German carmaker Volkswagen is slowly but surely transitioning to a more Indian way of doing things. Whilst its current models are more in line with international standards and western tastes, VW is realising that it needs to align itself better with the Indian customer.
The Volkswagen Polo facelift is launching soon and it will come with a whole new set of goodies like LED-equipped headlights, an integrated reversing camera and power folding mirrors that have turn indicators incorporated into them.
The big news, of course, is the new 89bhp 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine, specifically developed for India that will replace the unexceptional 1.2-litre three-pot diesel, which was one of the weaknesses of the car. To keep costs in check, VW will also manufacture the engine at its Chakan plant, which is a massive step towards the localisation of the car.
The Vento will also get the same 1.5 TDi, but a more powerful version developing 104bhp, which is similar to the outgoing 1.6 diesel. The surprise is that a DSG transmission for the diesel engine will also be made available. The twin-clutch auto ’box is likely to be offered in the Vento sometime towards the end of the year, and this could be followed by the Polo 1.5 TDi automatic using the same transmission.
The Vento will also get feature upgrades, most of which are focussed on the rear seats. VW has confirmed that a rear-seat entertainment package will have individual screens in the front headrests, and is on the cards, as is a higher airbag count. VW India may also spice up the Vento with generous doses of chrome accents to appeal to Indian tastes. The Vento, which has VW’s typically understated looks, isn’t seen to be as exciting as cars like the Verna and City.
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Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
