• Polo AT price starts at Rs 9.12 lakh
• Vento AT price starts at Rs 12.09 lakh
• Both models use 6-speed torque converter automatic transmissions

If you have your heart set on a Volkswagen Polo automatic or a Volkswagen Vento automatic, be prepared for a bit of a wait. While prices for the BS6 Polo and BS6 Vento line-ups, comprising manual and automatic versions, were announced on March 4, only the manuals are presently available. Deliveries for the automatics are expected to commence only around August. 

It is learned that only the manual versions of both models are in production at VW’s Chakan plant at the moment. The facility is operating at limited capacity following a prolonged period of closure due to the COVID-19-linked lockdown. 

Refreshed for the BS6 era, the Polo and Vento have become petrol-only models. Lower versions of the Polo come powered by a 1.0 MPI engine paired with a manual gearbox, but the engine of interest is VW's new 110hp, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI turbo-petrol. The new-age 1.0 TSI is the sole engine on offer on the Vento. A turbo-petrol engine might not be new to the Polo or Vento - both were formerly offered with a 105hp, 1.2 TSI - but the gearbox options are. The old 1.2 TSI's 7-speed DSG dual-clutch unit has been dropped, with the new 1.0 TSI now offered with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic.  

The VW Polo automatic versions are priced from Rs 9.12-9.59 lakh, while prices for the Vento automatic are between Rs 12.09-13.29 lakh (ex-showroom, India). 

The Vento's cousin from Skoda, the Rapid has just received the 1.0 TSI engine as part of its upgrade. As reported, however, the Rapid automatic is still some months away.  

Read more:

Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI MT review

Volkswagen Polo TSI Edition, Vento TSI Edition launched

Skoda Rapid Rider: Killer price or a compromise?