 12 months.

Additionally Learn: 2020 Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI Review

Exterior

Now, it was simply again in September 2019 that Volkswagen launched the latest facelift for the Vento, and since then nothing has modified by way of design or styling. One of many extra distinguished visible updates was the brand new face, which comes with the GTI-inspired honeycomb sample mesh grille with the VW badge on the centre and a easy chrome strip under it. The grille is flanked by a set of twin-pod LED headlights with built-in LED daytime operating lamps, which the Polo doesn’t get. The bumper too has been up to date and it comes with a large airdam with matching honeycomb sample grille and with horizontal foglamps and static cornering lights on either side. Collectively, the entire setup provides the Vento a sportier look, in comparison with the pre-facelift mannequin.

The profile, nonetheless, sees no change in any respect. In actual fact, you even proceed to get the identical 16-inch Portago 10-spoke gray alloy wheels as earlier than. The mannequin with us additionally comes with the choices honeycomb sample facet graphics with the ‘TSI Energy’ tag, nonetheless, I’m not a giant fan of it, and a bit glad that it isn’t a part of the usual choices. Nonetheless, you do get facet skirts together with a pair of smoked LED taillamps, and a sporty rear bumper with a chrome-tipped exhaust, and black underbody cladding with guess what, extra honeycomb sample design component. Are you guys seeing a sample right here? Pardon the pun.

Inside

Step inside, and you will be welcomed by the identical previous beige and black dual-tone cabin of the Vento. There may be not a lot to complain concerning the constructed high quality of the cabin, in truth, the Vento has at all times supplied probably the greatest match and end in its class. Nonetheless, design and styling are actually dated to say the least. Particularly, once we examine it to the likes of the brand new Honda Metropolis or the 2020 Hyundai Verna which provide far more superior creature comforts like ventilated seats, wi-fi charging, and even a sunroof. Nonetheless, what the Vento does get it a brand new flat-bottom steering wheel, which is normal throughout all variants. Additionally, whereas the infotainment unit together with all of the buttons and knobs stays unchanged, the system itself has been upgraded, and it now provides Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink.

You additionally proceed to get a USB port with the infotainment system, one thing that the Skoda Speedy didn’t get, or relatively was stored hidden contained in the glovebox. That mentioned, the Vento misses out on a number of primary options like an engine start-stop button or perhaps a secured place to stow away your cellphone. Nonetheless, you do get snug seats upholstered in fake leather-based, cruise management, rear AC vent, foldable central armrest and 12V energy socket for each entrance and rear passengers. By way of security, this top-spec Highline variant comes with Four airbags, ABS with EBD, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror, and rear parking sensors with a rear digicam.

Additionally Learn: Exclusive: SUV Storm Coming From Volkswagen Group India

How Does It Drive?

So now that we’ve got talked about all the pieces that the 2020 Volkswagen Vento will get or does not, let’s examine the way it drives. Now, we’ve got already informed you about this new 1.Zero-litre TSI engine intimately, in each our Skoda Speedy and the VW Polo critiques, and albeit, by way of efficiency, nothing a lot has modified within the Vento both. Being a three-pot motor, it lacks a little bit of refinement once you examine it to its four-cylinder predecessors, however after driving the automobile for a when you will not even discover it. Nonetheless, the one factor that you’ll discover is the very obvious turbo lag at decrease revs, and much more so in case you are driving in bumper to bumper site visitors, given the truth that it solely is available in a guide choice proper now.

Additionally Learn: Skoda Rapid 1.0-Litre TSI Review

Having mentioned that, as soon as the rpm needle crosses the two,500-mark, the turbo kicks in, and the engine begins to point out its true colors and sings a really totally different tune altogether. The motor propels the automobile to triple-digit speeds very quickly and due to the broader unfold of torque, it provides easy supply all through the rev band. In actual fact, it is stunning to see how easy the engine feels whilst you begin approaching the purple line. As for the brand new 6-speed guide gearbox, which replaces the older 5-speed unit, is actually a welcome addition for this engine. The gears slot in effectively, the shifts are additionally fairly easy, and since the ratios are effectively spaced out, the automobile provides a robust mid-range, which is the place the Vento’s 1.Zero TSI engine actually shines.

The journey and dealing with have at all times been the Vento’s sturdy fits, and so they proceed to be so. Beginning with the ergonomics, the flat-bottom steering wheel actually provides nice grip, and it comes with each tilt and telescopic adjustability. This, coupled with the well-bolstered seats, assist you to create the proper driving place. The automobile additionally feels very exact and planted even at excessive speeds and the steering additionally weighs up properly, imparting extra confidence, be it whereas driving on a straight, or taking a nook. The suspension is tuned a bit on the tougher facet, nonetheless, at decrease speeds the automobile absorbs the undulations on the highway, providing stability between efficiency and driving consolation.

Worth

The Volkswagen Vento is priced in India beginning at ₹ eight.86 lakh to ₹ 11.99 lakh, and despite the fact that the automated choice isn’t out there but, VW has already introduced its costs, which stand at ₹ 12.09 lakh to ₹ 13.29 lakh (all ex-showroom, India). So, once you solely contemplate the guide choice, the bottom variant of the Vento continues to be ₹ 1.37 lakh costlier than the Skoda Speedy, which is presently essentially the most reasonably priced compact sedan out there. Nonetheless, should you contemplate the Hyundai Verna, which additionally comes with a 1.Zero-litre turbo petrol engine now (solely top-spec DCT variant) the top-end Highline Plus variant of the Vento is ₹ 2 lakh cheaper.

Total, the 2020 Volkswagen Vento is a dependable sedan that comes with first rate options and satisfying driving manners

Verdict

Volkswagen is likely one of the few carmakers in India who’ve achieved away with diesel engines and can solely give attention to providing petrol fashions. Whereas we actually love the brand new 1.Zero-litre TSI motor, we can’t ignore the truth that the Vento isn’t essentially the most reasonably priced choice on this phase, and the automobile additionally falls quick by way of appears to be like and creature consolation particularly, when in comparison with fashionable rivals just like the Honda Metropolis and Hyundai Verna.

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However what the Vento does supply is a stunning turbo petrol engine, a good variety of options, a robust construct, and wonderful driving mannerisms. And consider it or not, there patrons on the market who’re comfortable with that, and additionally it is the rationale why the Vento was in a position to maintain out there for ten years with minimal upgrades. However the greater query is, how lengthy can Volkswagen proceed to try this? Effectively, in all probability till the corporate is prepared with a new-gen compact sedan presumably based mostly on the India-spec MQB-A0 IN platform.

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