Volkswagen India has announced that it has started production of the upcoming Virtus sedan at its Chakan plant in Maharashtra. The midsize sedan will go on sale in India in May.
- Virtus production starts in India
- Midsize sedan to go on sale in May
- Will rival the Skoda Slavia, Honda City and Hyundai Verna
The Virtus will be available with two engine options and will rival other midsize sedans like the Maruti Ciaz.
Volkswagen Virtus: mechanical highlights
The Virtus is based on the same MQB A0 IN platform as the Skoda Slavia. Like its Skoda sibling, as well as the Taigun, the Virtus will come with two turbo-petrol engine options – the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI unit that makes 115hp and 175Nm and the 1.5-litre, four cylinder TSI unit that develops 150hp and 250Nm.
The new Virtus will be available in two distinct lines – Dynamic, which includes all the 1.0 TSI variants, and Performance, which includes the 1.5 TSI variants.
There will be two gearbox options available on the 1.0 TSI variant – a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The 1.5 TSI will only come with a 7-speed DCT gearbox.
Volkswagen Virtus: feature highlights
Fully-kitted Virtus will get a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, connected car tech, ventilated front seats, a sunroof, ambient lighting, a cooled glovebox, and auto headlamps and wipers. On the safety front, higher variants of the car will get a tyre pressure monitor, six airbags, ESC and hill-hold control. The GT variant will get red detailing on the dashboard, red stitching, and aluminium pedals for a sporty appeal.
Volkswagen Virtus: launch details and rivals
Volkswagen started accepting bookings for the Virtus on March 8, with its launch slated for sometime in May 2022. Once launched, it will compete with its sibling, the Skoda Slavia, as well as other midsize sedans like the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Maruti Ciaz.
Also see:
Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI review: Solid, safe and comfortable new sedan
Volkswagen Taigun review, test drive