The Volkswagen Virtus facelift has been spied testing on our roads for the first time ahead of its launch in the coming months. The bestselling midsize sedan, first introduced in 2022, will receive its first mid-cycle update, incorporating minor styling changes, 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 likely
Volkswagen Virtus facelift: What the spy shots reveal
Test mule spied with redesigned bumpers and new alloy wheel designs
While the overall silhouette of the Virtus facelift appears the same as the outgoing model, the air intake at the front gets a new mesh pattern instead of simple horizontal slats. The headlights and tail-lights, which were camouflaged in the test car, could get different detailing. A new design for the alloy wheels has been spotted as well. The section connecting the tail-lights appears to have a protrusion, suggesting that the tail-lamps could be connected by an LED light bar. Overall, the updates are expected only for the soft plastic parts, with sheet metal remaining unchanged.
Volkswagen Virtus facelift: What to expect?
8-speed automatic gearbox likely for 1.0 TSI engine
The Virtus facelift is expected to continue with the choice of 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engines but will likely see a change in the gearbox options. While the current Virtus with the 1.0 TSI unit can be had with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox, the facelift is expected to replace the latter with an 8-speed unit, as seen on the Kushaq facelift. Meanwhile, the 1.5 TSI is expected to continue with a 7-speed DCT gearbox only.
Inside, the Virtus could get newer trim materials and an updated colour scheme. The feature set could mirror that of the Kushaq and the upcoming Taigun facelift, comprising 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 improve 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 over the current model, which ranges from Rs 10.49 lakh to Rs 18.99 lakh. It will continue to rival the likes of the Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Skoda Slavia, the last two of which are also expected to receive facelifts in the coming months.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
Dhruv Dhaka
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
