In times when most cars are released as one more step towards their makers’ permanent desire to establish a firm identity around the world, the model presented by this article accounts for an intriguing exception. Despite intended to be a three-box version of the European Polo, it comes from a different project which also spawned other four sedans, two of them also sold as Volkswagens. And, as if it was not enough, its name was originally used at Golf’s sedan siblings. Such cornucopia of identities is what went through the midlife facelift you are just about to meet.
Those who speak Italian or Portuguese will have a head start: Vento is the expression for “wind” in both languages, and anticipates Volkswagen’s idiosyncrasy of badging every sedan with a wind or current name. Bora, Jetta, Passat and Santana are other examples, although there have been few exceptions: Scirocco is not a sedan, while Voyage is named after the French expression. Going back to Vento, the nameplate is now used by a vehicle that, despite being based on Polo, was developed for India and is sold in a few other countries as well. This strategy is very common among bigger automakers because compact sedans are almost as accepted in emergent countries as they are rejected in Europe. Other cases were Peugeot 206 and Renault Clio’s sedans.
Since the original hatchback was updated last year, now it is time for the sedan to catch up. The external design was improved with double headlights, a new set of alloy wheels and slightly-retouched front and rear bumpers. Nothing that catches people’s looks wherever you go, but enough to restore that nice new-car feeling. Opening the doors, in turn, reveals a central console with silver finish, two-tone coating for everything else and a new steering wheel. When it comes to the equipment list, the standard list was increased with dual airbags, power front windows and a height adjustment for the driver’s seat. But, as in pretty much any other car, the really interesting items only appear at the upscale variation.
The Highline trim adds 15” alloy wheels, automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity for the audio system, multi-function steering wheel and electric locks. Also interesting is the addition of a third engine option: the TDI 1.5L is good for 105 hp of power and 184 lb-ft of torque, which can be operated with a five-speed manual transmission or DSG’s two clutches and seven speeds – the company claims it is the first vehicle in its class to bring such gearbox. The gasoline range still uses a TSI 1.2L capable of 105 hp and 129 lb-ft (once again with DSG as an option) and a naturally-aspirated 1.6L which generates the very same power and 113 lb-ft of torque. This vehicle is expected to go on sale in India very soon.