Volkswagen Polo & Vento Facelift Launched In India

• These are not globally available next-gen iterations, but cosmetic updates to the older model.
• Both models get exterior tweaks that include revised bumpers, redesigned taillamps, and more
• On the inside, both models remain largely unchanged.
• The Polo and Vento will continue to use the 1.0-litre and 1.6-litre petrol motors respectively and the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol motor in the TSI variants.
• Both models also retain the 1.5-litre TDI diesel motor.
• The Polo rivals the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Hyundai Elite i20.
• The Vento goes up against the likes of the Hyundai Verna, Honda City and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.

After a long wait, Volkswagen has finally launched the facelifted Polo hatchback and the Vento sedan in India. The Polo is offered at a starting price of Rs 5.82 lakh(ex-showroom) which is a premium of Rs 10,000 over its predecessor. The Vento on the other hand kicks off at an introductory price tag of Rs 8.76 lakh (ex-showroom) that's Rs 9,000 above the older model. Both get the same engine options as before. Have a look at the price list below. 

The Polo facelift may look similar to its predecessor externally, but it does get some cosmetic changes -- like the redesigned fascia taken from the GTI hot hatch. The twin chrome-slat grille has now been replaced by a honeycomb mesh grille. At the rear, the hatchback  gets restyled tail lamps and a black trim in its bumper for a sportier look.

The Vento facelift also gets similar cosmetic changes as the Polo facelift at the front along with the chrome strip at the sides. However, it  gets a new set of LED headlamps and DRLs, exclusive to the GT Line. The rear of the sedan remains largely unchanged aside from restyled taillamps and a black trim in its bumper. 

Inside, the Polo gets most of its features from its predecessor like cooled glovebox, cruise control, height-adjustable driver’s seat and automatic climate control. One of the main features is the touchscreen infotainment system which supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay. 

The Vento also retains features like cruise control, automatic climate control, height-adjustable driver’s seat, cooled glovebox as well as auto-leveling headlamps. The same touchscreen has been employed here as well. 

Both models are loaded with basic safety kit like dual airbags, ABS, ESP, auto-dimming IRVM, 3-point seatbelt setup and front foglamps. However, compared to the Polo, the Vento gets additional kit like front-side airbags and Hill-hold assist. 

 

Under the hood, the Polo is powered by the same set of petrol and diesel engines. The 1.0-litre MPI petrol motor produces 76PS of power and 95Nm of torque. The Polo also comes with a 1.2-litre TSI turbo petrol mill which delivers 104PS and 175Nm in the GT trim. Diesel options consist of a 1.5-litre motor in two states of tune. The regular trim delivers  96PS and 230Nm whereas the GT trim delivers 110PS and 250Nm of torque. 

The Vento also retains its petrol and diesel options. The petrol options consist of a 1.6-litre MPI petrol producing 105PS/153Nm and the 1.2-litre TSI from the Polo delivering 104PS/175Nm. The Vento gets the more powerful 110PS/250Nm 1.5-litre diesel mill from the Polo. Both models get a 5-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG gearbox on offer. However, the 7-speed DSG is only offered on the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel Vento and the Polo GT petrol trim. 

The Polo rekindles its rivalry with the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Hyundai Elite i20. On the other hand, the Vento takes on the likes of the Hyundai Verna, Honda City and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.