Ahead of its launch in the coming months, camouflaged mules of the Volkswagen Virtus facelift have been spied testing on our roads for the first time. The best-selling mid-size sedan, which was first introduced in 2022, will receive its first mid-cycle update with minor styling changes, new feature additions, and a new gearbox option.
- Expect revised styling for the Virtus facelift's fascia and rear.
- An 8-speed automatic gearbox for the 1.0-litre TSI engine is expected.
Volkswagen Virtus facelift spied: What was spotted?
Mule was spied with redesigned bumpers and new alloy wheel designs
While the overall silhouette of the Virtus facelift remains the same, at the front, the air intake lower down gets a new mesh pattern as opposed to the simple horizontal slats on the existing car. The headlights and tail-lights, though camouflaged, could likely get different detailing, and a new design for the alloy wheels has been spotted as well. At the rear, the section connecting the tail-lights appears to have a protrusion, which suggests that the taillamps could be connected by an LED light bar. Overall, the updates are only expected on the soft plastic parts, with no sheet metal changes.
Volkswagen Virtus facelift: What to expect?
8-speed automatic gearbox for 1.0 TSI engine likely
Under the bonnet, the Virtus facelift will continue with its same set of 1.0 and 1.5 direct-injection, turbo-petrol engines, but will likely see a change in the gearbox options. While the current Virtus with the 1.0 TSI engine can be had with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox, the facelift is expected to replace the latter with an 8-speed auto unit, as seen on the Kushaq facelift. Meanwhile, the 1.5 TSI is expected to continue with a 7-speed DCT gearbox only.
On the inside, the Virtus could likely get newer trim materials and an updated colour scheme. The feature set could mirror the Kushaq and the upcoming Taigun facelift, which includes a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with updated graphics and AI integration, a larger 10.25-inch driver’s display, ambient lighting and front parking sensors. Expect the air conditioning performance to get better with a new variable-geometry compressor.
Volkswagen Virtus facelift: Expected price and rivals
Could be priced above Rs 10.5 lakh ex-showroom
The Virtus facelift is expected to be priced at a slight premium above the current model, which ranges between Rs 10.49 lakh and Rs 18.99 lakh. It will continue to rival the likes of the Hyundai Verna, Honda City, and the Skoda Slavia. The Honda and Skoda sedans are also expected to get facelifts in the coming months.
All prices are ex-showroom, India