Volkswagen Virtus: 5 things to know

The Volkswagen Virtus is a mid-size sedan that has replaced the Polo sedan (also known as the Vento) in various international markets. Volkswagen will base the Vento replacement in India on the Virtus sedan. The Virtus has already been spied testing on Indian roads, earlier this year. Hence, we have put together some key details you should know about the VW Virtus below.

1. It is larger than the Vento and is based on VW’s new modular platform

Based on the VW group’s modular MQB A0 platform, the Virtus is considerably larger than the Vento available in India. The Virtus measures in at 4,482mm long, 1,751mm wide and 1,472mm tall, making it 92mm longer, 52mm wider and 5mm taller than the Vento we get. Additionally, at 2,651mm its wheelbase is 98mm longer than the Vento’s 2,553mm wheelbase. What all this should translate to in a substantial improvement in terms of cabin space.

Seeing as the Vento replacement in India will utilise the localised MQB A0 IN platform and will be based on the Virtus, expect its dimensions to be very similar to the international model. 

2. It has completely reworked exterior styling

On the styling front, the Virtus has some commonalities with the pre-facelift sixth-gen Polo on which it is based, especially up front. The grille, headlights, front bumper and hood are almost identical to that of the Polo. However, from the B pillar onwards, you can see the difference between the Virtus and the hatchback. Owing to the longer wheelbase, the rear doors are longer than those on the Polo, moreover, the sedan also has a strong shoulder line and a sloping roofline that neatly merges with the boot – very reminiscent of the VW Arteon. At the rear, the sleek wraparound taillights and small ducktail spoiler (integrated in the boot lid) complete the look.

3. It comes with a long features list

In international markets, Volkswagen offers the Virtus with a lot of kit, especially on the higher trims. Some of the features include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a large touchscreen ‘VW Play’ infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, connected car technology, automatic climate control, driver fatigue monitor, keyless entry and go, front and rear parking sensors and much more.

Keeping in mind, most of this equipment will also be offered in the upcoming Taigun mid-size SUV, it is very likely that the replacement for the Vento in India will also come with an equally packed equipment list.

4. It is available with two petrol engine options

Under the hood, VW offers the Virtus with two petrol engine options in the South American markets. The first is a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder MSI engine producing 117hp and 162Nm. The other option is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol TSI engine that churns out 128hp and 200Nm. Both engines are available with 6-speed automatic gearboxes, though in select markets the 1.6-litre is also available with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The model for India is likely to carry forward the current Vento’s 110hp, 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine. However, it is also expected to come with the larger 1.5-litre, four-cylinder TSI engine that will develop 150hp and 250Nm. Gearbox options for the 1.0 TSI will likely include both a 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The 1.5 TSI on the other hand is expected to come with a sole 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

5. The Virtus based Vento replacement will launch in 2022

Volkswagen India is expected to unveil the Vento replacement later this year, after the launch of the Taigun SUV. This means, the new sedan is likely to launch in India, sometime in early-2022. Once launched, the new sedan will continue to compete in the mid-size sedan segment, taking on the likes of the upcoming, all-new Skoda Rapid along with the Honda City, Hyundai Verna , Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Toyota Yaris.

Given its size, engine options and extensive feature list, we expect Volkswagen to price the Vento replacement on the higher end of the mid-size sedan segment.