Volkswagen Vento: Love at first sight
26 Aug 2010 6:13 PM by
Aspi Bhathena
in
Single review,
Volkswagen,
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 How important the Indian market is to the leading car manufacturers all over the world is becoming increasingly evident as they launch cars that are designed and built specifically for the Indian conditions and market requirements. The Vento from Volkswagen is the first such car to hit the Indian roads among the many to follow suit soon. The Vento India premiere took place in Delhi last month.
Some cars look good the moment you behold them and the Vento lived up to this maxim the moment i saw it for the first time. The clean and classic lines give the car a fresh and elegant look.
The Volkswagen engineers have merged the Polo and the Golf platforms to make the Vento. It may look similar to the Polo from the front , but is , actually , completely different from its sibling as the A-pillar is more steeply raked compared with the Polo. The front fender and the two doors are also slightly bigger to get the proportions right. The Vento does not give you the slightest feeling that it started out originally as a hatch and has now inherited a boot. As a matter of fact , it looks like a well-designed sedan.
 So far as the interior is concerned , the folk at Volkswagen seem to be taking the game to another level. The quality of material used as well as the fit and finish of the grey and beige colour interior give the car a fresh and bright look from the inside. The extra 96 millimetres added to the wheelbase over the Polo have liberated a huge amount of leg space for those in the rear seat. In fact , this car has been designed specifically as a chauffeur-driven car. The rear passenger can move the front passenger seat forward while seated at the back to create even more leg space for himself. The AC vents for the rear occupants are another noteworthy aspect. In short , the space and quality of the car’s interior make it look as if these belong to a car that is couple of segments higher. You can adjust the driving position to suit your individual self just as the leather-wrapped steering wheel can be adjusted for tilt and reach. All these make your driving position relaxed and comfortable.
The 1.6 DOHC 16 valve engine delivers 105 PS and 153NM of torque. Although these figures look impressive on paper , how they translate on the road is extremely crucial. The 105PS of power output is not going to set the performance chart on fire. The smooth and linear power delivery from the 1.6 engine makes the car extremely easy to drive as the flow  of power is absolutely seamless right from 1 , 000 rpm to the rev limiter. The Vento is very happy cruising at 150 clicks on the highway in the fifth gear. It is quite happy to manoeuvre the City traffic as the even spread of power helps it to take on the stop-go traffic.
A five-speed gearbox writes the car’s power on the road via the front wheels. The gearbox has a nice short throw and the shift is positive with a precise feel and action. Well-spaced gear ratios and good shift quality make for a delightful drive. The two discs up front and drums at the rear take care of the braking. The brakes have a good firm feel. The ABS system that comes as a standard feature will add to the braking efficiency in wet conditions.
The advantage the VW engineers had was that they began with a clean slate for the suspension designed for the Indian road conditions. During our drive the road conditions varied from highway to some hilly zigzag sections and even dirt roads. The Vento was  extremely stable and rock-solid at high speeds on the highway.
The true test of a car’s handling comes when you have to go round corners on the limit with an undulating road surface and still the car holds its line round the corner. The Vento did just that with great ease. During the short off-road excursion , there were no problems such as the suspension bottoming or the car grounding on speed-breakers. The Vento just makes short work of all the rough roads and potholes you can throw at it. The ride quality is top class and sets a new benchmark in the segment. The feel of steering is light yet precise and gives you excellent feedback. The car has a solid European feel.
This car is going to rock the market as it sets a new benchmark in the segment. Not only that , it will also have an impact on the higher-segment cars as well.
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Content courtesy: 
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
Can't wait to test drive this beauty. Any information when it will be available for a test drive.
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
Looks great for a middle age sports women! Will a hatch back version be launched as well? I would like to put a golf bag and trolley in the boot. Worldwide hatchbacks are more popular with sportswomen!
There seem to be no colour variations- Can I order a customized version- hatchback ??
Would love to own a VENTO...
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
Can't wait to have as my first Sedan.
