VW Vento

The VW Vento (Type 1H2) was introduced in January 1992 in Brussels as the successor to the Jetta II . With the new name, the manufacturer hoped for a change in the image of the vehicle and an increase in sales. In the non-European countries (especially in the US), the new model was still offered under the name VW Jetta , as the name had proven there. In the US, Golf and Jetta were equally rated 1HM internally, with the M standing for Mexico, the production site for the US market.

History 

The vehicle was technically identical to the Golf III and - like the previous models - a notchback version of the Golf. Apart from the 36 cm longer body, the Vento differs from the Golf III by square headlights, a different shaped grille, a slightly modified dashboard (up to model year 1994), a better standard equipment (including varnished front and rear aprons, 14 "). Wheels, white indicator lights front and another door interior trim).

The Vento was produced exclusively as a four-door. A two-door model variant as in the two previous Jetta models had been discarded since there was little demand for such a vehicle type on the main sales markets since the late 1980s. Even a Syncro called four-wheel version was no longer offered.

Initially, four gasoline engines (1.8 l with 75 hp (55 kW), 1.8 l with 90 hp (66 kW), 2.0 l with 115 hp (85 kW) and 2.8 l VR6 with 174 PS (128 kW)) and two diesel engines (1.9 l with 60 hp (44 kW) and 1.9 l with 75 hp (55 kW)) available. The 1.6 l with 75 hp (55 kW) followed in the summer of 1992. The 1.4-l base engine of the Golf III with 60 hp (44 kW) and the 2.0-liter 16V engine with 150 hp ( 110 kW) was not available for Vento / Jetta III.

Six equipment versions were offered: Vento CL / CLX as basic versions, GL / GLX comfort emphasized, GT sporty, GTD sporty with a diesel engine and VR6 with six-cylinder engine. In the US, the sportier versions were also called GT (previously GLI), as in Europe. The VR6 was available there in a more luxurious and comfortable version than GL and in a sporty GT. For the first time there was the engine of the GT with 115 hp optional for the GL version, here also in conjunction with a new four-speed automatic transmission. The most ordered version was the Vento GL; the most sought-after engine of the 1.8 l with 90 hp (66 kW).Nevertheless, demand in Europe remained relatively modest even with this model, but in North America the Jetta was another success. The boot with a capacity of 550 liters and the space is one of the pluses of this model type.

Over the course of the six-year construction period, there have been numerous changes:

1992

January: Presentation of the model with the engines:

1.8 75 hp (55 kW) or 90 hp (66 kW)

2.0 115 hp (85 kW)

2.8 VR6 174 hp (128 kW)

1.9 D 64 HP (47 kW)

1.9 TD 75 HP (55 kW)

August: New 1.6-liter petrol engine with 75 hp (55 kW).

1993

Presentation of the Jetta III in the USA.

For the model year 1994 small facelift with new instrument carrier, new safety buttons, darkened tail lights in the VR6 version, new three-spoke radiator grille painted in body colour, introduction of a standard anti-trap on the electric windows and / or the sunroof.

November: New 1.9-liter TDI turbo diesel engine with 90 hp (66 kW) and direct injection.

1994

For the 1995 model year small technical changes:

Standard electronic immobilizer ; at the same time omission of the workshop key.

Glove compartment with flap now also in conjunction with passenger airbag.

October: New 1.6-liter petrol engine with 100 hp (74 kW).

1995

July: New 1.9-liter naturally aspirated engine with 64 hp (47 kW) and direct injection.

September: Small facelift with modified steel wheels, standard darkened tail lights, a new in the style of the Passat painted "Cool Face" grille , black painted steel wheels (previously in silver) and full wheel covers, new aluminium wheels, ABS standard and electrically adjustable mirrors and electric windows, full-surface painted bumpers, from version CL painting all exterior plastic parts (except door handles) in body colour, rounded side indicators, dashboard from the Golf III. New model names: now CLX (previously CL) and GLX (previously GL), all others as before. GTD version is omitted, instead introducing the GT TDI and additional new paint finishes, standard headrests for the rear seats.

1996

January:

New engines:

Modernized 1.6-liter engine with 100 hp (74 kW).

New turbo diesel engine with direct injection (1.9 litter with 110 hp (GT (I) TDI, distinguishing feature red "I" in TDI ).

The equipment lines are now called CLX, GLX, GT and VR6.

September:

ABS now on all model variants (previously only VR6) as standard.

The trim levels have been renamed Trendline, Comfortline and Highline (such as Passat B5 and Golf IV ).

1997

Modified wiring harness.

Two additional side airbags as standard.

1998

July: The production is stopped. The successor Bora on Golf IV basis followed in September 1998.