Volkswagen Vento 2013-2015 1.6 Highline

Vento 2013-2015 1.6 Highline Review

Volkswagen India has launched the facelifted version of its popular sedan, Vento with both petrol and diesel engine options. It is a five seater car, which is available in three trim levels. Out of these, Volkswagen Vento 1.6 Highline is a top end variant that is blessed with some new interior as well as exterior aspects. The refreshing interiors includes a new flat bottom designed steering wheel that is mounted with audio controls. It has an advanced infotainment system that provides best in-car entertainment. Other aspects in the cabin include a multi information display, front and rear power windows, air conditioning unit and many storage spaces. The car maker has improved its exterior look with some changes made to its front and rear profile. The front facade looks aggressive with dual beam headlamps, radiator grille and a body colored bumper. Whereas the attractive rear end includes powerful tail lamps, bumper and a pair of fog lamps. The side profile includes an elegant set of 15 inch SPOKANE alloy wheels that adds to its appearance. This latest version is offered in a few body paint options like Toffee Brown, Candy White, Deep Black Pearl, Reflex Silver, Night Blue and Terra Beige as well. In terms of engine specifications, it has the same 1.6-litre petrol engine that displaces 1598cc. This 4-cylinder engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission gear box. It delivers a peak power of 103.56bhp in combination with a maximum torque output of 153Nm, which is quite good for the Indian road conditions. As far as the safety is concerned, it has front and rear 3-point seat belts, ABS, dual front airbags and front disc brakes as well. On the other hand, it has a proficient suspension system that keeps it well balanced at all times. It has a standard warranty of two years or unlimited kilometers, whichever is earlier. This can be further increased for another two years or 1,00,000 kilometers. Besides this, its owners can avail the roadside assistance for a period of two years.

Exteriors:

This Vento model series receives major updates to its exteriors that makes it look more captivating. To start with the front fascia, it has a trendy dual barrel headlight cluster that is integrated with powerful halogen lamps as well as turn indicators. The radiator grille includes two horizontally positioned slats that are treated with chrome. It is also neatly embossed with an insignia of the company at the center. Below this grille is a body colored bumper in attractive design. It is fitted with an airdam and a couple of bright fog lamps that improves visibility during foggy climatic conditions. Other aspects in the frontage include a wide windscreen that is made of heat insulating glass. It is fitted with a pair of intermittent wipers that have a four step speed setting . The side profile comes with black color garnished window sill along with body colored outside rear view mirrors and door handles. Moreover, it has neatly carved wheel arches that are fitted with a new set of 15 inch alloy wheels. These are covered with 185/60 R15 sized high performance tubeless radial tyres, which offer an excellent grip on roads. The rear end has a stylish look with aspects like a redesigned tail light cluster and a body colored bumper. It also has an expressive boot lid that is further engraved with the company's badge on it.

Interiors:

The elegantly decorated interiors are designed with high quality scratch resistance plastic materials that gives it a plush look. The spacious cabin takes in five people and offers comfortable seating besides providing them with ample leg and head room. These seats are covered with leatherette upholstery, while the steering wheel, gear shift knob as well as hand brake lever handle are also wrapped with leather. The equipments on dashboard include a central console, multi function steering wheel and an advanced infotainment system. There are several storage spaces offered like a sun glass holder, cup holders in center console, front and rear doors with storage compartments, storage space underneath the front armrest and a few others. Apart from these, the cabin includes a 12V power outlet for charging electronic gadgets, three grab handles with coat hooks, trunk illumination and a spaciously designed glove box wherein, useful things can be placed. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is mounted with audio controls for the convenience of driver.

Engine and Performance:

The manufacturer has introduced this latest Volkswagen Vento 1.6 Highline trim with a 1.6-litre petrol engine that displaces 1598cc. This double overhead camshaft valve configuration based motor carries 4-cylinders and sixteen valves. It is integrated with a multi point fuel injection system that helps in returning a mileage of 15.04 Kmpl and 12.02 Kmpl on highways and within the city respectively. The maximum power generated by this mill is 103.56bhp at 5250rpm and it yields 153Nm of torque output at 3800rpm. The efficient five speed manual gearbox is paired with this engine that enables it to distribute torque output to its front wheels. It propels the vehicle to cross the 100 Kmph speed mark in 10.7 seconds and to achieve a top speed of about 185 Kmph, which is quite good.

Braking and Handling:

This top end variant comes with a reliable braking and handling aspects that gives a hassle free driving. There are a set of disc brakes fitted to its front wheels and drum brakes are used for the rear ones. It is further assisted by anti-lock braking system that ensures the vehicle remains stable and in control even at the time of sudden braking. In terms of suspension, the front axle gets a McPherson strut along with a stabilizer bar, while the rear one has a semi-independent trailing arm type of mechanism. It has an electronic power assisted steering system with speed sensitive function that minimizes the efforts of driver even during heavy traffic conditions.

Comfort Features:

This trim in its model series is blessed with some innovative comfort aspects that give an enjoyable driving experience. It includes a climatronic automatic air conditioning unit with dust and pollen filter along with rear AC vents. There is a height adjustable driver’s seat, while the external mirrors are electrically adjustable. The infotainment system supports USB, SD Card Slot and AUX-In sockets along with Bluetooth connectivity for mobile phones. Another comfort aspect is the multi-information display includes traveling time, distance traveled, average speed, speed limit warning and outside temperature display. In addition to these, it has power operated windows, rear defogger, front vanity mirror on sun visor, remote boot lid opener, lane change indicator, electric trunk opening as well as front and rear center armrest.

Safety Features:

This stylish Volkswagen Vento 1.6 Highline variant is loaded with many protective aspects. The list includes an electronic engine immobilizer system with floating code, pinch guard safety for all power windows, height adjustable headrests, high mount third brake light and central locking system. Other features like three point front and rear seat belts, ABS, dual front airbags, manual day and night internal rear view mirror are also provided.

Pros:

1. Availability of many comfort aspects.
2. It has a reliable braking system.

Cons:

1. Fuel economy is not up to the mark.
2. Interiors can be further improved.