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AFFAIRE D'HONNEUR-Ford Fiesta vs VW Vento
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The new Ford Fiesta (diesel) attempts to supersede the Volkswagen Vento in this oil-burning ordeal. Veteran car models across segments have been under tremendous pressure as new models flood the market, vying to gain a foothold in this competitive industry.

 And before they can breathe a sigh of relief after warding off one rival, another is ready to wage a fresh war. More often than not, however, the new kid on the block dazzles the audience with fancy armour and chiselled features, causing the sales figure to flag initially, but once buyers see through the superficial veneer, the new entrant's sales reach a plateau before plunging down to reality.

This combat, as the pictures on this page suggest, is between the recently launched Ford Fiesta 1.5-litre TDCi and the Volkswagen Vento 1.6-litre TDi, where the latter is a veteran of sorts as it has already conquered several fierce battles. In less than a year the German car has proved that quality never goes unnoticed and has been our pick over others in this segment. Meanwhile, Ford’s new Fiesta seeks to change that mindset.

The Fiesta follows the latest Ford design DNA – inverted trapezoidal lower grille with chrome inserts on the large front bumper, the fox-eye headlamps large and arched almost stretching to the slanting A-pillars, and sitting in between them is the blue Ford logo. The side profile sports a bold, rising shoulder-line which begins on the front bumper below the headlamps and ends at the tail-lamps. The rear portion of the car shows design fatigue, as the rear wheel-arches are too heavyset. Adding to the damage is the high-profile tyre, making the car look rather stubby. The other negative is the way the C-pillar merges with the awkwardly narrow boot and the bulky rear bumper. It’s a tall car which appears narrow when placed next to its competitor. It seems like a nice hatchback design forced into becoming a cumbersome-looking sedan.

When it comes to styling, the Vento follows a different design philosophy. This VW prefers to be understated with its subtle but crisp lines, narrow headlights like the eyes of a hunter – sharp and riveted on its prey. The sleek grille with the shimmering VW badge arouses aspiration. The car looks proportionate from any angle and appealing, too. This is a design that will overcome time and age gracefully.

The interior of the Fiesta features a black dashboard with chrome inserts aplenty – air-conditioner vents, centre console, gear knob and the over-abundant music-system buttons that are arranged in a wing-like pattern to cheer up the dark décor. The plastic quality in a car worth Rs 11 lakh should have been better. The steering wheel is nice and sporty with audio controls, which are missed sourly in the Vento. In comparison, the VW has a neat dashboard layout with a great use of brushed metal trims to highlight it classic style. The light coloured interior gives its cabin a roomier feel and it also has rear a-c vents, which the Ford lacks. The VW’s seats offer good all-round support. The rear bench is especially comfortable, offering more knee-room than the Ford and has a lever to adjust the front passenger seat to further increase the room. The Fiesta’s race car-inspired seats have a good lower back support and side bolstering, but this might be uncomfortable for heavily built occupants. Its rising window line, narrow leg-room, low rear seats and dark interior make it quite claustrophobic.