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
Feature wise it is loaded, but I fail to understand why they have not given the stephny the same wheel as other four. Why they do not offer parking sensor as common feature in at least top end model? Even color choice should be more as they have in other countries.
Dying to get a test drive ASAP. Hope to own it within few days.....
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
i am waiting to a test drive ,keep me updated for this!
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
I m planning to buy Swift D'Zire(ZXi) very soon, but like to know the details of ur model, when it will come to Assam especially at Dibrugarh.
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
how much price in bangalore?
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
TEST DROVE THE VENTO.ITS TOO GOOD.PICKUP N DRIVE IS REALLY A PLEASURE.ONE NEEDS TO GET USED TO THE REVERSE AND THE OPPOSITE INDICATORS.
ONLY DEFECT IS THE SEATING FOR THE FIFTH PERSON IN THE REAR MIDDLE .ITS REALLY TIGHT. TOO UPRIGHT WITH A STIFF BACK N SMALL LEG SPACE DUE TO THE REAR AC VENT.
MISS THE USB/AUX TOO.
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
The Vento Volkswagen is a wonderful Car going by its features in the existing segment. What would be its "ON ROAD" price in Thane & Ali baugh district ? ,the mileage per litre of Petrol with AC 'on' within city Limits ? Is it available is diesel Version also ? I would like to take a test drive.
Darshan Dhawan
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
gear shifting is so soft
in diesel no vibration
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
diesel no vibration
pickup is good
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
Test drove the car today.
Great car except two really silly misses from Volkswagen
1st No auxiliary connectivity of any sort; no aux in nor usb,
2nd The stepney is 14" instead of 15" so after getting the puncture repaired you have to replace back the regular tyre in place of stepeny,
I decided against this car as any basic car would not miss these things.
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
its good car but i dont understand why they dont given 15" stepheny as the other fours
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
This car looks like going to finish off Honda city,SX4,and already dead Mitsubishi Cedia,and feverish corolla.Wish they will have 10 times more service stations, people will never buy a swift either
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
very good car the power is there in all the gears
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
i m intersted to purchase volkswagen polo 1.2L diesel.
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
hi,
vw stands for its quality. follow me n do wat i say u ll come to know the diff live. check the swift n figo n beat then go to a vw show room n touch the door handle of the polo. press all the cars at the same place with ur knees. all will go inside except polo. i bet on it. here comes the quality. the maintance is very low the other cars go for servicing for every 5000 to 10000 km. but the vw cars go to show room for ever 15000km both pertol n deisel. this ll save ur money. i acccept the fact that vw cars r costly than others. but its value for money. the ground clearance is good.; go n check the quality of the car. if the driver is good u ll be getting good milage also
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
Why cant someone honestly compare and help Indian customer to buy a good SEDAN???
Please tell me ONE value for money CAR out of VENTO,ETIOS & Hundai Launch???
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
I had similar feelings as i see from others here and booked a Vento. Even after a month, the dealer does not have a clue on the delivery timelines and when i write to VW there is no response and the call centre tells me it takes 48 working hrs to respond to a mail. I am now loosing hopes on the level of customer service you can expect from VW. I am tending to belive the adverse comments made by some of the owners of VW cars on the customer service. May cancel my booking if i dont hear from VW in another week.
