It has unabashedly been one of our favourite sedans in its segment and within a short span of time, has gone through another update. So here it is then, the new 2015 Volkswagen Vento that aims to be a better car than the vehicle it used to be yesterday.
We’ll mimic VW in keeping things crisp in this review and only highlight the changes this sedan has gone through. To be honest, changes aren’t skin deep, but the Germans seem to have taken the “If ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach with the 2015 Vento. Addition of new styling elements aim to boost the premium appeal of the car, giving the overall package a visual boost, while subtle changes inside the cabin try and make an already cosy place more comfortable. Click to read a detailed review of the VW Vento 1.2 TSI Petrol
So what has changed?
As the central Government completes one year in the office, everybody has been busy asking the same question. However, unlike the transformation which happens in virtual terms like GDP and BOP, the changes on the new Vento are rather clearly visible.
Starting with the Bonnet then, it has been re-profiled and the creases on the sides now run deeper, compared to the older model.
The front grille is an all-new, wider and taller unit with three prominent chrome slats running horizontally.
Headlamps continue to be the same smart looking and equally effective double barrel units.
It is the front bumper which witnesses new highlights, where the area between the grille and the airdam pouts more prominently now. A short crease has been introduced just above the fog lamps for added flair.
Where the earlier airdam used to be U-shaped space outlined by chrome, the new unit matches the horizontal theme on the grille, and has three slats running from lamp to lamp.
Talking about lamps, the earlier circular fog lamps have been replaced by horizontal units which also incorporate cornering lights.
Right at the bottom, a single strip of chrome runs through the breadth of the airdam, bringing to the fore some added shine.
Moving sideways, although VW insists that the alloy wheel design is new, it happens to be a straight pick from the Polo 1.5 TDI.
Blinkers are now integrated in the electrically folding ORVM’s, with a small lamp lighting up near the mirror, on the inside, to let anyone following too closely know about your intent to turn.
Oh and yes, door handles too are now chrome lined.
At the rear, the most prominent change is the introduction of LEDs in the tail lamps, while the brake light continues to be lit by a filament.
A strip of chrome that used to underscore the boot has been promoted to cap the cavity for the registration plate, while badging has moved down, leaving the VW logo to shine in isolation.
Like the front, the rear bumper too gets a short crease that underlines the tail lamp unit and a chrome strip that runs horizontally at the bottom, connecting safety reflectors at each end.
In addition to the internal boot release mechanism, the 2015 Volkswagen Vento also gets a soft touch boot release button above the rear registration plate.
Tired of hiding under the bumper, the exhaust tip now shines in chrome too.
The cabin looks the same to me, what has changed inside?
For amplifying the feel good factor inside the cabin, the 2015 VW Vento comes with a ‘Walnut desert beige’ interior colour theme on the Highline variant, and ‘Cloud –Titanschwarz’ (in Trendline and Comfortline variants).
Cruise control makes an appearance on the Vento and is quite a nifty feature as we found out during a lazy afternoon drive on the expressway.
What also adds to the comfort of long distance driving is the introduction of a dead pedal that compliments the cruise control feature.
The glovebox gets a cooling vent to keep your chocolates and that bottle of water chilled
What about fuel-efficiency?
Volkswagen promises up to 7.5% improvement in fuel efficiency, which must be true, considering that the on-board computer on the new Vento repeatedly showed a figure of 15-16 km/l, even when we were redlining the oil-burner quite often.
Does the New Vento ride or handle any better?
The new Vento is mechanically similar to its predecessor and we are glad it has carried over the well sorted ride and handling characteristics from the older model.
The car finds the right balance for a comfortable ride, yet isn’t sloppy when you’re in mood for some fun.
We particularly like how it masks its momentum so well and everything inside the cabin feels at ease even at three digit speeds.
The Vento is a delectable car to drive and delights just as much even when you’re in the passenger seat.
Can you put the old and the new car side-by-side for us to have a better understanding of the changes?
