Volkswagen to launch turbo-petrol automatic Vento GT TSI

Volkswagen is planning to launch the Volkswagen Vento GT TSI with a 1.2 litre four-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in the first half of October. The car will have the same engine as the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI, which has apparently been selling quite well since its launch last month.

More torque, same power

The Volkswagen Vento GT TSI will replace the current 1.6 litre Vento Highline six-speed automatic variant. The interesting part is the Vento GT TSI with the 1.2 litre engine will develop similar power figures to the larger 1.6 litre engine, but will have more torque and more fuel efficiency. The Vento GT TSI will put out 103 bhp of power at 5000 rpm and 175 Nm of torque at 1500-4000 rpm. The current Vento 1.6 litre engine puts out 104 bhp of power at 5,250 rpm and 153 Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm. Also see: Five hot hatchbacks in India under Rs. 10 lakh

Clearly, the Vento GT TSI would have a distinct torque advantage, thanks to a turbocharger, which should help city driving and early pick up greatly. Those who’ve driven the 1.6 litre petrol Vento would know that torque delivery is rather flat and the car isn’t really that peppy. The GT TSI should change that. And when you throw in the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which can shift much faster and more efficiently than a manual, you get the best of both worlds – better pick up and better fuel-efficiency in normal driving. Also read: Performance modifications for your car under Rs. 50,000

Higher prices

However, what buyers aren’t really going to like is the pricing of the Vento GT TSI. With the Polo GT TSI being priced at Rs. 8 lakh ex-showroom, don’t expect the sedan variant to be anything less than Rs. 9.2 lakh ex-showroom. While the Polo GT TSI can take advantage of lower excise duties as it is under 4 metres in length, the Vento GT TSI doesn’t have such luck and despite the smaller capacity engine, it still gets slapped with 24% excise duty.

As far as features go, there won’t be any changes from the current Highline variant. Standard features such as two airbags, ABS, alloys, climate control, integrated music system will remain. The only external difference is likely to be in the grille and GT TSI badges. Should you buy it? If you want a boot, yes. Else the Polo GT TSI suddenly seems like the sportier car to pick. Also read: Volkswagen launches Polo GT TSI 1.2 at Rs. 7.99 lakh