Volkswagen has teased the upcoming Virtus facelift for the first time, showing the design changes on the midsize sedan. It is the first comprehensive update for the Volkswagen Virtus since its India launch in June 2022. The teaser shows new headlights and taillights, a fresh grille and front bumper, and redesigned alloy wheels. It is also expected to get new features, like the Volkswagen Taigun facelift, along with a new 8-speed automatic transmission replacing the 6-speed automatic gearbox offered with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.
- Interior design is expected to be the same, but new features are expected to be added
- Engine options will be the same, but the smaller engine will get a new gearbox option
Volkswagen Virtus facelift teased: What was spotted?
Gets an all-new front bumper and revised headlights and fog lamps
The teaser reveals a new front bumper design on the Volkswagen Virtus facelift, with smaller design elements that appear to have a gloss finish. The fog lamp housing has changed as well and features smaller cube-shaped lights. Keen-eyed views can also spot a slightly revised grille featuring what looks like an illuminated Volkswagen logo and a red GT badge. The headlights also appear to be slightly redesigned, now featuring LED DRLs only beneath the main headlights. The chrome strips running between both headlights, however, seem to be the same as the older model.
Sports new black alloy wheels
The teaser also shows new alloy wheels finished in black, which was also the case with the GT trim of the older Virtus. Other trims are expected to be offered with dual-tone alloy rims. The wheel size, however, is expected to be the same at 16 inches. New camera pods on the outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) also confirm a 360-degree camera setup on the facelifted Virtus. Except for these, no other change can be spotted in the profile.
Revised LED elements on the taillights can be spotted
At the rear, the Virtus facelift teaser reveals revised LED elements on the taillights, while the housing looks identical to the older model. Other elements like the rear bumper with a black lower section, and a boot-lip spoiler look identical to the older Virtus.
Volkswagen Virtus facelift: Other expected changes
Expected to get a new 8-speed automatic transmission with the 1.0TSI engine
The Virtus shares its powertrain options with the Volkswagen Taigun SUV and its Skoda stablemates: Slavia and Kushaq, all of which have gotten their respective facelifts this year. With the facelift, one major change in the internals is a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission (AT) replacing the 6-speed AT option on the 115hp 1.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine. This change is also expected to be seen on the facelifted Virtus too. The 6-speed manual transmission option with the same engine, and the dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with the larger 150hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine are expected to be continued with the Virtus facelift.
Expected to get a few feature upgrades compared to the older model
Inside, the Virtus facelift is expected to be offered with a few new features from its Taigun sibling, including a larger 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and the aforementioned 360-degree camera setup. The climate control is also expected to feature a revised compressor for more effective cooling. The 10.1-inch screen is expected to sport a more modern user interface (UI) and integrated AI functions. The dashboard design, however, could remain the same as the older Virtus. Features like ventilated and powered front seats, a single-pane sunroof, and a wireless phone charger will be continued with the facelifted model.
Volkswagen is also expected to increase prices of the Volkswagen Virtus with the facelift. For reference, the older model’s prices ranged from Rs 10.71 lakh to Rs 19.20 lakh (ex-showroom). The Volkswagen Virtus facelift will continue to lock horns with the Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna and Honda City.