A couple of weeks before India locked itself down, Volkswagen introduced the BS6-compliant (Bharat Stage 6) range of the Polo and Vento. Both models had the option of an automatic transmission – Polo in the GT trim and Vento in the Highline Plus specification. That’s still the case. However, prices for those variants have changed. The Polo GT TSI AT now costs Rs 9.67 lakh, about Rs 8,000 more than before. The Vento Highline Plus AT, on the other hand, wears a revised price tag of Rs 12.99 lakh, which is Rs 30,000 less than before.

Both cars get the same engine-transmission combination in the variants mentioned above. The 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI mill, which pumps out 108bhp/175Nm, comes coupled to a 6-speed torque converter. With that powertrain, the Polo offers a maximum of 16.47kmpl whereas the Vento can go as high as 16.35kmpl. Volkswagen says that both those mileage figures are ARAI-certified.

Since they are the range-toppers of their respective model line, both pack several gizmos in their package. The Polo comes with features such as 16-inch alloy wheels, cornering lights, multifunction steering wheel, dual airbags, auto-dimming IRVM and touchscreen infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Vent, on the other hand, offers four airbags, leatherette seat upholstery, a rear-view camera, auto-levelling LED headlamps and LED DRLs. Volkswagen says that deliveries for both variants will commence from September 15, 2020.

In India, the Volkswagen Polo competes with the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza, Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz and the Tata Altroz. The Vento’s list of rivals has the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Toyota Yaris, Skoda Rapid and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. Amongst all those names, it’s the VWs that have really started to show their age. Sure, they offer a decent amount of kit and deliver a brilliant driving experience. But, they’ve been around for a lot longer in their current form than they should have.