Volkswagen Vento Successor (Virtus) Will Break Cover On March 8

• Will be bigger than the Vento and share design elements with the sixth-gen Polo.

• Expected features include 10-inch touchscreen infotainment, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ventilated front seats, and sunroof.

• Will be powered by 115PS 1-litre and 150PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines.

• Prices could start around Rs 10 lakh.

Better mark your calendars, as Volkswagen's upcoming Vento replacement will break cover on March 8. It is likely to be called ‘Virtus’, and will be based on the localised MQB A0 IN platform like the Skoda Slavia, so it'll essentially be Volkswagen’s own take on a Slavia. Expect a launch as early as May 2022.  

Since the Virtus and Slavia share a platform, they’ll likely have similar proportions, meaning the Virtus should be bigger than the Vento. In styling, the Vento could borrow some cues from the sixth-gen Polo (sold overseas), with chrome plastered all over. A sportier GT trim could also be on offer with red accents inside and out. 

The Virtus is expected to get a lot of features from the Slavia such as a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected tech, ventilated front seats, and a single-pane sunroof. The digital driver’s display will likely come from the Taigun SUV.

Six airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors with a camera, ISOFIX mounts, and electronic stability control should cover passenger safety. 

Under the hood, the Virtus will be powered by the duo of 115PS 1-litre and 150PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines that already power the Skoda Slavia, Kushaq, and the VW Taigun. A 6-speed manual gearbox will be standard, with an optional 6-speed automatic (for the 1-litre TSI) and a 7-speed DSG (1.5-litre TSI).

 

Expect the Volkswagen Virtus’ prices to range from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Other than the Skoda Slavia, it’ll have the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, and the upcoming Toyota Belta to contend with.