VW Vento starts at Rs 6.99 lakh

Volkswagen India has just revealed the prices of the Vento saloon with the base petrol Trendline version being priced at a stunning Rs 6.99lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), rising upto Rs 9.21lakh for the top-end (Auto) variant. Similarly for the diesel version, the Trendline variant starts at Rs 7.99lakh, with the top-end Highline variant rising to Rs 9.23lakh.

With bookings already underway, deliveries of the Vento saloon will start from September 6, 2010. The Vento is aimed directly at the Honda City which has a starting price tag of Rs 8.13lakh for the base petrol which rises up to Rs 9.77lakh for the Automatic variant.

The Vento is powered by 1.6-litre diesel and petrol engines, both producing 105bhp and 25.51kgm and 15.61kgm torque respectively. The 1.6-litre petrol motor will get a six-speed automatic option along with the five-speed manual gearbox. The diesel is only available with five-speed manual transmission.

The new VW saloon sports impressive interiors with solid build quality and class-leading materials. The rear seats offer plenty of legroom but headroom could be an issue for taller passengers. The seat bench itself is flat and the long squab means sitting three abreast for long journeys will be a comfortable affair. The unique feature for India though is the front passenger seat which can be adjusted from the rear, a feature not found on even the Russian Vento. This can be done via a lever on the backrest of the front seat (see image gallery). Across all variants, the rear passengers get a rear AC vent and reading lamp as well.

The Vento also comes equipped with coat hooks, front and rear centre armrest, ‘Livon’ fabric upholstery and lots of chrome inlays inside and out. The boot space is impressive, but the fuel tank and suspension struts intrude into it a bit. VW has engineered the Vento’s suspension for Indian roads, giving it a rough road package, increased ground clearance and a partially zinc coated body with a six-year anti-rust warranty.

The car is shod with 185/60R15 tyres, features automatic climate control and comes with beige colour interiors. However, steering-mounted audio controls are missing.

The Vento has been designed in line with VW’s ‘La Semplicité’ design language which means simple, clean and bold lines. The name was given by Walter de Silva, Head of Design, VW Group, and the design theme has been carried over from Polo to the Vento.

Christian Klinger, Board member for Sales & Marketing, VW, has also stressed that the Vento has been designed and engineered for the Indian and Russian markets.