2019 VW Vento HL Plus TSI AT- A garnish of luxury on a foundation of Sturdiness

I bought the 2019 Vento Highline Plus TSI Petrol AT variant. In my research to decide the car and variant, I test drove the Verna, Rapid and City’s equivalent models and compared them on price, drive quality, features, after sales service and safety ( considering I have an infant child). Drive Quality: The Turbo charged TSI petrol engine of the Vento have the best refinement, albeit not the least noisy, and the much required ‘zip’ coupled with reasonable fuel economy amongst all. The transmission was by far the smoothest with the Dual-Clutch DSG gear box taking the cherry. This was the biggest draw in the segment for me. The flat-bottomed sporty steering wheel adds to thebalready fantastuc handling of the vehicle, which is underpinned by its steady, sturdy presence on the road. The individual rear suspensions make for the least bumpy ride in the segment. Features like auto-dimming mirror, rain sensing vipers, ORVM with electronic closing make for a comfortable drive in the whole. Features: Vento is obviously not the most feature packed car, like the Verna, in this segment. However, VW have ensured that it has all the necessary features and then some frills. The cooled glove box is welcome addition as it helps the keep the infant milk bottle cool over a long drive. The rear reading light is also helpful. The color tones of the interior and the seat quality is great, and the easy to adjust passenger seat controls from the rear are very convenient. The new 8inch touchscreen music system with integrated Apple CarPlay (Android Auto) makes for handsfree driving all the time. Cruise Control is something I am yet to check out. Ample boot-space ( not the highest in this segment). Sun-roof is missing, but like I said it’s not a ‘necessary’ feature for some. The LED headlights with cornering along with DRL and powerful fog lamps make it equipped for all conditions driving. And they give a somewhat endearing and refreshing look to an otherwise unchanged exterior appearance. In some variants there is a generous sprinkling of chrome all over the exterior which may attract some. Some features that could have been added are ORVMs closing in power off (Verna), key less entry and start stop button. Another feature I definitely miss from my previous car is the storage pockets on the door next to the power window controls. Build Quality: Solid, is the word here. No compromises anywhere, typical excellence of German engineering. No tacky, plasticky feel anywhere. Body, fittings, accessories..everything is top class. Big big plus. Safety: Key features like Dual Airbags, ABS, EBD, Hill Hold Control (AT), auto door lock from outside, all 4 power windows with one touch and anti-pinching, key controls for windows and boot, seat belt warning, head light indicator are standard inclusions which is fantastic. In my variant, there are additional features like side air bags in front, parking camera. The lack of air bags at the rear are a concern though. Price: Most competitive pricing I believe in this segment when you compare what features you are getting at the price you are paying. The buying e perimeter was also great although it took some time to get the variant and color of my choice. Service: In the first year of purchase, VW is offering 3 free services as against its sister concern Skoda which is giving 4 year service package at approximately 30,000 INR. This would have been a better option to give since the car requires only one service a year. The service center options are limited when you compare Hyundai, Honda and Skoda.