Vento 2013-2015 1.5 TDI Trendline Review
Volkswagen India has rolled out the facelifted version of its popular sedan Vento in the country's car market with minor cosmetic updates. There are three diesel variants available in its model portfolio, out of which, Volkswagen Vento 1.5 TDI Trendline is the entry level trim. This variant is now powered by a 1.5-litre engine instead of the earlier 1.6-litre power plant. It can displace 1498cc and has the ability to generate a maximum power of 103.5bhp in combination with 250Nm of peak torque output. Its braking and suspension mechanism are quite proficient, which keeps it well balanced. This sedan has an updated front bumper, radiator grille and headlight cluster with black finish that gives it a refreshed appearance. At the same time, its rear end received modified tail light cluster and body colored bumper. Its interiors also gets some minor changes like a new sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel with piano black detailing and a revamped center console with matte silver inserts. Some other aspects include a speed sensitive electronic steering system, an air conditioning unit with dust and pollen filter, gearshift indicator, stylish instrument cluster with tachometer, odometer and speedometer. As far as its safety aspects are concerned, it is being offered with rear fog lights, front disc brakes, 3-point seat belts, and many other such aspects. Apart from the Candy White, Reflex Silver and Terra Beige, the company is offering this sedan with three new exterior paint options, which are Night Blue, Deep Black Pearl and Toffee Brown. This sedan will compete against the likes of Maruti Ciaz, Ford Fiesta, Skoda Rapid, Hyundai Verna and others in this segment.
Exteriors:
One of the highlights of this sedan is its style and appearance. To begin with the frontage, it is blessed with a new radiator grille, which is fitted with a horizontally positioned chrome plated slats. It is embedded with a prominent company logo in the center. This grille is flanked by a refreshed headlight cluster that is incorporated with high intensity halogen lamps and side turn indicator. The new bumper is painted in body color and houses a wide air intake section for cooling the engine. Its large front screen is made of laminated tinted glass and is integrated with a pair of wipers with 4-speed variable speed setting . Its side profile has expressive lines and well crafted wheel arches. These arches have been fitted with a robust set of 14 inch steel wheels, which are further covered with full wheel covers. These rims are equipped with 175/70 R14 sized tubeless radial tyres. The door handles and external rear view mirrors are painted in body color while the window sill are in black color. The rear end has a striking taillight cluster that dominates the entire facet. Its boot lid is neatly designed and is embossed with chrome plated company badge. The windscreen has a defogger and is accompanied by centrally located third brake light.
Interiors:
The internal cabin of Volkswagen Vento 1.5 TDI Trendline is quite spacious and is made of high quality scratch resistant plastic materials. Its cabin is done up with a dual tone finish, which gives a plush look to the interiors. It is integrated with well cushioned seats that are covered with superior “Livon” fabric upholstery. The 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 . The tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel is quite responsive and makes handling easier. It has a 12V power socket in center console for charging gadgets. It is also integrated with 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, low fuel warning lamp, driver seat belt reminder notification and so on.
Engine and Performance:
This particular variant is powered by a new 1.5-litre, In-line, diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1498cc. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. This mill can unleash a maximum power of about 103.5bhp at 4400rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 250Nm between 1500 to 2500rpm . It is skilfully coupled with a five speed manual transmission gearbox that delivers the engine torque to its front wheels. It allows the sedan to obtain a top speed of about 186 Kmph and helps it to cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 11.2 seconds. This motor is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which helps in churning out 17.25 Kmpl in the city traffic conditions and 20.34 Kmpl on the bigger roads.
Braking and Handling:
The front wheels of this Volkswagen Vento 1.5 TDI Trendline trim are fitted with a set of disc brakes, while rear wheels get conventional drum brakes. On the other hand, the front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut, which also has stabilizer bar. While the rear axle is fitted with semi independent trailing arm type of suspension system. This sedan is also integrated with a speed sensitive electronic power steering system that is quite responsive and makes it easy to steer the vehicle even in heavy traffic.
Comfort Features:
Although it is the base variant, it comes with a lengthy list of convenience features, which includes air conditioner with rear AC vents, driver's seat with height adjustment function, gear shift indicator , all four power windows with driver's side auto down function, electric trunk opening, vanity mirror in left side sun blind, front intermittent wiper with 4-step variable speed settings, a radio preparation includes roof antenna and partial pre-wiring. It also has a rear parking sensors that further improve the level of conveniences inside.
Safety Features:
The list of protective features available in this trim are quite standard but are good enough to provide protection to the vehicle and to its occupants. It has 3-point seat belts for all passengers along with lap belt in middle and driver seat belt warning notification on instrument panel. Apart from these, it also has a central locking system, high mounted third brake light, rear fog lights, day and night interior rear view mirror, and height adjustable head restraints. For preventing the vehicle from any unauthorized entry, the company has given this sedan an advanced engine immobilizer with floating code.
Pros:
1. Refreshed exteriors adds to its advantage.
2. Fuel economy is quite good.
Cons:
1. Engine noise and harshness can be reduced.
2. Lack of music system is a big minus.
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