Volkswagen Vento 2015-2019

Features: The Volkswagen Vento now features all-LED headlamps, LED taillamps and new alloy wheels, but on a very familiar body shape. It has grown in length and width compared to the car first launched in 2010, but that is hard to decipher if you glance at it. If you choose the Sport variant, you can also choose from a new red paint, gloss black roof and spoiler, carbon-fibre ORVM covers and new alloy wheels. The Volkswagen Vento features a understated cabin with a dual-tone black-and-beige theme. The centre console is angled towards the driver for that sporty feel, with the flat-bottom steering also adding to that theme. The design overall is very basic but its cleanliness makes it feel premium. It can seat five adults at a squeeze and four adults very comfortably. Rear A/C vents are offered and make the cabin more comfortable to be in.

Engine: The Volkswagen Vento is offered with four different engine-transmission combinations. The petrol engines include a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine developing 77PS/153Nm and is paired to 5-speed manual transmission, while a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine is also available paired only to a 7-speed DSG. A diesel motor can also be had - a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged unit which can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG. Power is sent to the front wheels, with the AT variants featuring traction control as an added safety equipment.

Rivals: The Volkswagen Vento has competition from Europe, Japan and Korea. Fiat Linea: The Italian offering is the other older car in the segment, once known for its simple but beautiful design, good build quality and great handling. While the build quality is still good, the Linea suffers from old-school features, inadequate space, complaint of spare parts costs and a small service network. Maruti Suzuki Ciaz: One the best selling cars in its segment, the Ciaz is sold through the company’s premium Nexa sales network. The Ciaz may not be a looker but it has the advantage of offering one of the most spacious cabins in the segment, good features, a very efficient diesel engine and is backed by Maruti’s large service network. The 1.3-litre diesel motor may not be powerful, but is very efficient thanks to the company’s SmartHybrid mild-hybrid system. Honda City: Honda’s midsize premium sedan was given a comprehensive refresh in 2017 which raised its premiumness through the roof with features like All-LED lights, new 16-inch alloy wheels and refreshed interiors with a spacious rear cabin. The 1.5-litre diesel and petrol engines are both powerful and efficient, but not in the same league as Maruti in terms of efficiency. Handling is good. though. Hyundai Verna: The new-gen Hyundai Verna has lost the curvy ‘Fluidic’ theme from its predecessor for a more grown up look. It is 65mm longer with a 30mm longer wheelbase than before, and in typical Hyundai fashion, is loaded to the gills with features. The Verna loses out on rear cabin space, which is a big negative in this segment. Skoda Rapid: Refreshed in early 2017, the Skoda Rapid is the Vento with a Czech twist. It has the same positives and negatives as the Vento but in a different looking body.

Variants: The Vento is offered with four trim levels: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline and Highline Plus. The complete variant list (metallic, ex-showroom India) is as follows, without including limited edition or special edition variants - Petrol1.6 Trendline - Rs 8.30 lakh1.6 Comfortline - Rs 9.27 lakh1.6 Highline - Rs 10.09 lakh1.2 Comfortline AT - Rs 10.53 lakh 1.6 Highline Plus (15-inch wheels) - Rs 11.02 lakh1.6 Highline Plus (16-inch wheels) - Rs 11.14 lakh1.2 Highline AT - Rs 11.46 lakh1.2 Highline Plus (15-inch wheels) AT - Rs 12.38 lakh1.2 Highline Plus (16-inch wheels) AT - Rs 12.49 lakh Diesel1.5 Trendline - Rs 9.69 lakh1.5 Comfortline - Rs 10.71 lakh1.5 Highline - Rs 11.59 lakh1.5 Comfortline AT - Rs 11.91 lakh1.5 Highline Plus (15-inch wheels) - Rs 12.50 lakh1.5 Highline Plus (16-inch wheels) - Rs 12.62 lakh1.5 Highline AT - Rs 12.84 lakh1.5 Highline Plus (15-inch wheels) AT - Rs 13.76 lakh1.5 Highline Plus (16-inch wheels) - Rs 13.87 lakh