Volkswagen to launch 'Vento' this year

German car-maker Volkswagen on Thursday said it will launch its new entry-level sedan Vento in the Indian market by the end of this year.

The car, to be launched from the company's plant at Chakan, in Maharashtra, will come in a 1.6-litre petrol as well as a diesel version.

"The new Vento is a major milestone for the Volkswagen brand in India. We have taken into consideration all the preferences and requirements of our customers in India for this vehicle," Volkswagen Passenger Cars Director Neeraj Garg said in a statement.

The car caters to the demand for premium entry-level sedans in the country, he added. After launching compact car Polo in February this year, the Vento will be Volkswagen's second car targeting the mass market and will be positioned as the premium entry-level sedan in the country.

The largest European car manufacturer had launched its much anticipated hatchback Polo in the Indian market at a price ranging between Rs 4,34,000 and Rs 6,70,000 (ex showroom, Delhi).

"The new Vento will be manufactured at Volkswagen's plant in Chakan, Pune, and has been completely designed to the needs and expectations of the Indian consumer," the company said.

The company will launch the car with both manual and automatic transmission, it added.

The new Vento will be the seventh model in India from Volkswagen's stable. The company currently offers compact cars Beetle and Polo, premium sedans Phaeton, Passat and Jetta and sports utility vehicle Touareg in the country.