The 7-speed DSG of BS4 variant has been replaced by a cost effective 6-speed torque converter unit
VW India has introduced the petrol automatic variants of the VW Polo and Vento in BS6 avatar. The BS4 variants’ 1.2-liter TSI turbocharged direction injection petrol engine has been replaced by the downsized 1.0-liter TSI unit just like in the BS6 manual variants. The popular VW Polo GT TSI is back at INR 9.67 lakh. The VW Vento TSI AT Highline Plus is priced at INR 12.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The automaker says that these are introductory prices, hinting there may be a hike coming in due course.
Downsized Motor
Both the Polo and Vento BS6 AT variants are now powered by the 1.0-liter TSI motor which is tuned to deliver 110 hp and 175 Nm of torque. In comparison, the discontinued 1.2-liter TSI unit developed 105 hp and 175 Nm of torque. The old 7-speed DSG transmission also goes out in favor of a new 6-speed torque converter unit which is aimed at reducing the cost of ownership of the vehicle.
The new powertrain combo is good for an ARAI certified fuel economy of 16.47 kmpl on board the Polo GT and 16.35 kmpl on board the Vento AT.
The VW Polo GT BS6 is equipped with a touchscreen infotainment with smartphone connectivity and voice command, GTI inspired special seat fabric, automatic climate control, and dual standard airbags. The aging hatchback comes with 4 year warranty and road side assistance service.
The VW Vento AT Highline Plus’ feature highlights include four airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, touchscreen infotainment system (same as the Polo), cruise control, reverse parking camera, LED headlights with auto levelling function, automatic wipers, leatherette upholstery, automatic climate control, rear AC vent and so on.
Deliveries of the new VW Polo GT and Vento AT BS6 variants will commence from September 15. Prospective customers have the option of ordering their VW online or visit the dealerships which are claimed to be sanitized to ensure safety of the visitors.
Rivals
The VW Polo GT TSI BS6 is one of the oldest cars in the premium hatchback segment but it still has a sizable fan following. Rivals include the Maruti Baleno, Toyota Glanza, upcoming new gen Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz.
The VW Vento AT BS6 will lock horns with the newly launched fifth gen Honda City, Maruti Ciaz, Hyundai Verna and Skoda Rapid. It remains to be seen if next gen models of Polo and Vento based on the MQB A0 IN platform will take shape or not.
