Volkswagen Virtus Spied Testing In India, Could Be A Platform For The Vento Successor

• Test mule could be testing India-specific components for potential use in the Vento successor.

• The Vento successor could borrow some cues from the Virtus as both will be based on the same MQB-A0 platform.

• Expect the Vento successor to carry over the same 1.0-litre TSI engine from the current Vento.

• Volkswagen’s India-specific sedan could debut around Diwali 2021.

In the Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 roadmap, Volkswagen had revealed that it is working on a successor to the Vento based on the VW Group’s heavily localised MQB-A0 platform (India-spec version is called MOB-A0-IN). Well the Volkswagen Virtus has recently been spotted undisguised in the country. While this sedan is unlikely to come to India, it does give some clues on what to expect for the carmaker’s India-specific Vento’s successor.

The Virtus made its debut back in 2017 in South America and is based on the same MQB-A0 platform. So this test mule could be a test of how the Virtus responds to Indian driving conditions or it could be testing India-specific components. Expect some bits from the Virtus to make its way to the India-specific sedan.

In terms of design, the Virtus borrows bits from a variety of modern Volkswagen models like a front-end resembling the sixth-generation Polo and a rear-end resembling the Passat. It's quite a bit longer than the Vento at 4480mm and a wheelbase stretching to 2650mm. Feature highlights include a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirrors and more. 

Powering Volkswagen’s upcoming Vento successor is likely to be the 110PS/175Nm 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine found in the existing Vento. Expect a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission options.

Volkswagen is likely to debut the Vento successor around Diwali 2021, around the same time as Skoda’s upcoming Rapid successor. Expect a premium over the Vento’s Rs 8.93 lakh to 13.39 lakh (ex-showroom) price range. Aside from the Rapid successor, it will rival the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, 5th-gen Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Toyota Yaris. 

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