Rumour: VW Vento Diesel Automatic being readied

The dearth of diesel automatics in the Rs. 10 lakh & lower segments is frustrating. Diesel automatics are far more fuel-efficient than their petrol counterparts, most of which are gas guzzlers. Fact is, the Verna & Scorpio ATs are the cheapest diesel automatics you can currently buy in India. The significantly more expensive Chevy Cruze AT is your next alternative. Talk about a lack of choice!

That might change soon. A li'l birdie drops us the following information:

• VW's product planners are expected to sign off on a Vento Diesel AT soon.
• Transmission being considered is a DSG (6-speed or 7-speed?).
• It will be mated to the 104 BHP 1.5L TDI (scaled down version of the current 1.6L for excise benefits on the Polo).
• Expected launch in the 3rd quarter of the current year.

With VW's sales stagnating and no new products in the pipeline, the company is doing all it can to target niche segments. The Polo GT TDI & TSI DSG are proof of that. The Vento is a well-rounded sedan, superior to the Hyundai Verna in many ways. If the DSG is mated perfectly to the 1.5's power characteristics, it will become a compelling choice in the C2 sedan segment. To maximise the sales potential, VW should offer the diesel AT combination in lower trim levels too (not just the top-end Highline variant).