Volkswagen's game changer

THE Volkswagen Vento(with Car DVD) 1.2TSI Highline doesn’t give you that “small engine” feeling, despite its 1.2-litre engine. A four-cylindered SOHC unit with eight valves and no variable timing may not sound impressive at a glance but with 175Nm of torque at 1,550 to 4,100rpm and Tiptronic function with an output of 104hp without any labouring at low speed – thanks to a turbocharger and 7-speed dual-clutch direct-shift gearbox (DSG) – it certainly offers quick and seamless acceleration to high speed. If that’s not enough, just switch to the Sport mode.

On a 413km media drive to Penang in the newly-launched Vento, recently, we went through the highways and old trunk roads (in Perak too); the Vento’s electronic power steering wheel provided that “light feeling” but the response to uneven road surface was precise. The noise insulation was adequate while noise from wind, road and engine was not too apparent with the accelerator floored. The interior fitting is first-rate and for rear passengers, the elbow, leg and head room is spacious, complemented by the ample breeze circulating inside the cabin due to its “Climatronic” air-conditioning system as well as rear air-cond vent.

When we reached Tanjung Tualang near Batu Gajah, Perak, for lunch and a quick photoshoot at the legendary “Tin Dredge No. 5”, the fuel gauge only showed a slight drop considering the hard drive and lofty travelling speeds along the expressway and country roads. For city driving, this Vento earned praises for its excellent fuel consumption as well as smooth ride and handling quality. Of course there are many vehicles out there that could also effectively perform the job in terms of performance and ride comfort, but this locally-assembled Vento is certainly a winner in the performance segment. It feels planted on the corners, around the bends and especially during overtaking manoeuvres. It must be because of its well-sorted chassis and suspension set-up. When the media were given the chance to test the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) by “attacking” the cones in limited space at the Penang State Stadium parking tarmac at 70km/h, the Vento’s ESC was a top drawer against three other Asian car models in the B-Segment used in the comparison session. What about install a VW navigation

Back to fuel consumption, on Penang island’s hilly routes heading for dinner and durian feast at Balik Pulau via Batu Ferringhi and back to the hotel in Gurney Drive via Paya Terubong, the Vento clocked 6.4 litres/100km. This is impressive since I had to endure Penang’s peak hour traffic and considering that motoring journalists are relatively known as heavy right-foot drivers. It is also worth mentioning that at 75km/h in top gear (7th), the Vento’s engine was merely revving at 1,600rpm.

It was a pleasant surprise to observe the DSG’s “behaviour” when it automatically downshifted when sensing that the car was travelling downhill or in tight corners to and from Balik Pulau.

The Vento may not be the most gorgeous-looking car among its competitors but the 16-inch “Syenit” alloys and the new tail lamps gives a touch of (exterior) premium. The only downside of this Vento is its simple interior, bland cockpit, absence of keyless entry, push-start button, touchscreen infotainment, reverse camera as well as leather seats normally expected from a premium variant. Nevertheless, this is a driver’s car that is fun to drive, and I must say the Vento 1.2TSI Highline ticks all the boxes for a young executive or young family looking for an almost complete package of safety, sportiness and impressive fuel economy in an entry-level saloon, although, to me it is a powerful car that is more than just an entry-level saloon. If you have another opel car, you can install a vauxhall sat nav that would be cool.