Volkswagen has launched the Connected Edition of the Polo, Ameo and Vento in India, which adds an in-car connectivity system via a dongle, minor cosmetic changes and more equipment. Interestingly, the prices of the special edition are the same as the regular models.
The dongle allows owners to access a multitude of data via their smartphone, by downloading the Connect app that is available on the Google Play store and Apple Store. The app can be used to track every trip made by the car (when the phone is connected via Bluetooth to the vehicle), monitor fuel costs and driver behaviour, share location, connect to the VW helpline in case of an emergency, and schedule service appointments.
On the outside, the Connected Edition models get a black carbon finish on the wing mirrors, a glossy finished roof and side foils, 16-inch grey Portago alloy wheels and a chrome-finished Connect badge on the fender. The cabins of all three cars also sport leatherette seat covers, aluminium pedals and the Connect dongle.
The Connected Editions are mechanically unchanged. The Polo and Ameo are still offered with the same 76hp, 1.0-litre petrol, though the Polo does get the 105hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol motor in GT form. The 90hp 1.5-litre diesel on the Polo and the 110hp, 1.5-litre diesel on the Ameo (which is shared with the Vento) is also the same. The Vento, meanwhile, also comes with the option of a 105hp, 1.6-litre petrol motor.
During the festive season, the new features, along with connectivity solution, should add more appeal to the Polo hatchback (Rs 5.55-9.39 lakh), the Ameo compact sedan (Rs 5.65-9.99 lakh) and the Vento midsize sedan (Rs 8.38-14.02 lakh) for tech-savvy buyers.
All prices are ex-showroom, India
Suraj Viswanathan
Glenn Noronha
Dipan Sur
Uday Singh
