Indian-made VW Vento scores 4/5 stars in ASEAN NCAP tests

ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) has carried out crash tests of the Malaysian-spec Volkswagen Polo Sedan, which is known as the Vento in India. The Polo Sedan is made in India and exported through the CKD route to Malaysia, where it is assembled. The Polo Sedan is almost identical to the Vento. But, while the Vento comes with dual front airbags, the Malaysian version gets side airbags as well.

The version tested was the 1.6-litre petrol with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Polo Sedan managed to score a respectable 4/5 stars in both adult occupant and child occupant safety. The car was also tested for side impact safety in which it scored a "Pass".

The Polo Sedan could not score a perfect 5 because of the lack of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Electronic Stability Program (ESP). ESC is a driving assist feature that improves a car's safety by detecting and reducing loss of traction. The TSI variant of the Vento is equipped with ESP in India.

Earlier this year, Global NCAP conducted a series of crash test on some entry-level hatchbacks from India. Barring the airbag-equipped Volkswagen Polo, all cars failed. Volkswagen has made airbags a part of standard equipment even on the entry level variant of the Polo since February.