Volkswagen Vento

Overview

Technically, the car is based on a stretched version of the Volkswagen Polo. Based under Fifth generation Polo Hatchback (Typ 6R/6C/61; 2009–present). This cars share many components. Related Volkswagen Group models include the Škoda Fabia, SEAT Ibiza and Audi A1. This car is made based under A05 (PQ25) Platform. PQ25 is a development of the PQ24 platform with the possibility of all-wheel drive (not included on any version), informally known as A05 . The extra wheelbase offers more rear legroom than the hatchback, 50mm additional wheelbase and 500-liters of boot space, which has been well received. VW offers a choice of three engine options inside India and Mexico; a 1.6 litre petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual and a 1.5 litre high torque diesel engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed automatic gearbox in the Indian market. There is also the 1.2 litre TSI option available only paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

The car in India is available in three trim levels: the Trendline, Comfortline and Highline, with the Petrol Highline also having an automatic option. Among the three variants, the Trendline is a bare-bones trim level, forming an entry point for the vehicle. The Comfortline gets a CD-MP3 music system, body-coloured door mirrors and handles and fog lamps among other features. The Highline features an Integrated USB music system, steering-mounted audio controls, leather upholstery, ABS, front airbags, a multi-function display, 15" alloy wheels and other standard features.

The Volkswagen Vento Petrol variant offers a fuel efficiency of 12.5 Kmpl in City and about 15.8 Kmpl on Highway. Volkswagen Vento diesel variant of the car gives a mileage of about 16 Kmpl in the city and nearly 20 Kmpl on the highways

VW recently introduced a new special edition version "Breeze" on the Trendline, featuring new, nifty features and added accessories. Besides the "Breeze', Volkswagen India, in collaboration with the IPL authorities, annually offers a special IPL edition at a slight premium.

In March 2011, Volkswagen recorded an impressive sales figure of 3973 units, dethroning the Honda City for the first time since its launch. Overall the car has been quite successful in the Indian market and has been particularly lauded for its build quality.

In November 2011, Škoda, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, introduced the Rapid, a car that is basically a re-badged Vento.

In April 2012, the car is sold in Malaysia under the name "Polo Sedan". The car is also manufactured and sold in Russia and Thailand as "Volkswagen Polo Sedan" with only the petrol engine available.

As of late 2013, the Vento manufactured in India is being offered in the Mexican market, both with gasoline and diesel engines. Gasoline-powered cars have the choice of manual or automatic transmissions; diesel is sold as a manual only. Trim levels are called Style, Active and Highline.

Again, in late 2013, when Volkswagen returned to the Philippines, it launched the Vento as the Polo Notch in its lineup.

In 2014, the Taiwanese market Polo will switch from European models (hatchback only) to India models, both hatchback and sedan (rebadged as Polo Sedan), all with the 1.6 MPI petrol engine and 6 speed tiptronic powertrain. The price has been reduced for 2014 models, in the interest of competing with locally made economy cars.

Mexican Market

The Volkswagen Vento was introduced in the Mexican Market as a 2014 model manufactured by Volkswagen India.

VW offers a choice of two engine options; a 1.6 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox and a 1.6 litre diesel engine mated only to a five-speed manual gearbox (TDI).

The entry version is called Style and is available with 5-speed manual transmission or an automatic 6-Speed Tiptronic. Series equipment will feature alarm with remote trunk opening, seat belts 3-point both front and back, single front headlamps, three read dome lights, center rear brake light, driver and passenger airbags, ABS, air conditioning, power locks, 4-electric windows only front windows driver side control, armrest, four speakers and aluminum wheels 15" matched with 185/60R15 tyres, front disc brakes and rear drum brake, with the automatic version adding a trip computer.

The second version is called Active. This adds to the Style a Bluetooth telephone connection, CD stereo with iPod compatible USB port, SD card and handsfree.

The top-of-the-line, for now, is limited to the Highline version, which with respect to the Active adds automatic climate (climatronic), electric mirrors, electric windows with automatic up/down and full driver side control, chrome inserts on the dashboard, gear shift lever, steering wheel and speed brake handles and lined in leather, finally with fog lights.

The Vento in the Mexican market has developed a high rate of sales, leaving behind the Classico (MK4 Jetta redesigned) and MK6 Jetta, both produced in Mexico, while the Vento is a car produced in India. The Vento is likely to be produced in Mexico a few years from now. The main rivals in Mexican market are the Chevrolet Aveo, Nissan Versa and Nissan Tiida, all of them are in the top 10 best selling cars in Mexico.

Use of the name

Volkswagen Vento was the commercial name of the third-generation Volkswagen Jetta (1992–1999) in Europe.