The locally-assembled Vento is availble in three trims - the entry-level Trendline (RM80,655), mid-range Comfortline (RM87,655) and the range-topping Highline (RM94,620), along with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage and a RM2,000 rebate for the first 500 customers.
After deciding to have the Vento in Candy White, Flash Red, Reflex Silver, Carbon Steel Grey or Deep Black, there are two engine choices to pick from to power the front wheels.
Both Trendline and Comfortline get a familiar 1.6-litre (1,598cc) multi-point injection engine producing 105PS at 5,250rpm and 153Nm of torque at 3,800rpm while mated to a six-speed automatic, whereas the Highline gets a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox mated to the more potent 1.2-litre (1,197cc) turbocharged TSI engine with 105PS at 5,000rpm and 175Nm (23Nm more) from 1,550 to 4,100rpm.
Dimensionally, the Vento and its 454-litre boot hasn't changed from its predecessor - the Polo Sedan, at 4,384mm-long, 1,699mm-wide and 1,465mm-tall.
While rolling on 15-inch 'Riverside" wheels with 185/60 series tyres that partially hide the front disc and rear drum brakes, the Vento's hood, grille, front bumper, fog lamps and rear light-cluster have received a redesign. Additionally, its VW-badge has been repositioned lower, while chrome accents have been placed on the boot lid, grille.
As standard, the Vento Trendline comes with a urethane steering wheel for the speed senstive electronic power steering system, halogen headlight, 'Clouds' fabric seat upholstery, intelligent crash response system and a four-speaker 220G sound system with USB, SD Card slot and AUX-in to name a few.
In terms of safety, it gets two airbags, anti-lock braking system with brake assist, ISOFIX anchor points and anti-pinch for all four one-touch up and down power windows.
The Vento Highline interior.
In the Comfortline, there's now four airbags, and adds on fog lamps with a chrome surround - also on the front air vent, a centre/driver arm rest, automatic climate controls, cruise control, interior chrome accents and rear air conditioning vents before wrapping the multi-function steering wheel, gear knob and hand brake lever in leather.
Also, entertainment will now come from a 320G head unit, which adds on an iPod interface and Bluetooth connectivity.
1.2-litre TSI engine in the Vento Highline
As for the range-topping Vento Highline, it now rolls on 16-inch 'Syenit' wheels with 215/45 series tyres and its fabric seats are now in 'Cable' design, while its safety features adds on electronic stability control and hill hold control.
“We are pleased to introduce the Volkswagen Vento to the local market. As the latest Volkswagen model to be assembled locally with our partner, DRB-Hicom, the Vento plays a vital role in our strategy to making our cars more accessible and affordable to Malaysians," said Volkswagen Group Malaysia managing director Armin Keller.
