The 1.6 DOHC 16 valve engine delivers 105 PS and 153NM of torque. Although these figures look impressive on paper, how they translate on the road is extremely crucial. The 105PS of power output is not going to set the performance chart on fire. The smooth and linear power delivery from the 1.6 engine makes the car extremely easy to drive as the flow of power is absolutely seamless right from 1,000 rpm to the rev limiter. The Vento is very happy cruising at 150 clicks on the highway in the fifth gear. It is quite happy to manoeuvre the city traffic as the even spread of power helps it to take on the stop-go traffic.
A five-speed gearbox writes the car’s power on the road via the front wheels. The gearbox has a nice short throw and the shift is positive with a precise feel and action. Well-spaced gear ratios and good shift quality make for a delightful drive.
The two discs up front and drums at the rear take care of the braking. The brakes have a good firm feel. The ABS system that comes as a standard feature will add to the braking efficiency in wet conditions.
The advantage the VW engineers had was that they began with a clean slate for the suspension designed for the Indian road conditions. During our drive the road conditions varied from highway to some hilly zigzag sections and even dirt roads. The Vento was extremely stable and rock-solid at high speeds on the highway.
The true test of a car’s handling comes when you have to go round corners on the limit with an undulating road surface and still the car holds its line round the corner. The Vento did just that with great ease. During the short off-road excursion, there were no problems such as the suspension bottoming or the car grounding on speed-breakers. The Vento just makes short work of all the rough roads and potholes you can throw at it. The ride quality is top class and sets a new benchmark in the segment. The feel of steering is light yet precise and gives you excellent feedback. The car has a solid European feel.
