I got a chance to get behind the wheel of the new Vento, and the Indian-manufactured 1.5-litre, TDI motor is just as spicy as its predecessor. Power and torque are linear as before and, thanks to the great low- and mid-range torque, there is hardly any turbo lag. And if you want to get going, work your right foot gently and the engine responds smoothly and with a reassuring thrum, instead of transferring all the torque at once and sounding as if it’s about to go bust.
It isn’t just all about going in a straight line, however, because the Vento handles really well while cornering too; the car remains planted and set on its path. Even on our bumpy roads the suspension works brilliantly, and the Vento takes it all in its stride and cruises along. Another hallmark from Volkswagen that the refreshed Vento has retained is its penchant for safety, with air-bags and ABS standard across all variants and a chassis and body structure that is rigid and unyielding.
The competition in its segment is fierce, but the refreshed Vento and its new and stylish looks now match that exemplary German engineering that it always packed. And this means it is right up there and fighting for the top of the pack. These changes may have come in a little late, but, nevertheless, they are here now, and in time the market will tell us how fruitful the effort has been.