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
Just test drove the VW Vento trendline on 25th Sept 2010 after using the Honda City ZX Exi for 3 days. I would like to record the following points1) Exteriors: I think the VW Vento looks sportier and smarter.(2) Vento mirrors not retractable, which could be deadly in Pune traffic. Since the ratio of 2 wheelers to 4 wheelers in Pune is 4:1, damage to mirrors is inevitable.(3)Lights: Equally good.(4)Mileage: Both cars claim similar mileage of 16.5mpl.(5) My height is just under 6 ft. The steering wheel clearance of the City is just above my knee in the upper position. The Vento clearance appears better.(6) A/C vents: The Vento Trendline has rear vents in addition to front vents. The City 1.5EMT does not have rear vents.(7) The Vento interiors appear to be better with an armrest for the driver added. This armrest is practical to use only on highways,; elsewhere it comes in the way and can be turned backwards.(8) All 4 doors are locked and released by the driver in the Vento TL; not so in the City. (9) Rear view is poor in the Vento. The rear glass and rear-view mirror are small and the rear glass is small and slanting. Rear view is poor. City much better all-round view. (10) After appreciating the Vento, I was told about a waiting period of 3 months (actually, it seems 5 months would be the actual waiting period). The VW gives full-page ads with audio in newspapers and then wants you to wait for 3 months? Poor strategy ! Dealer claims at least 150 Vento sales expected per month. (11) Base City 1.5 EMT is 9.2L on road in Pune (with insurance of Rs 20,000), but base VW Vento is 8.2L (metallic color) on road (with an insurance of Rs 35,000!!). Apparently insurance is negotiable. (12) Ground clearance of both cars is the same: 160/168 mm, which means irregular speed-breakers may touch the bottom. (13) Vento needs once-yearly maintenance at Rs 5000-8000/ year. Car is 60% Indian made. which means spares are not cheap. City should be similar. (14) Handling: With the short duration of test-drive, City appears better in driving pleasure. Apparently, Vento TL behaves better at higher speed.(15) The City has turning indicating lever on the RHS and wiper control lever on the LHS; both reversed on the Vento. (16) The Reverse gear on the Vento is in the opposite direction to the City. (17) The base model of the City 1.5EMT has both ABS and Airbags, the Vento TL does not have these features.
FOR PRICE,NOVELTY,REPUTATION,INTERIORS ETC, I WOULD CHOOSE THE VENTO!
The City's performance, even after, 3 years and 55,000kms, is excellent. Idling at lower speeds, changing gear at low speed or remaining in high gear at low speed doesn't draw even a sputter from the City's ultrasmooth engine. Could not test the Vento regarding this due to the relatively short test drive, and the large number of people waiting in line! The average car speed in an overcrowded city like Pune is probably not more than 40kmph, at best. Since the car would be used 80% within city limits and just 20% in relatively "open" areas, I submit that performance and consumption at lower handling speeds is more important.
The major damper is, I repeat, advertising a car and then informing the public of a waiting period of 3-5 months ( in Pune).
It is good to hear the silence on the other end of the phone when you tell the Honda dealer that you are about to test drive a Volkswagen!
Just one more point: The underside of the Vento is covered with a full metal sheet to keep dust and foreign matter etc out. That is typically German and much needed in India!
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
Pls see Comparisons for Vento
on 10 May 12 at 7:21 PM
Yes. There is no response on when this car will be delivered to me .I have booked in Aug 2010.
And not much cars are seen on the road.Have they really started bulk production ?
M.Suresh Kumar
Some cars look good the moment you behold them and the Vento lived up to this maxim the moment i saw it for the first time. The clean and classic lines give the car a fresh and elegant look.
The Volkswagen engineers have merged the Polo and the Golf platforms to make the Vento. It may look similar to the Polo from the front , but is , actually , completely different from its sibling as the A-pillar is more steeply raked compared with the Polo. The front fender and the two doors are also slightly bigger to get the proportions right. The Vento does not give you the slightest feeling that it started out originally as a hatch and has now inherited a boot. As a matter of fact , it looks like a well-designed sedan.
The 1.6 DOHC 16 valve engine delivers 105 PS and 153NM of torque. Although these figures look impressive on paper , how they translate on the road is extremely crucial. The 105PS of power output is not going to set the performance chart on fire. The smooth and linear power delivery from the 1.6 engine makes the car extremely easy to drive as the flow
of power is absolutely seamless right from 1 , 000 rpm to the rev limiter. The Vento is very happy cruising at 150 clicks on the highway in the fifth gear. It is quite happy to manoeuvre the City traffic as the even spread of power helps it to take on the stop-go traffic.
