German auto major, Volkswagen, was working on a Polo-based sedan for quite some time and it has finally been launched now for the Brazilian market right after the debut of the new-gen Polo back in November 2017.
Like its hatchback sibling, the sedan comes with a sharp and crispy appearance compared to the outgoing model we all know as Vento in India and is based on a new platform. It means that the current VW Vento sedan could be replaced by the Virtus upon arrival or carry on with the same name as next generation version.
On the other hand, Volkswagen has also expressed its desire to roll out more interesting products here to become the most affordable premium brand in the highly competitive segments.
The ‘Eco’ platform (based on the MQB) currently developed by Skoda for India could bear a low-cost version of the Virtus especially for India as well. We have been tracking the Virtus keenly and now after several spy shots and teasers, it has been launched in Brazil.
Here we take a closer look at the details and facts of the upcoming India-bound midsize sedan here:
Volkswagen Virtus India Launch | Late 2018 or Early 2019 |
Volkswagen could introduce the Virtus in India sometime during late 2018 or early 2019. As Polo is a popular premium hatchback locally, we can expect it to be launched ahead of the Virtus, predictably next year. It is currently exclusive for the South American markets and no word on launch elsewhere yet.
The current Volkswagen vento is priced between Rs. 8.20 lakh and Rs. 13.63 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Expect the upcoming Volkswagen Virtus to be priced slightly higher than that. The automaker will surely keep its pricing competitive against the tough rivals. Expect it to be priced between Rs. 8.5 lakh and Rs. 14 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
It has been priced at BRL 59,990 (Rs. 11.79 lakh) in Brazil and is offered in three different trims: Virtus 1.6 MSI, Virtus Comfortline 200 TSI, and Virtus Highline 200 TSI.
Volkswagen Virtus Expect Price | Rs. 8.5 lakh – Rs. 14 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi) |
Volkswagen Virtus will come with a range of engine options including both petrol and diesel units. On the petrol front, this midsize sedan will likely have two motors like the current Volkswagen Vento that gets a 1.6-litre MPI and a 1.2-litre TSI engine and on diesel front, the car comes with a 1.5-litre TDI engine under the hood.
In Brazil though, two engine options will be utilised. The 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder flex-fuel motor develops 128 hp when on ethanol and 116 hp when fuelled with petrol. Peak torque output is same for both at 200 Nm.
Engine Displacement | 1.4-litre TSI petrol 1.2-litre TSI petrol 1.5-litre TDI diesel |
Maximum Power | 125 bhp 103 bhp @ 5,000 rpm 108 bhp @ 4,000 rpm |
Maximum Torque | 200 Nm 175 Nm @ 1,500 rpm – 4,100 rpm 250 Nm @ 1,500 rpm – 3,000 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed MT 7-speed DSG AT |
Volkswagen Virtus comes sporting a very stylish and sharper design compared to the current Volkswagen Vento. The midsize sedan wears a very contemporary styling and mimicks the new-gen Polo until the B-pillar. Also, it is based on the MQB (A0) platform compared to PQ25 architecture that underpins the current Vento sedan. With this new platform, the Virtus sedan is longer and wider than the Vento as well.
Moving to the side profile, the Volkswagen Virtus has sporty alloy wheels enhancing the style. Apart from that, it also gets turn indicator integrated ORVMs, blackened glass area, sharp character lines and chrome finished door handles as well. The larger stance will help it to establish a premium appeal.
Volkswagen Virtus is longer and wider than the current Volkswagen Vento sedan. Dimensionally, the Vento measures 4,390 mm in length, 1,699 mm in width and it has a height of 1,467 mm and a wheelbase of 2,553 mm.
Length | 4,840 mm |
Wheelbase | 2,650 mm |
Width | 1,751 mm |
Height | 1,446 mm |
Volkswagen Vento sedan has a ground clearance of 163 mm. The forthcoming Volkswagen Virtus sedan could get similar ground clearance that will make it capable of tackling the potholes of the regular roads.
Expected Ground Clearance | 163-170 mm |
Volkswagen Virtus sedan comes with a slightly larger boot space capacity of 521 litres compared to the current Vento sedan that can accommodate 494 litres.
Expected Boot Space | 521 litres |
The upcoming Volkswagen Virtus could come with similar tyre size as the current Volkswagen Vento sedan that gets 15-inch steel wheel in lower variants and 15-inch alloy wheels in top variants.
Expected Front Tyre Size | 15-inch |
Expected Rear Tyre Size | 15-inch |
The Volkswagen Virtus gets a very upmarket interior with a feature packed layout. As we already mentioned, thanks to the larger wheelbase and length the cabin will offer more space to the occupants and increase the comfort level. The new MQB A0 platform makes it lightweight and offers added rigidity at the same time. Due to the tougher structure, it provides greater protection to the occupants.
Upon arrival, Volkswagen Virtus will compete against tough rivals like Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City, Hyundai Verna and upcoming Toyota Vios.
This website uses cookies.