Vento Highline Diesel experience after driving 23,000KM

Exterior

Exterior styling is an individual choice. For me Vento comes with understated styling with less cuts and creases compared to Japanese/Korean models. It is definitely not a head turner but I believe more you look at this car it grows on you. For me it looks more sober on road and it does speak out its presence on road even through it has understated styling.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

When you get inside this car, you might not get blown away with futuristic design dashboard and equipment level, rather what you notice is plane looks of interiors.  This does not mean it lacks features, it has all possible usuable features like automatic climate control, rake and reach steering, trip computer, reverse parking sensors, driver seat height adjust & definitely very good leatherette seats (highline model). Back seat legroom and under thigh support is one of the best in its class. The design of the dashboard is good and an individual can have good road visibility. Every control falls very easily on the hand (only one area you need to adjust is turn indicators & wipers are opposite compared to Japanese & Korean cars). Finally, one of the most reassuring part is once you close the door you will hear a nice THUD sound which is music to ears assuring you are surrounded by good metal body, which is definitely missing in Japanese/Korean/American car manufacturers. Even the plastics used inside is top notch and really screwed well because even after driving 23K Kilometers there is absolutely no rattling sound. 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

It has one of the best diesel engines in its class (105 BHP). Engine is so tractable that you can pull in 3rd gear from 20KMPH to 120KMPH easily. Best part of this car is its engine & why not after all it is VW group. I have driven till date 23,000KM and most of my drive is home-office-home & few long highway drives. In town it gives me mileage of 13-14KM/L whereas on highway it gives me 22-25KM/L (@80-100KM/H speed). There is no turbo lag at all and very drivable engine in bumper to bumper traffic or on highways. 5 speed gear box is absolutely fantastic to use & is very sleek. 

Ride Quality & Handling

Ride quality is absolutely amazing. In straight line stability no car in its class (Japanese/Korean or American) can match Germans. Vento also performs well on twisty roads with almost no body roll. From handling perspective, steering is quite light in low speeds whereas it weighs up well as you gain speed. Absolutely no complain on ride quality and handling whether you are driving in town or on highways (highway driving in Vento will put smile in your face).

Final Words

I can see lot of people complained about this car but as an owner I have never faced any challenge in service nor in spares. Not sure if some of these comments are unnecessarily exaggerated. For my first service I have spent close to INR 11K, which was done in June 2013. This year also the cost is INR 11.5K (including wheel alignment). This is definitely not expensive in any manner. Secondly, in 2013, there was an issue with AC Flop motor in my car. Air was not getting circulated from central vents. Car was returned back to me in 2 days in perfect condition. Also as the part was under warranty there was no amount I have to pay apart from pickup and drop charges of INR 300. 

Areas of improvement  

 

I suggest VW to improve lighting of headlights. Another concern area for me in Apollo tyres which are not of good quality and runs only 35K-40K KMS.  It will be good if it comes with Bridgestone factory fitted tyres.

 

Good fuel economy, sober styling, spacious back seat, excellent ride quality & high speed stabilityHeadlights & Tyres needs improvement