Volkswagen has officially announced the launch of new features in the Vento Diesel Highline variant. The German automaker is now offering audio controls on steering wheel, USB port for the new RCD 310 audio system (with 4 speakers) and parking distance control. The Vento Diesel Highline is priced at Rs. 9.77 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Vento Diesel is powered by a 1598cc, turbocharged diesel unit which produces 105 PS of power at 4400 RPM and 250 Nm of torque between 1500-2500 RPM. The Vento is available in two variants – Trendline and Higline and is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Volkswagen owned company, Skoda will be launching the Rapid sedan on the 16th of November, 2011. The Rapid is essentially a Vento in Skoda guise and shares most of the components with the Vento. These features which VW is now offering on the Vento are completely absent on the Rapid. Is Volkswagen trying to differentiate both the cars on the basis of features? It is certain that the Rapid will be atleast Rs. 30,000/- cheaper than the Vento, but we found the Rapid to be an overall better car, owing to its more city friendly driving dynamics and better styling.
Loading ...
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Well VW would have given these things as option so that people who want these in their car will opt for it. Now i call it as cheating. And yes i own a Vento Highline Petrol.
Dear VW if u r reading this pls atleast now give us (Your customers) things they want as options to upgrade.
i need steering mounted controls and GPS navi system with reverse parking system.
Alan, its difficult to put them now as it will involve change in steering wheel and since the car has airbags, costs will escalate further.
Since the vento being updated,Any chance for polo this month?
Raj, yes alot of chances for the Polo to be updated as well.
It is highly frustating to see VW giving enhanced features on diesel only. Do they know the market requirement for India correctly? Initial rush for a new brand is making them float in air, thinking that they have understood the Indian market very well. Even a 5 lakhs car is providing the customers with these kind of goodies. Spending 10 lakhs on Vento, if these are not available, then the customers are taken for a ride and pretty well cheated.
I think the Volkswagen group have a great strategy which will help them achieve economies of scale and help them differentiate Volkswagen and Skoda by virtue of features. By giving new features gradually the company will not need to change the shape of the cars too often over the useful life of the model. I expect the new Vento when launched would have a more upmarket feel compared with the Rapid.
Aashish, yes that is right. Volkswagen’s strategy is very smart, which is helping them to boost their profits even when car sales are declining.