Volkswagen Polo & Vento Facelift Set For September 4 Launch

• Cosmetic changes to include revised bumpers, redesigned taillamps, new alloy wheels and more.
• Interiors to also get an overhaul.
• Both models are expected to retain the 1.0-litre, 1.6-litre and 1.2-litre turbo-petrol motors.
• No word yet on the fate of the 1.5-litre diesel engine as it is likely to be axed post BS6 emission norms.
• Next-gen iterations of both models expected in 2021.

Volkswagen has been readying a mid-life facelift for the Polo hatchback and the Vento sedan for quite some time now. Spy images have been circulating all over the internet of the two models being tested on Indian roads in disguised and raw forms. And now we know that Volkswagen will launch the two facelifted models on September 4 in India.

Judging from previous spy images, the Vento facelift will get cosmetic changes that include a redesigned front fascia and a redesigned front bumper taken from the GTi hatchback. Other changes include a honeycomb mesh grille and dual-tone alloys from the Cup edition. The rear-end remains largely unchanged aside from slightly restyled tail lamps and a black trim in the lower bumper.

The Polo facelift will also get a similar looking front-end as the Vento facelift. However, the rear end will consist of restyled tail lamps which are expected to be part LED. It also gets a sporty black trim in its bumper. The Polo GT is also expected to get a facelift as it has been spied before. 

Interior details about the upcoming models haven’t been revealed yet, but we expect them to be updated along with additional creature comforts.

Under the hood, Volkswagen is expected to retain the 1.0-litre MPI petrol in the Polo and the 1.6-litre MPi petrol motor in the Vento. The 1.0-litre petrol motor in the current Polo delivers 76PS of power and 95 Nm of torque. The 1.6-litre diesel in the current Vento produces 105PS of power and 153Nm of torque. The GT TSI and TSI trim of both models is also expected to retain the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol motor. It currently churns out 104PS of power and 175Nm of torque. 

Volkswagen is currently working on bringing the BS6-compliant 1.0-litre TSI motor to the Indian market. It is available in 95PS and 115PS states of tune. However it is likely to make its debut in the Polo and the Vento at a later date. There’s no word yet on whether the 1.5-litre TDI diesel motor will be updated to BS6 emission norms as the carmaker is looking to phase out low-capacity diesel motors by 2020. Expect both models to retain the 5-speed MT and the 7-speed DSG gearbox, which is currently offered on the Vento and the Polo GT trim.

Once launched, expect the two models to be priced at a premium over their current iterations. The current Polo is priced from Rs 5.71 lakh to Rs 9.72 lakh ( ex-showroom, Delhi). The Vento on the other hand is currently priced from Rs 8.65 lakh to Rs 14.34 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Also expect the next iterations of both these models to make their way to India by 2021. The Polo will rekindle its rivalry against the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Hyundai Elite i20, whereas the Vento will compete against the Hyundai Verna, Honda City and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz post launch.