Volkswagen’s replacement for displacement is in the form of their TSI engine technology. The theory implies downsizing engine capacity and adding a turbocharger would return efficient burning of petrol and more power. The mantra started with the 1.4 TSI engine launched back in 2006. Then the 1.8 and 2.0 litre units followed. And now the newest iteration is the 1.2 TSI which made its debut in the recent Polo GT TSI. We were amazed how good this hot little hatchback is. And now, Volkswagen has decided to equip the fantastic 1.2 TSI unit in the Vento saloon.
Not only does the Vento get the TSI engine technology, but also comes equipped with the flawless 7-speed DSG gearbox. Adding these two together translates into an efficient, technically advanced and powerful mid-size saloon which makes the office run supremely comfortable and easy, and can be used for full bore pedal-to-the-metal weekends laps on the Buddh International Circuit (BIC). And speaking of BIC, here we are for a few cheeky laps with the new Vento 1.2 TSI.
The regular Vento is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol or diesel engine. This one gets a 1.2 litre turbocharged direct injection petrol unit, which does not sound much but does produce 103 ponies. Thanks to the turbocharger the 1.2 litre engine produces as much power as the standard 1.6 litre, and more torque. This same engine works wonders for the Polo GT TSI, making it one of the most exciting hatchbacks in the country. You might wonder that the combination of this engine and weight of the Vento would spoil the fun. But you’d be wrong. The Vento TSI is absolutely fun to drive. The acceleration lags a tiny bit behind the little Polo but is still very impressive.
The second most important reason for this turn of speed is that super quick 7-speed DSG transmission. The earlier automatic variant of the standard Vento petrol was a yawning slow 6-speed transmission. This one is a superfast dual-shift gearbox which makes the earlier one look archaic. Where the 1.6 automatic took more than 16 seconds to reach 100kmph, the Vento TSI will sprint in just about 11 seconds. This acceleration number might be a second slower than the Polo, but then here is where the weight kicks in, and do not forget the Vento is more car for your money. The Vento TSI will not pin you back in your seat as the diesel variant does, but the sensation it gives makes up for that. The engine is silky smooth and even sounds nice when you give it the beans. The top speed hovers near the 160kmph mark on the gauge, which is plenty for our roads.
The transmission in ‘D’ is apt for everyday use. The shifts are quick and optimised for efficient driving. However, when the mood takes you fancy shift in ‘S’ for more response and delayed shifts till the 6000rpm redline. The 7-speed DSG also gives you some control over the shifts by putting in manual, but frankly you will not need much of that. The paddle-shifts work best for this purpose, or if you have a bigger engine, both of which are not present on the Vento TSI.
The ride quality is brilliant and so is the high speed stability. The steering is straight and true. It does not communicate much to the driver but is precise and easy. You can chuck it into a corner at not-legal speeds, and you exit out of it on the line that you decided. Being front wheel drive the understeer does kick in, but way past the limits of talent or lunacy. True enthusiasts might want to look in the tyre department to extract more speed.
The TSI engine and DSG gearbox have made the Vento a very attractive buy. It is extremely easy for everybody, fun to drive, light on your wallet and probably the most technically advanced mid-size sedan in the segment. We could not test the fuel efficiency but expect it upwards of 11-12kmpl. The only thing that angers me is why Volkswagen not put the 1.4 TSI engine in it. That would have truly transformed the Vento from an attractive buy to an irresistible buy.
Volkswagen Vento TSI specifications
Engine
Transmission
Max Power
Max Torque
Kerb Weight
1197cc, Four Cylinder, Turbocharged, direct injection petrol
7-speed Dual-shift Gearbox (DSG)
103.5 bhp@ 5000rpm
175 Nm@ 1500-4100rpm
1220 kgs
Suspension: Front/Rear
Brake: Front/ Rear
Fuel Tank Capacity
Tyres: Front/ Rear
Price
McPherson strut with stabiliser bar/Semi-independent trailing arm
Disc / Drum
55 litres
185/60 R15
Rs.9,99,000
(ex-showroom, Delhi)
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