Volkswagen has been testing the Virtus sedan facelift for a while now. With Skoda having launched the updated Slavia, Volkswagen is now working towards introducing the updated Virtus in the Indian market. As per our sources, the launch of the Virtus facelift will take place towards the end of this year. The launch of the Volkswagen Virtus facelift has been confirmed for December this year.
The Virtus is Volkswagen’s counterpart to the Skoda Slavia. Both sedans are based on the same platform and share several features and powertrain options. The updated Virtus is expected to feature a revised front fascia, with changes to the front grille and headlamps.
Volkswagen will offer a revised LED DRL design, featuring a connecting LED light bar that runs across the grille and meets the illuminated brand logo in the centre. This setup would be similar to what we saw on the recently launched Taigun facelift. The front bumper will also be revised to give the sedan a more premium look.
Moving to the side profile, the overall silhouette of the Virtus is expected to remain unchanged, retaining the sharp character lines that run from the front fenders to the tailgate. The alloy wheel design will be different, while the rear is expected to feature revised tail lamps and an illuminated logo on the tailgate. Like the front, the rear bumper will also receive updates.
Apart from the exterior revisions, we can expect minor changes to the cabin as well. Volkswagen may introduce a new interior theme to give it a fresher look. The sedan is expected to retain the same touchscreen infotainment system as the outgoing model, while the driver display will be larger. It could feature a 10.24-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, an electric sunroof, ventilated seats and more.
The Virtus facelift is also expected to offer features such as electrically adjustable seats, an auto-dimming IRVM, leatherette upholstery, LED headlamps and ambient lighting. The sedan could also get disc brakes on all four wheels in the higher engine variants. Volkswagen had earlier skipped the rear-seat massage function in the Taigun, but it appears that this feature could be included in the upcoming Virtus facelift.
Apart from these feature updates and cosmetic changes, we also expect Volkswagen to introduce new colour options for the sedan.
The engine options on the Virtus facelift are expected to remain unchanged. The sedan will continue to be offered with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that generates 115 PS and 178 Nm of torque. This engine will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission and a new eight-speed automatic transmission, similar to the updated Slavia and Taigun.
The GT varaiants will come with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol unit generating 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque. This engine will be offered with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission asa standard.
The current Volkswagen Virtus is priced between Rs 10.71 lakh and Rs 19.20 lakh, ex-showroom. Volkswagen is likely to follow a strategy similar to Skoda’s and could launch the updated sedan at the same starting price as the current model.