Out with the brown, beige with the new
Sideways…
Behind the scenes…
What about the Engine, is it any different?
The 2015 Volkswagen Vento comes in both petrol and diesel options. The oil-burner is a 1.5-liter, TDI motor that makes 105 PS and 250 NM of torque.
You can either opt for a 5-speed manual, or a smooth 7-speed DSG shifting between gears for you.
If petrol rocks your boat, a 1.2-liter TSI motor making 105 PS of power at 5000 clicks and 175 NM of twist between 1500 – 4100rpm is also on offer. Mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox, it makes your left palm itchy and makes you want to drive it in ‘Sports’ mode all day.
Why should I buy it?
With these added features, the Volkswagen Vento will try to outshine its competition, although it might lack the glitz which some of its rivals carry, like a fancy screen or a navigation system, duties which your phone can handle anyways. What the Vento banks on is solid build quality, exemplary ride and handling, quality of materials, cabin comfort and an all-rounder of a diesel motor, all of these parameters working in perfect symphony to make you experience the joys of motoring.
Coupled with that magically refined DSG box, there’s hardly anything out there that can be as relaxing in rush hour traffic and equally entertaining on open roads.
Would you buy the manual or the 7-speed DSG variant?
We’d close our eyes, wear blinders, spin ourselves and still pick the DSG variant.
Why does this review sound so unusually positive? I’ve heard VW service stations aren’t so easy to find, nor is the service/spares too economical
Because the VW Vento is a well-engineered product indeed that ticks all the right boxes. One might say VW’s service network isn’t as widespread as its rivals, but that place isn’t a grocery store you’d have to visit often if a well-built product is what you’ve bought.
Specifications and Image Gallery
Engine & Transmission | ||
---|---|---|
Description | 1.5L TDI Engine | |
Engine Type | 4-Cylinder, In-line | |
Displacement (cc) | 1498 | |
Fuel Efficiency (km/l)* | 20.34 | |
Transmission | 5-speed MT / 7-Speed DSG |
Performance | ||
---|---|---|
Max. Power [PS(kW)@rpm] | 105 (77) @ 4400 | |
Max. Torque [Nm@rpm] | 250 @ 1500-2500 |
Steering | ||
---|---|---|
Type | Electronic power steering | |
Turning Radius (metres) | 5.4 |
Brakes | ||
---|---|---|
Front | Disc | |
Rear | Drum |
Suspension | ||
---|---|---|
Front | McPherson Strut with Stabiliser Bar | |
Rear | Semi-independent Trailing Arm |
Tyres and Wheels | ||
---|---|---|
Wheels | 185/60 R15 (Alloy) |
Weight | ||
---|---|---|
Kerb Weight (kg) | 1211 | |
Gross vehicle weight (kg) | 1750 |
Exterior dimensions | ||
---|---|---|
Lenght (mm) | 4384 | |
Width (mm) | 1699 | |
Height (mm) | 1466 | |
Wheelbase (mm) | 2552 | |
Front/Rear Track (mm) | 1460/1498 | |
Minimum Ground Clearance (mm) | 165 |
Fuel tank | ||
---|---|---|
Fuel Tank Capacity (ltrs) | 55 |
Hi Gaurav,
The facelift should hit dealerships next month
gaurav i had a talk with VW metropolitan (New delhi) as even im buying this car, they said it would come in the first week of june but take it with a pinch of salt.
changes looks definitely cool . I was just about to book the 2014 facelift version but seems something new is coming soon . Can you please confirm when this facelift version can hit their showrooms . According to my dealer they don’t have any idea but online sites are claiming that it might come next month . Any idea would be helpful and thanks for details changes review..
Hi Ashi,
Both the cars we tested were diesel powered, we’d only know at launch if the TSi comes with Cruise Control. The TSi DSG is definitely more fun 🙂
Does the TSI variant (Highline) comes with Cruise Control, Deal Pedal as well or is it only in the Diesel variant. Also, a fun question- Which DSG is more fun to drive – The TSI or TDI?