Volkswagen has introduced the Vento Sport in the Indian market, priced starting at Rs 11.44 lakh. The TSI petrol-automatic costs Rs 12.79 lakh, the diesel-manual costs Rs 12.92 lakh and the diesel-automatic is priced at Rs 14.17 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, India). Positioned above the Highline Plus variant, the Sport is now the new top-spec trim.

New on the Vento Sport are faux carbon-fibre finish to the outside mirrors, 16-inch 10-spoke Portago alloy wheels, black stickers on the doors and a glossy black finish on the roof and the lip spoiler, giving the car a dual-tone exterior.

The new variant features LED headlamps with daytime running lights and LED inserts in the tail-lamps. On the inside, equipment levels are on par with the Highline Plus trim. This means the Vento Sport features power adjustable and folding outside mirrors, chrome touches in the cabin, faux-leather seat upholstery, leather on the steering wheel and gearshift knob, a touchscreen infotainment system and a rear parking camera.

Powertrain options for the mid-size sedan, however, are the same. It gets the 105hp, 1.6-litre petrol mated to a five-speed manual, the 110hp, 1.5-litre diesel mated to a five-speed manual or a dual-clutch automatic, and the 105hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. 

Volkswagen is offering the Vento Sport on the MY2018 and MY2017 models. If the buyer opts for the older model, then benefits of up to Rs 1.2 lakh can be availed on the car, not including additional benefits of up to Rs 25,000 on bookings made before March 20, and exchange and loyalty benefits of up to Rs. 20,000.

Recently, the German brand also introduced a special edition of the Vento, named the All Star. The Vento rivals the likes of the Maruti Ciaz, Honda City, and the Hyundai Verna.