Update 2: The possible BS-VI VW Vento has appeared in a new spy shot published by Thrust Zone.
8 March 2019 -
Update 1: New spy shots of a test mule of VW Polo and VW Vento have surfaced online, courtesy Team-BHP reader Scoopmeister and forum member surjaonwheelz. Volkswagen is likely testing the BS-VI compliant 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder petrol engine, which the VW Polo and VW Vento will receive with the next facelift. New spy shots added in the image gallery at the end of the story.
14 January 2019 -
Reader Rahul Sawarmale spotted a possible BSVI-compliant VW Vento TSI test mule last week. Its exterior and interior looked the same as that of the current model.
While Latin American markets have received a successor to the VW Vento - the VW Virtus, in India, the eight-year-old sedan will march on with a second facelift until a market-specific replacement arrives around 2022. With the second facelift, the sedan will receive a BSVI-compliant 1.0-litre TSI petrol turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine.
The 1.0-litre TSI engine will replace the 1.2-litre TSI turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Volkswagen India imports the old engine, but it will manufacture the new engine for bringing the cost down. The same engine will power the Skoda Rapid, which is also set to receive a facelift to remain relevant in the market until a successor arrives.
The 1.0-litre TSI engine will power the MQB A0 platform-based Hyundai Creta rivaling SUVs from Volkswagen and Skoda brands as well. Skoda’s premium B-SUV is officially confirmed to arrive in 2020, while Volkswagen’s offering will follow in 2021.
Volkswagen may offer the existing 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine in the facelifted Vento, but it won’t continue this engine beyond March 2020, as the mandatory BSVI upgrade is exhorbitantly expensive. The 1.6-litre MPI naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine could also leave the market once the more stringent emission norms become effective in April 2020.
Also Read: With the facelift, VW Polo and GT TSI will be better differentiated
Volkswagen could launch the facelifted Vento in the second half of this year, maybe around the festive season. It hasn't given a specific timeline for the second minor change, though. Next year, the competition in the segment will likely become more fierce with the arrival of the next-gen Honda City and the thorougly reworked Hyundai Verna.
[Image Source 1: team-bhp.com]
[Image Source 2: thrustzone.com]
