New name, proven concept
On 19 January 1992, the successor to the Jetta II is unveiled. It is intended to stand out more clearly from its predecessor and is therefore launched in Europe under the model name Vento. Its name means “wind” in Italian. The four-door saloon impresses with the advantages of its predecessors: a large boot offers an almost unrivalled load capacity of 550 litres.
Visually and technically, the VW Vento is largely based on the Golf III, with the notchback giving it a distinctive character. A stabiliser on the rear axle ensures that luggage is transported safely even when driving at high speeds. Once again, rectangular headlights provide a distinctive look, and the standard equipment is more extensive than in the Golf (e.g. painted bumpers, modified dashboard, 14-inch wheels). Four-wheel drive is not available throughout the entire production period.
The vehicle is 4,380 millimetres long and weighs 1,120 kilograms, a significant increase over its predecessors due to the more complex safety structure and comfort-optimised equipment.
The petrol engine range is as follows: 1.6 litres (55 kW/75 PS and 74 kW/100 PS), 1.8 litres (55 kW/75 and 66 kW/90 PS), 2.0 litres (85 kW/115 PS), and 2.8 litres VR6 (128 kW/174 PS). The VR6 version is distinguished by an additional rear spoiler. The 1.9-litre diesel engine is available with 47 kW/64 PS, 55 kW/75 PS (turbo diesel), and 66 kW/90 PS, and later also with 81 kW/110 PS (turbo diesel direct injection).
The equipment lines are called CL (later CLX), GL (later GLX), and GT.
