The wait is finally over, Volkswagen has debuted their all-new sedan globally. Volkswagen Virtus named “The Global Sedan” is the second car from VW under their India 2.0 strategy. It made its global debut today and the sedan will be initially launched in May in India. Other international markets will get it later and will be imported from India.
Developed on the VW’s MQB A0 IN platform specially designed for India underpins the Skoda Kushaq, Slavia and VW Taigun. This is also a ‘Made In India’ car with the carmaker aiming to achieve high levels of localization.
However, VW has not revealed the price of the sedan yet. But the pre-bookings have been commenced as of today. You can book the Virtus at your nearest VW showroom or through their website. The Slavia is priced between Rs. 10.69 lakh to Rs. 17.79 lakh, we expect the Virtus to stick around the same range.
Engine and performance
As we know, the Virtus will feature the same two engine options as the Taigun SUV. The 1.0-litre TSI makes 115 hp and will feature in the Dynamic Line. While the 1.5-litre TSI makes 150 hp and will only feature in the Performance Line or the GT variant. The 1.5-litre engine will also get the Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) to improve fuel efficiency.
Both engines are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission as standard. The smaller engine gets an optional 6-speed torque converter whereas the 1.5-litre gets the 7-speed DSG gearbox. They claim the sedan to be agile and dynamic for its proportions. The bigger engine sounds perfect for all those petrolheads out there.
The Global Sedan-Volkswagen Virtus: Exterior Design
The Virtus looks nothing like its cousin, the Skoda Slavia. On the outside, it is undeniably a Volkswagen. The front grille, front and rear bumper design, rear taillight all look different. You can see chrome usage in the front and rear of the car.
For the GT or the performance line, VW has the black colour treatment all over the car. The front grille, headlights and taillights, the lower part of the front and rear bumper, ORVMs, alloys and spoilers get the black treatment.
As mentioned above, the Virtus sits on the brand’s MQB A0 IN platform. VW has taken Virtus a step ahead and made it the biggest car in the segment. Yes, the sedan is the longest, widest and has the longest wheelbase in the midsize sedan segment. It measures 2,651 mm in wheelbase, 4,561 mm in length, 1,752 mm in width and 1,507 mm in height. The boot space is also the highest in the segment with 521 litres.
Interior & features
The dashboard layout looks quite different from the Slavia. VW has decided to integrate the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system into the dashboard. The 8-inch digital cockpit and the corner AC vents are not round like the Slavia. The GT Line also gets a dual-tone touch inside with car colour matching bits on the dash.
VW promises around 40+ features in the Virtus. Some of the features are the Wireless AppConnect, Wireless smartphone charger, Electronic panoramic sunroof, auto headlights, ventilated front seats, KESSY push start-stop button, rain-sensing wipers and more.
Safety features include 6 airbags, 3 point seatbelts for all seats, an electronic differential lock, hydraulic brake booster, multi-collision brakes, tyre pressure monitor, Hill ascent and descent control, rear parking camera and more.
The Global Sedan Volkswagen Virtus: Competition
Volkswagen has introduced a tough competitor in the midsize sedan segment. So the Virtus will go against the Honda City, Maruti Ciaz, Hyundai Verna and the Skoda Slavia. The Honda City is currently in the lead in terms of sales which might not be the case a few months from now.
FAQs
1. Will VW Virtus replace the Vento sedan?
Volkswagen has decided to put an end to both Polo and the Vento in India. Vento will be replaced by the Virtus and VW has not announced a replacement for the Polo.
2. Which all cars share VW’s MQB A0 IN platform?
As of now, 4 different cars share Volkswagen’s MQB A0 IN platform. Includes the VW Taigun, Virtus, Skoda Slavia & Kushaq.
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