2022 Volkswagen Virtus revealed, will launch in 25 countries

KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen has just introduced an all-new compact sedan called Virtus in the Indian market. Said to be the successor of the aging Vento, the new sedan is a part of the German auto giant’s India 2.0 program. The production of the VW Virtus will be carried out at the brand’s Chakan plant in India only, from where it will be exported to over 25 countries. 

The sedan underpins the MQB-A0-IN platform and measures 4,561 mm in length, 1,752 mm in width, 1,507 mm in height with a wheelbase spanning around 2,651 mm. The boot capacity of the Virtus is 521 litres.

In terms of looks, the Volkswagen Virtus looks identical to the Polo sold overseas. It features chunky chrome bars at the front, chrome strips around the grille, and LED projector headlights with LED DRLs. Also, parts of the exterior kit are 16-inch alloy wheels and LED tail lights.

Inside the new Virtus, we can see a pretty straightforward dashboard in typical Volkswagen fashion. The sedan is kitted with an 8-inch digital driver’s display, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, 8-speaker sound system, cruise control, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, keyless entry with push-button start, and auto headlamps and wipers. 

As for safety, the automaker has packed the sedan with six airbags, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts, tyre pressure monitoring, and a rear parking camera and sensors.

Volkswagen India will offer the Virtus in two powertrain options, the first is a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol unit generating a maximum power output of 115 PS and a peak torque of 178 Nm. Another is a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol mill, which is good for making 150 PS and 250 Nm with Active Cylinder Deactivation technology. 

The transmission duties will be taken care of by either a 6-speed MT or an optional 6-speed AT in the smaller unit, while for the bigger mill, 6-speed MT or 7-speed DSG will be available.

The all-new Volkswagen Virtus is expected to go on sale in May in India at an estimated starting price of Rs 10 lakh (around RM 54,374).

Also read: Upcoming all-electric VW Trinity to be built at a new $2.2 billion plant