First Glimpse Of The Upcoming Volkswagen Vento Successor (Virtus)

• Volkswagen Virtus is the second VW based on the MQB-A0-IN platform.
• The India-bound sedan is essentially the facelifted version of the Virtus sold overseas.
• Will be offered with two turbo-petrol engines, paired with MT and AT.
• Likely to be priced from Rs 10.5 lakh.

Volkswagen India has teased the upcoming Vento successor – likely to be called Virtus – ahead of its global premiere on March 8. The upcoming sedan is expected to be launched in May, and it’ll be the second VW to be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. Unlike the Slavia that has been designed from the ground up, the Volkswagen sedan is essentially the facelifted version of the existing Virtus – based on the next-gen Polo – that’s on sale overseas. 

The fascia bears resemblance to the Polo, especially with the sleek LED headlights that merge into the grille. Nope, you don’t get the fancy light bar running across the width, instead, you get the sporty bumpers with GTI-like honeycomb DRLs. In profile, the Virtus is a long sedan with a 2,651mm wheelbase, over 90mm more than the Vento. The split LED tail lamps round off the design. 

Inside, things like the steering wheel, digital driver’s display, touch climate control panel, infotainment system, and gear lever will be shared with the Taigun to keep costs in check. The Virtus on sale overseas, in typical VW fashion, gets a straightforward dashboard design with all the controls exactly where you’d need them. 

The upcoming sedan in India will feature ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car tech, a wireless phone charger, cruise control, and keyless entry with push-button start. Passenger safety is taken care of by up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and electronic stability control. 

The Virtus will be a petrol-only offering. It will get two turbo-petrol engine options: 115PS/178Nm 1-litre and 150PS/250Nm 1.5-litre TSI. The latter makes class-leading numbers and gets cylinder deactivation tech for improved fuel economy. A 6-speed manual is standard, and there’s an optional 6-speed torque converter (for the 1-litre engine) and a 7-speed DCT (1.5-litre engine). 

The Volkswagen Virtus is expected to be priced from Rs 10.5 lakh (ex-showroom), and it’ll rival the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, and the soon-to-be-launched Skoda Slavia.