After a series of spy shots and leaked images, Volkswagen has finally taken the wraps off its latest mid-size sedan, the Virtus. Set to replace the Polo sedan (Vento) in many international markets, the Volkswagen Virtus sedan is based on the latest (sixth-gen) Polo hatchback which is based on the latest MQB A0 flexible platform.
The Virtus sedan's wheelbase measures 2,650mm, which is 80mm more than that of the Polo. The front styling and front doors are similar to the hatchback; however, thanks to the lengthened wheelbase, the rear doors are slightly larger. It gets a sloping roofline and a boot design borrowed from the recently revealed Areteon sedan. At the rear are stylish wraparound tail-lamps, again similar to those on the Areteon.
Also unique are the bumpers which get distinctive creases along with subtle chrome bits and prominent housing for the fog lamps and reflectors at the front and rear, respectively.
VW offers a spacious cabin and a generous 521-litre boot on the Virtus. It shares most of its interior bits with the Polo, including the high-tech dashboard with dual digital screens on the top-spec model.
For the South American market, the Virtus comes with two engines – a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 117hp and 162Nm of torque, and a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol producing 128hp and 200Nm of torque. The 1.6 engine is mated to a five-speed automatic, while the turbo-petrol is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.
There is no news of the Volkswagen Virtus sedan coming to India anytime soon. Skoda, however, has confirmed that it is developing a low-cost Eco platform that is based on MQB. This platform will be shared by VW and Skoda.