The german shephard

Exterior The Vento is vw's offering in the mid side sedan C2 segment. The vento looks like a polo with a boot which exactly is the car which it is based on. However unlike other similar models,the vento has a longer wheelbase which is noticable when parked side by side to the polo.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) If you have been in a polo before than you will be familiar with the interiors of the vento.It has a typically german highish dashboard, with simple yet functional design.The dashbaord has a combination of dark and beige colour combination which breaks the monotony of the then simple looking dash design. The center console sports a integrated media player which has a inbuilt reverse parking visual aid(only in HL model).Automatic climate control module sits below it. The buttons feel nice to touch and built to last.However the ac vents feel a bit fragile.There is a arm rest for the driver which seems more like a ergonomic failure considering the fact that it hinders the operation of the handbrake.The arm rest also houses a small storage compartment. However the fragile looking arm rest lid lock seems out of place of a otherwise solid made car. The front seats are average and lack side and under thigh support, feel too basic considering the price point.(the honda city ivtecs seat are segment benchmark). The rear seat is also too basic with just a plain bench with a bit too upright recline angle.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Here comes the party piece of the Vento tdi. If you ask me why would I want to but the diesel vento, It would be the 1.6tdi engine.Start the motor and the car shakes as if you are starting a truck. There is a lot of diesel clatter from the engine especially on cold start, thankfully it settles down with warmer engine.Still the clatter is always audible. Lot of engine and drivertrain moments are felt on the clutch and accelerator pedal when the engine is idling.Revv it a bit and the vibrations smoothens a bit with a sound of a crude engine noise. This being the downside of the oil burner. Now comes the best part. First gears is short,shift to second at around 1100-1300rpms, find a empty stretch of road and floor the pedal, the engine revvs seamlessly and once arossing 2000rpm there is a massive surge of torque pushing you back into your seat till around 4000rpm after which the pull tapers off, however unlike other diesel's this 1.6 tdi is extremely free revving and will easily hit its 5400rpm redline if you wish it to. Performance is explosive and if you really love the shove of torque this is the car to choose blindly, It beats hands down all cars in the c2 segment plus a few over its segment when it comes to in gear acceleration.0-100 is achievable in sub 10 secs. Performance is one side and for the sedate folks out there, yes there is good news, the engine is very frugal and delivery around 18 to 22kmpl depending on the situation.

Tthe clutch is a bit heavy but progressive.gear box is nice and the gears slot in effortlessly and is a joy to use.

Ride Quality & Handling German cars have always been a drivers delight and this one is not different either. Ride quality is a bit on firmer sider. However it glides over medium pot holes, whilst crashing a bit in the bad ones. The ride quality improves with speed. The highway is where the car shines and shows its european roots. Where most japanese and indian cars feel wallowy and jumpy on road undulations the vento rides absolutely flat.high speed stabilty is brilliant and the car also loves corners equally. You can drive safely and confidently at tripple digit speeds all day without breaking into sweat, further coupled with the brilliant punchy engine, its a enthusiasts delight. Dont be fooled with the plain jane looks of the vento.It can be a perfect example of wolf in sheeps clothing in car terms here in india.

Final Words Solid fun to drive car whilst being favourable to the "kitna deti hai" janta as well.

Areas of improvement Rear seat comfort and leg room, some niceties and feel good features like key less entry, start stop button and so on.

Solid build quality, built to last interiors,Punchy and efficient diesel engine, Ride quality.Rear seat space and recline angle, noisy motor on the outside.