Volkswagen Vento 2013-2015 1.2 TSI Highline AT

Vento 2013-2015 1.2 TSI Highline AT Review

Volkswagen Group has launched the facelifted version of its stylish sedan Vento in car bazaar. It is available in both petrol and diesel engine options. Among several trim levels, the Volkswagen Vento 1.2 TSI Highline AT is the top end variant. It is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1197cc. It has the ability of churning out a maximum power output of 103.5bhp along with 175Nm of peak torque output. This engine is skilfully mated with a seven speed automatic dual-shift gearbox (DSG) that transmits power to the front wheels. The company has modified its exteriors, which gives it an attractive look. This facelifted version gets refreshed bumper along with wide air dam, revamped radiator grille and and headlight cluster. It also has a brand new set of alloy wheels, which further enhances the look of its side profile. At present, the company is selling this sedan in quite a few exterior paint options. These are Candy White, Reflex Silver and Terra Beige along with three new colors that are Night Blue, Deep Black Pearl and Toffee Brown. On the other hand, the internal cabin also has been updated with re-designed flat bottom steering wheel with piano black detailing and central console with matte black finish. This stylish sedan will compete against the likes of Hyundai Verna, Ford Fiesta, Skoda Rapid, Honda City and others in this segment. It is being offered with a three years warranty for paint along with six years anti-corrosion warranty. At the same time, it comes with a standard warranty of two years or unlimited Kilometers. While the customers can also avail an extended warranty of one year or 80000 Kilometers, whichever is earlier.

Exteriors:

The overall dimensions remain unchanged with a large wheelbase of 2552mm, an overall length of 4384mm and a total width of 1699mm along with a decent height of 1466mm. The minimum ground clearance is about 168mm. The front facade is fitted with a new radiator grille, which has a couple of chrome slats and embedded with a prominent company logo in the center. This grille is surrounded by a sleek headlight cluster that is incorporated with high intensity lamps and side turn indicator. The body colored bumper houses a wide air dam, which is flanked by a couple of fog lamps. It also has a pair of round shaped fog lamps. The windscreen is made of green tinted glass and integrated with a set of intermittent wipers. Its side profile has body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors. These external wing mirrors are electrically adjustable and fitted with side turn indicator. The flared up wheel arches have been fitted with a brand new set of 15 inch alloy wheels that enhances the look of its side profile. These rims are further covered with 185/60 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres. The rear end gets a body colored bumper with fog lamps, stylish tail light cluster and an expressive boot lid with variant badging.

Interiors:

The company has given this Volkswagen Vento 1.2 TSI Highline AT trim a well furnished cabin and it is made of high quality scratch resistant plastic material. It is integrated with well cushioned seats that are covered with superior “Livon” fabric upholstery. The tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel is quite responsive and it comes with a tilt adjustable function, which makes handling easier. It has a 12V power socket in center console for charging mobiles and other electronic devices. The dual tone dashboard is equipped with a few features like a new sporty steering wheel with piano black detailing, AC vents, a large glove box and an advanced instrument panel. It also has an advanced air conditioning unit including dust and pollen filter for purifying the cabin air. Its illuminated instrument panel houses a digital tachometer, multi-tripmeter, digital clock and driver seat belt reminder notification.

Engine and Performance:

This particular variant is powered by a 1.2-litre, turbocharged petrol engine, which can displace 1197cc. It has the ability of generating a maximum power of 103.5bhp at 5000rpm in combination with a torque output of 175Nm between 1500 to 4100rpm. This motor is mated with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission gear box that distributes the engine power to its front wheels. It powers the motor to zoom towards a top speed of approximately 183 Kmph and can accelerate from 0-100 Kmph in close to 9.2 seconds. This mill is incorporated with a direct injection fuel supply system that helps in producing 12.34 Kmpl within the city and 16.93 Kmpl on the bigger roads.

Braking and Handling:

Its front and rear wheels are equipped a set of disc and drum brakes respectively. It is further augmented by anti lock braking system. It also has hill hold function. On the other hand, the front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut, which also has stabilizer bar. While rear axle is fitted with a semi independent trailing arm type of mechanism. This variant is bestowed with electronic stabilization program. The tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel is quite responsive. It supports a minimum turning radius of 5.4 meters.

Comfort Features:

This Volkswagen Vento 1.2 TSI Highline AT variant is incorporated with a number of sophisticated features. For in-car entertainment, it is being offered with an advanced 2-DIN audio unit, which supports USB interface, Aux-in port, an SD card slot along with Bluetooth connectivity . This trim is incorporated with an advanced multi-functional display, which includes traveling time, distance traveled, digital speed display, average speed, speed limit warning, fuel efficiency and outside temperature. It has a climatronic automatic air conditioning unit with dust and pollen filter along with a rear AC vent as well. The multi-functional steering wheel is mounted with audio and call control buttons.

Safety Features:

The list of standard protective aspects include rear fog lamps, a centrally located high mounted stop lamp, day and night internal rear view mirror, height adjustable head restraints and 3-point seat belts for all passengers. In addition to these, it is also integrated with ABS, ESP, hill hold control, pinch guard safety for all four power windows, airbags for driver and front co-passenger. It has an advanced engine immobilizer with floating code that safeguards the vehicle from unauthorized entry.

Pros:

1. Good engine performance.

2. Decent comfort and safety aspects.

Cons:

1. Fuel economy is not up to the mark.

2. Less ground clearance and boot capacity.