Volkswagen India finally confirmed the launch of a new global sedan last weekend, giving customers an idea of the vehicle's shape in a series of teasers ahead of its unveiling on March 8, 2022. While the teasers for the upcoming mid-sized sedan do not include a name for the model, it is pretty obvious that Volkswagen will roll out a revised version of the Virtus, a vehicle that has been available in the South American market since 2018.
The facelifted Virtus will roll out in India this coming May, with the vehicle serving as a replacement for the aging Vento model. Volkswagen's teasers for its new product showed a redesigned face that makes the vehicle easy to distinguish from the VW Polo hatchback, which is related mechanically to the Virtus.
Among the features that help separate this new offering of Volkswagen are modern LED headlights and a new bumper that has larger intakes. The latter feature could indicate that Volkswagen is planning a sporty variant of the Virtus.
Volkswagen did not reveal the profile and rear-end of its new car in its teaser images, but it is highly likely that they will be carried over from the Virtus. The same goes for the new model's interior, with the vehicle likely inheriting a larger 10-inch infotainment touchscreen and an optional digital instrument cluster from the Virtus. This makes the new model similar to the VW Taigun SUV.
Engine options for Volkswagen's new budget-friendly sedan will be shared with its Skoda Slavia sibling, with the latter vehicle also riding on a similar stretched MQB-A0-IN architecture. The sedan's range will include a 1.0 TSI three-cylinder engine capable of producing 113 horsepower (85 kW / 115 PS) and a flagship 1.5 TSI four-cylinder engine that can generate 148 horsepower (110 kW / 150 PS). The 1.0-liter motor is available with either a six-speed torque converter automatic or a six-speed manual, while the 1.5-liter engine gets the option of a seven-speed DSG transmission.
Also Read: China NEV Sales Fall 18.6% in January as Subsidy Cuts for Electric Vehicles Take Effect in 2022
As per India Car News, the made-for-India platform that the new model will use is already being utilized by Volkswagen Group's India 2.0 models such as the VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, and the new Skoda Slavia, as mentioned above. The MQB AO platform also underpins the Nivus coupe SUV, global-spec Polo, and T-Cross.
The new Virtus shares styling cues from the bigger sedans of Volkswagen, including the Passat model. The upcoming sedan will come with LED tail-lights, a sloping roofline, slimmer headlamps with integrated angle running lights, and the signature VW Grille.
Like the Taigun, the sedan's infotainment system will support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Virtus will also be equipped with wireless phone charging, automatic AC, connected car tech, an electric sunroof, a digital instrument console, six airbags, automatic headlamps, and wipers, as well as LED DRLs.
Related Articles:
Benefits of Maintaining Your Car's Interior (+ Expert Tips)
China Dominates EV Race Accounting for Half of the All-electric Vehicles Sold Globally in 2021
See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?