A five-speed gearbox writes the car’s power on the road via the front wheels. The gearbox has a nice short throw and the shift is positive with a precise feel and action. Well-spaced gear ratios and good shift quality make for a delightful drive. The two discs up front and drums at the rear take care of the braking. The brakes have a good firm feel. The ABS system that comes as a standard feature will add to the braking efficiency in wet conditions.
The advantage the VW engineers had was that they began with a clean slate for the suspension designed for the Indian road conditions. During our drive the road conditions varied from highway to some hilly zigzag sections and even dirt roads. The Vento was
extremely stable and rock-solid at high speeds on the highway.
The true test of a car’s handling comes when you have to go round corners on the limit with an undulating road surface and still the car holds its line round the corner. The Vento did just that with great ease. During the short off-road excursion , there were no problems such as the suspension bottoming or the car grounding on speed-breakers. The Vento just makes short work of all the rough roads and potholes you can throw at it. The ride quality is top class and sets a new benchmark in the segment. The feel of steering is light yet precise and gives you excellent feedback. The car has a solid European feel.
This car is going to rock the market as it sets a new benchmark in the segment. Not only that , it will also have an impact on the higher-segment cars as well.
Content courtesy:
Can't wait to test drive this beauty. Any information when it will be available for a test drive.
Looks great for a middle age sports women! Will a hatch back version be launched as well? I would like to put a golf bag and trolley in the boot. Worldwide hatchbacks are more popular with sportswomen! There seem to be no colour variations- Can I order a customized version- hatchback ?? Would love to own a VENTO...
Can't wait to have as my first Sedan.
Feature wise it is loaded, but I fail to understand why they have not given the stephny the same wheel as other four. Why they do not offer parking sensor as common feature in at least top end model? Even color choice should be more as they have in other countries. Dying to get a test drive ASAP. Hope to own it within few days.....
i am waiting to a test drive ,keep me updated for this!
I m planning to buy Swift D'Zire(ZXi) very soon, but like to know the details of ur model, when it will come to Assam especially at Dibrugarh.
how much price in bangalore?
TEST DROVE THE VENTO.ITS TOO GOOD.PICKUP N DRIVE IS REALLY A PLEASURE.ONE NEEDS TO GET USED TO THE REVERSE AND THE OPPOSITE INDICATORS. ONLY DEFECT IS THE SEATING FOR THE FIFTH PERSON IN THE REAR MIDDLE .ITS REALLY TIGHT. TOO UPRIGHT WITH A STIFF BACK N SMALL LEG SPACE DUE TO THE REAR AC VENT. MISS THE USB/AUX TOO.
The Vento Volkswagen is a wonderful Car going by its features in the existing segment. What would be its "ON ROAD" price in Thane & Ali baugh district ? ,the mileage per litre of Petrol with AC 'on' within city Limits ? Is it available is diesel Version also ? I would like to take a test drive. Darshan Dhawan
gear shifting is so soft in diesel no vibration
diesel no vibration pickup is good
Test drove the car today. Great car except two really silly misses from Volkswagen 1st No auxiliary connectivity of any sort; no aux in nor usb, 2nd The stepney is 14" instead of 15" so after getting the puncture repaired you have to replace back the regular tyre in place of stepeny, I decided against this car as any basic car would not miss these things.
its good car but i dont understand why they dont given 15" stepheny as the other fours
This car looks like going to finish off Honda city,SX4,and already dead Mitsubishi Cedia,and feverish corolla.Wish they will have 10 times more service stations, people will never buy a swift either
very good car the power is there in all the gears
i m intersted to purchase volkswagen polo 1.2L diesel.
hi, vw stands for its quality. follow me n do wat i say u ll come to know the diff live. check the swift n figo n beat then go to a vw show room n touch the door handle of the polo. press all the cars at the same place with ur knees. all will go inside except polo. i bet on it. here comes the quality. the maintance is very low the other cars go for servicing for every 5000 to 10000 km. but the vw cars go to show room for ever 15000km both pertol n deisel. this ll save ur money. i acccept the fact that vw cars r costly than others. but its value for money. the ground clearance is good.; go n check the quality of the car. if the driver is good u ll be getting good milage also
Why cant someone honestly compare and help Indian customer to buy a good SEDAN??? Please tell me ONE value for money CAR out of VENTO,ETIOS & Hundai Launch???
