CONFIRMED: The Volkswagen Virtus Goes On Sale On June 9

• Will replace the Vento.

• Second VW model to be based on the localised MQB-A0-IN platform, identical dimensions to its cousin, the Skoda Slavia.

• Features will include a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment, 8-inch digital drivers display, wireless charging, ambient lighting, and ventilated front seats.

• Will be powered by 1-litre TSI and 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol engines.

• Prices are expected to start from Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom).

Better mark your calendars, as Volkswagen is all set to launch the Virtus sedan on June 9. That’s about three months after it first broke cover on March 8. It’s essentially a cousin to the Skoda Slavia, and is the second VW model to be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. Pre-bookings are being taken online and at dealerships, with series production recently commencing at the Chakan facility in Pune.

Being a cousin to the Slavia and based on the same platform, it's no surprise that it measures the same at 4561mm long, 1752mm wide, 1507mm tall, and with a 2651mm wheelbase. But Virtus wears different clothes of course. It’s essentially a Polo sedan with a sleek front grille, LED headlights, distinct alloy wheels, doses of chrome all over and split LED tail lamps. There’s also a GT trim, which will add a small rear spoiler, bespoke alloy wheels, blacked-out ORVMs, plenty of red highlights in the cabin, and the ‘GT’ badging all around.  

Inside, the Virtus borrows the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 8-inch drivers display, steering wheel, touch climate control panel, and gear lever from the Taigun. It’s going to be packed with features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ventilated front seats, cruise control, ambient lighting, 8-speaker sound system, a wireless phone charger, keyless entry with push-button start, as well as auto headlights and wipers. Up to six airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring system, hill hold assist, and a rear parking camera with sensors will be some of the safety features on offer. 

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Under the hood, the Virtus will get a range of 1-litre TSI and 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol engines that are already present in the VW Taigun, Skoda Slavia and Skoda Kushaq. The difference in the Virtus will be that the 150PS 1.5-litre TSI engine (GT Line) will not get a manual gearbox, and will be limited to a 7-speed DCT automatic setup. As for the 115PS 1-litre TSI engine, dubbed the Dynamic Line, it can be specced with either a standard 6-speed manual or an optional 6-speed torque converter.

The Volkswagen Virtus is also a successor to the Vento which is expected to be discontinued soon. Expect Volkswagen to price the sedan from Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) onwards. Aside from the Skoda Slavia, it’ll take on the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.