Volkswagen has been preparing a facelifted version of the Polo hatchback and Vento sedan for a while now. The internet is full of spy shots of the two cars testing India’s sporting camouflage to hide their intricate details. The latest spy images, however, have shown the two completely undisguised sportings a red body color. While these facelifts are a step forward from the sticker job we have been getting from Volkswagen, these cars still lag behind their next iterations that are already available in international markets for a while.
Starting with the Polo, it gets subtle cosmetic changes on the outside. The biggest one is the new mesh pattern on the grille and the air dams, as seen on the GTI. Other minor changes include redesigned headlamps and taillamps, a rear bumper, and the addition of a rear spoiler. Interior images haven’t been revealed yet, but we can expect the Polo to get some minor upgrades there as well.
As for the Vento, the sedan also receives similar minor cosmetic changes like its Polo sibling. What grabs attention is the side skirts which help it look more sporty. You also get redesigned headlights, taillamps, and revised bodywork. On the inside, the Vento is also expected to get minor updates like new upholstery and trim highlights. Aside from this, both cars are expected to get alloy wheels with a gunmetal-grey finish.
Under the hood, the Polo is expected to get a new 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine that could replace the 1.2-liter TSI motor from the flagship GT TSI variant. Even in Vento’s lineup, the 1.2-liter TSI will likely be replaced by the 1.0-liter TSI. However, the 1.0-liter MPI in the Polo and the 1.6-liter MPI in the Vento are expected to continue with updates to meet BS6 emission norms.
The 1.0-liter TSI motor is expected to feature a different state of tune on both cars. While the Polo is expected to produce 95PS of power and 175Nm of torque, the Vento is likely to put out 117PS and 175Nm. The new engine will be locally assembled in India as part of the VW Group’s India 2.0 strategy and could also find a place in an India-based T-Cross SUV. There’s no word yet on whether Volkswagen will update the 1.5-liter TDI diesel motor for BS6 emission norms as the carmaker is looking to phase out low-capacity diesel motors by 2020.
The Polo and Vento facelifts are expected to be launched later this year, while their next-gen iterations are likely to hit Indian shores than in 2020. The pre-facelift Polo is currently priced between Rs. 5.72 lakh to Rs. 9.72 lakh (ex-showroom India), whereas the Vento is priced between Rs. 8.65 lakh and Rs 14.34 lakh. Expect the updated cars to be priced at a slight premium over the pre-facelift version. Once launched, the Polo will continue to compete against rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Hyundai Elite i20. In contrast, the Vento will compete against the Hyundai Verna, Honda City, and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.
Volkswagen India and Zoomcar have gotten together to offer shared mobility solutions. It’s a Volkswagen Polo subscription-based model that is designed for convenience and ease while improving to a range of products. The partnership sees Volkswagen offer Zoomcar customized financial, maintenance, and repair services (4EVER Care). To begin with, Volkswagen Polo subscription cars are now available as part of the Zoom cars ZAP Subscribe model across major cities. Volkswagen Polo subscription can be availed at a fixed monthly fee. Other benefits are on offer. Evolution in the Indian mobility space is replete with plans that foresee users gradually moving towards shared mobility. There is, in fact, an expectation that India will play a leading role in the shared mobility business by the year 2030.