I had similar feelings as i see from others here and booked a Vento. Even after a month, the dealer does not have a clue on the delivery timelines and when i write to VW there is no response and the call centre tells me it takes 48 working hrs to respond to a mail. I am now loosing hopes on the level of customer service you can expect from VW. I am tending to belive the adverse comments made by some of the owners of VW cars on the customer service. May cancel my booking if i dont hear from VW in another week.
Just test drove the VW Vento trendline on 25th Sept 2010 after using the Honda City ZX Exi for 3 days. I would like to record the following points1) Exteriors: I think the VW Vento looks sportier and smarter.(2) Vento mirrors not retractable, which could be deadly in Pune traffic. Since the ratio of 2 wheelers to 4 wheelers in Pune is 4:1, damage to mirrors is inevitable.(3)Lights: Equally good.(4)Mileage: Both cars claim similar mileage of 16.5mpl.(5) My height is just under 6 ft. The steering wheel clearance of the City is just above my knee in the upper position. The Vento clearance appears better.(6) A/C vents: The Vento Trendline has rear vents in addition to front vents. The City 1.5EMT does not have rear vents.(7) The Vento interiors appear to be better with an armrest for the driver added. This armrest is practical to use only on highways,; elsewhere it comes in the way and can be turned backwards.(8) All 4 doors are locked and released by the driver in the Vento TL; not so in the City. (9) Rear view is poor in the Vento. The rear glass and rear-view mirror are small and the rear glass is small and slanting. Rear view is poor. City much better all-round view. (10) After appreciating the Vento, I was told about a waiting period of 3 months (actually, it seems 5 months would be the actual waiting period). The VW gives full-page ads with audio in newspapers and then wants you to wait for 3 months? Poor strategy ! Dealer claims at least 150 Vento sales expected per month. (11) Base City 1.5 EMT is 9.2L on road in Pune (with insurance of Rs 20,000), but base VW Vento is 8.2L (metallic color) on road (with an insurance of Rs 35,000!!). Apparently insurance is negotiable. (12) Ground clearance of both cars is the same: 160/168 mm, which means irregular speed-breakers may touch the bottom. (13) Vento needs once-yearly maintenance at Rs 5000-8000/ year. Car is 60% Indian made. which means spares are not cheap. City should be similar. (14) Handling: With the short duration of test-drive, City appears better in driving pleasure. Apparently, Vento TL behaves better at higher speed.(15) The City has turning indicating lever on the RHS and wiper control lever on the LHS; both reversed on the Vento. (16) The Reverse gear on the Vento is in the opposite direction to the City. (17) The base model of the City 1.5EMT has both ABS and Airbags, the Vento TL does not have these features. FOR PRICE,NOVELTY,REPUTATION,INTERIORS ETC, I WOULD CHOOSE THE VENTO! The City's performance, even after, 3 years and 55,000kms, is excellent. Idling at lower speeds, changing gear at low speed or remaining in high gear at low speed doesn't draw even a sputter from the City's ultrasmooth engine. Could not test the Vento regarding this due to the relatively short test drive, and the large number of people waiting in line! The average car speed in an overcrowded city like Pune is probably not more than 40kmph, at best. Since the car would be used 80% within city limits and just 20% in relatively "open" areas, I submit that performance and consumption at lower handling speeds is more important. The major damper is, I repeat, advertising a car and then informing the public of a waiting period of 3-5 months ( in Pune). It is good to hear the silence on the other end of the phone when you tell the Honda dealer that you are about to test drive a Volkswagen! Just one more point: The underside of the Vento is covered with a full metal sheet to keep dust and foreign matter etc out. That is typically German and much needed in India!
Pls see Comparisons for Vento
Yes. There is no response on when this car will be delivered to me .I have booked in Aug 2010. And not much cars are seen on the road.Have they really started bulk production ? M.Suresh Kumar