Following Skoda's recent launch of the all-new Slavia, Volkswagen is now readying to debut its own new midsize sedan, the Virtus. The carmaker recently teased its upcoming midsize sedan, with the car set to make its public debut on March 8. A market launch is expected to follow in the ensuing months.
Ahead of its imminent debut, we take a look at all the details that we know about the upcoming VW.
1. Virtus name confirmed for the sedan
While we have long referred to Volkswagen's upcoming sedan as the Virtus, the company has only recently confirmed that name for the Indian market. The Virtus name is already in use for the carmaker's global sedan, with the model for India set to be its facelift.
2. It is larger than the Vento and based on VW’s MQB A0 platform
Simply put, the Virtus is essentially the sister model to the new Skoda Slavia and is based on the company's new MQB A0 IN platform. Expect dimensions to be similar to the recently launched Skoda, with some of the body panels also likely to be shared.
To put the size into perspective, the Slavia measures 4,541mm long, 1,752mm wide and 1,487mm tall, currently making it one of the larger sedans in the midsize segment. The Skoda's wheelbase measures 2,651mm, which is also one of the longest in the segment.
3. It will get reworked exterior styling
The India-spec Virtus will get some styling changes over its international sibling, at least initially. The car that will be sold here will be the global model’s facelift, with India being the first market to get it.
Teasers of the India-spec model have previewed a revised front fascia, including new design headlamps, a revised grille, and new front bumper, compared to the model on sale in other emerging markets.
The Virtus is also expected to come in two distinct model lines, similar to the Taigun, with the teasers revealing GT badging on the car. The Taigun is available in Dynamic Line with the 1.0 TSI engine and Performance Line (badged GT) with the more powerful 1.5 TSI unit.
4. It will comes with a long features list
On the equipment front, expect the new Virtus to pack in similar tech to the new Slavia and the Taigun SUV. One can expect the sedan to pack in tech such as a 10-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, connected car tech, a sunroof, auto headlamps and wipers, a tyre pressure monitor, six airbags, and much more in top-spec guise.
5. It is available with two petrol engine options
The Virtus is set to be offered with two engine options. The mainstay of the range is expected to be the Vento’s 110hp, 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine that’s also used by the Taigun and Skoda Slavia. The unit is expected to be offered with either a 6-speed manual or torque converter automatic.
The GT models are likely to come with the larger 1.5-litre, four-cylinder TSI engine that develops 150hp and 250Nm. This unit is expected to be available with the choice of a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG unit.
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