Introduction
The B-segment sedan market is a highly demanding one. For some consumers out there, it’s the next step after they’ve gotten that raise, and want to upgrade from their preloved Perodua Kancil to a “ Rich Man’s” Kancil instead. For others, it’s the sweet spot in terms of manoeuvring and size, without having to dive into the C-segment market.
The Volkswagen Vento is the latest offering by Volkswagen, ready to take the fight against established brands such as the Toyota Vios and Honda City in Malaysia.
Exterior of the Vento
On the looks front, the Vento is certainly a handsome looking thing. Though it may be a facelifted Polo Sedan that was introduced by Volkswagen a few years back, the significant exterior overhaul might trick some into believing it is a “Passat Jr.” The big changes take place at the front, with a larger grille with three chrome slats, followed by a restyled hood and bumper. The latter now features rectangular fog lights, which join the halogen headlamps.
At the rear, the changes are more subtle, with a slightly tweaked bumper. Chrome trim pieces have also been added to the lower apron and bootlid as well, and there are new graphics for the tail lamps. Rounding up the exterior highlights are 16-inch ‘Syenit’ five-twin-spoke alloy wheels with a two-tone machined finish.
Performance of the Vento
Under the hood, the Vento Highline gets a 1.2 litre TSI four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, a step up from the lower (Trendline and Comfortline) variants’ 1.6 litre MPI NA four-pot. Power for the blown Euro 5 motor is 105 PS at 5,000 rpm, while torque is rated at 175 Nm (up by 22 Nm from the MPI) between 1,550 and 4,100 rpm. Like on the previous CBU Polo Hatch, the partnering transmission is a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch unit.
Well, the powertrain is a good start. The pint-sized 1.2 litre TSI turbo mill may not generate as much horsepower as the larger 1.5 litre powerplants in its rivals, but it has a lot more torque than both. Translated to on-the-road performance, the engine propels the Vento’s 1,178 kg kerb weight with ease and urgency.
The seven-speed DSG is as you’d expect, providing quick and seamless shifts when operated manually via the gear lever (no paddle shifters here). Left to its own devices, the dual-clutch box does take a moment to respond to a sudden dose of throttle input. According to Volkswagen, the 1.2 TSI and seven-speed DSG combo provides a claimed fuel consumption figure of just 5.5 litres per 100 km (combined).
Vento’s Driveablity
On the road the Vento makes a solid first impression.It so refined. Road and wind noise kept to a bare minimum.The ride is also pretty comfortable and it does feels sightly better as compared to the Honda City as well. In addition,the sound Insulation and suspension also adds to the impression of a good ride.
Wind noise is also kept at a minimum, unless you plan to exceed the legal speed limit of 110 km/h, which is highly unlikely given the limitations of highways in Malaysia.
On the downside, the ‘Cable’ fabric-upholstered seats could use some improvement to lower back support to better facilitate long-distance driving comfort. However, those not involved in the driving will be pleased to know that there is an ample amount of legroom available.
Rear air-con vents are also available for passengers at the back. However the rear passengers are unlikely to be able to withstand the hot weather in Malaysia as the rear air con seat aren’t powerful blowers.
Boot Space of the Vento
Moving on to practicality, the Vento unfortunately will not snatch the “king of packaging” title from the Honda City. Its 454 litres of boot space beats the Mazda 2’s 410 litres, but loses out to the City’s 536 litres. Cabin storage space echoes the same tune here, just shy of what the Honda can offer, but better than the Mazda.
Interior of the Vento
Speaking of the cabin, it looks like an interior from 1990’s despite the fact that it is a car that was designed for the modern age.
The multimedia 5 inch head unit does the usual radio, Bluetooth and such, but doesn’t come with HDMI input or navigation. It is rather small in comparison to its competitor such as the Honda City and Toyota Vios which offers a 7 inch display for their multimedia unit.
It is a shame that the Vento doesn’t comes with the keyless entry as well as push button start and even a reverse camera
This is quite a disappointment to potential car buyers as as local manufacturer Perodua has all the 3 features mention above included in its Myvi and is price around RM 40k cheaper as compared to the Vento in Malaysia.
Summary
To sum up, the Volkswagen Vento delivers a wonderful driving experience thanks to its punchy power-train and lovely dynamics that epitomizes German engineering.
However the Vento lacks a certain number of standard equipment's that should be included for a car of its price in the market.
If your looking for a more pleasant driving experience on a day to day basis than the Vento is the car for you. However if your look most individuals out there that prefer gadgets over the driverablity of the car, then you can opt for the Honda City or even the Toyota Vios in the market.
At RM94,461 on-the-road price without insurance, it is a little on the high side, so if your the type of consumer that is looking for more toys (features) to play with, it is likely that you would be utterly disappointed, and may opt alternatives brands in the market instead.
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