Volkswagen Vento TSI DSG Automatic Review, Features, Specifications

Vento first introduced in 2010, received two engines – a 1.6 litre petrol and a 1.6 litre diesel mills. Volkswagen then shared these engines in Polo 1.6 variant and Polo GT TDI respectively to make the Polo hatchback more capable on road. VW didn’t stop there.

Volkswagen India offered another model, Polo GT TSI with a new 1.2 litre TSI engine mated to a whooping 7 speed DSG (Dual Shift Gearbox). Interestingly then, Vento went ahead and borrowed the powertrain from Polo GT TSI hatchback and thus Vento TSI was born. 1.2 litre TSI petrol engine churns out maximum power of 105 PS @ 5,000 rpm and peak toque of 175 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,100 rpm.

Combination of 1.2 TSI and the 7 speed DSG offers enjoyable driving experience. Acceleration is quick even when car is filled to capacity, thanks to wide range of peak torque delivery. Power surge is well pronounced, does not feel like its fading at a point, largely due to clever DSG with 7 speeds. Gearshifts are clearly felt, but they are brisk and smooth like those in more expensive cars.

Slot the stick to Drive mode and just keep going without a worry of driving difficulty in dense traffic or bad roads. You can enter Manual mode anytime by just pushing the gear rod to left of D mode. To get back to automatic, push it to right, back to D mode anytime then. Just below D is Sports mode, which revs the engine until redline for each upshift, and passes on a burst of power to front wheels.

All the while, you’ll be riding comfortably, in any driving mode even at varied driving behaviour. Shocks are tuned incredibly well for surprises we are acquainted with on Indian roads. Sharp or sudden disturbances do push thuds into cabin, but it just gives you a warning. Common road irregularities are ironed out with ease. Ground clearance of 168mm may not be best in class, but you rarely get into situations where you will be needing more.

Handling is one of Volkswagen Vento TSI’s forte. Although steering could have been heavier or programmed to pass more feedback as enthusiasts would prefer, it would be fine for most drivers. Nevertheless, Vento TSI handles very precisely to every degree or minute of steering turn. Electronic speed sensitive steering do become better at high speeds, especially while cornering.

Body control is highly appreciative. ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and Hill Hold features work like a charm. Regular Vento models would easily let its tail loose during high speed cornering, but TSI variant with ESP brings the car back into path even if you push it hard. A rapid lane change at high speed demanded by pressing situation while on full load in Vento TSI felt very confident like it wanted more. ABS with EBD offers very good braking control, nothing to complain there, but sharper bite would have made it even more fun.

All such action is packed into one understated and elegant looking midsize sedan by Volkswagen. Twin chrome slat front grille, sleek looking headlamps, bare black goatee with fog lamps on either sides, plain yet contemporary side profile, almost boxy rear with simple tail light assembly and trunk lid hosted license place dent bears more of executive class styling than young and sporty. But a fair amount of custom body work can easily make Volkswagen Vento racy; indicating versatility behind simplicity.

Interiors with black and beige cabin finish, faux leather seat upholstery, thin silver surrounds on AC vents & music player and clear and big control knobs and buttons are humble and urbane. Material quality, especially plastics, door heaviness and door shut quality does not feel as strong as that of Volkswagen Polo. Otherwise they are fine, not much to criticise about. Buttons on steering wheel, centre console and doors are ergonomic and offer sufficient feedback.

Seats of Volkswagen Vento TSI are adequately soft and relaxing. Driver seat comes with height adjust. Tall and short drivers can set proper driving position, thanks to well positioned gear rod, arm rest and tilt & telescopic adjustable steering wheel.

The stretched out Polo gets enough legroom for rear seat occupants. Shotgun seat gets slider lever at the back, for chauffeur driven passenger to get more legroom when needed. Rear row gets foldable arm rest, integrated twin direction air-con vent and centre cup holder. Rear arm rest does not get one.

In short, Volkswagen Vento TSI is the best variant, specially because of 1.2 TSI motor and 7 speed DSG that offers sporty, smooth and tireless driving. ARAI certified mileage of 1.2 TSI is 16.93 kmpl, higher than 1.6 litre petrol offering 15.04 kmpl. Albeit being most expensive variant of Vento, automatic transmission and ESP makes it more worthy than other trims. It could be the ideal C segment sedan choice for many.

List of features offered in Volkswagen Vento TSI:

Exterior:
Galvanized body with 6 year anti-perforation warranty
Heat-insulating glass for windscreen, side and rear windows
6Jx15 ‘Lakeside’ alloy wheels (Set of 4)
Chrome finish on trunk and fog light surrounds

Interior:
Front centre console, including 12V outlet, 2 cupholders
Trunk illumination
Front centre armrest, including cup holder for rear seat
Front and rear centre arm rest
Leatherette seat covering

Safety and Security:
Front disc brakes
Height adjustable headrests, front and rear
Electronic engine immobilizer with floating code
Interior rearview mirror, manual day/night
3-point front and outer rear seat belts, lap belt in middle
High mounted third brake light
Fog lights, front and rear
Pinch guard safety for all 4 power windows
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with ESP (Electronic Stabilization Programme)
Hill hold function
Dual airbags, driver and co-driver side

Function:
‘Climatronic’ air conditioning with rear AC vent
Rear parking sensors
Height-adjustable driver seat
Speed sensitive electronic power steering
Steering wheel, tilt and telescopic adjustable
Front intermittent wipers – 4 step variable speed setting
Lane change indicator – triple flash
Rear defogger
Central locking system with remote control and speed sensing auto door locks
RCD 320, two din music system with 4 speakers and Bluetooth
USB, AUX-IN, SD card connectivity
Front and rear power windoes with ‘Comfort’ operation (auto up and down)
Outside Rear View Mirror (ORVM), electrically adjustable
Multi-function Display (MFD) includes traveling time, distance travelled, digital speed display, average speed, speed limit warning, fuel-efficiency, distance till empty, service interval, outside temperature and clock
Space Max Co-driver’s seat adjustment from rear seat for additional legroom
Multifunction steering wheel-leather wrapped

Technical Specifications of Volkswagen Vento models: