The curtains have been raised today as Volkswagen unveils the new global sedan “Volkswagen Virtus” for the Indian market. Big by design, the New Volkswagen Virtus embodies a dynamic and emotional design language depicting a confident character. The newest member of the Volkswagen family and latest entrant in the premium midsize sedan segment, the New Virtus is striking, exhilarating and German engineered and will reinvigorate the segment and reignite the love for sedans.
Volkswagen has hinted at a premium offering when it comes to pricing and varianting. There are a lot of features standard such as LED lights, 8 speakers, safety kit and much more making the variants list quite short.
The Volkswagen Virtus is the second product under the India 2.0 project that is developed on the MQB A0 IN platform with up to 95% localization levels. The flexibility of the platform has enabled the New Virtus to be the longest car in the segment (4,561 mm) providing ample cabin and boot space (521 litres) to customers. True to every Volkswagen, the carline encompasses the core DNA of the brand that stands for superior build quality, safety and fun-to-drive experience.
“The Volkswagen Virtus carries the global sedan lineage of the Volkswagen brand selling over 129 models across our 61 years of presence in the sedan segment world over. A truly global carline that will redefine, re-energize and set new benchmarks in the premium midsize sedan segment in India. The Virtus, with its dynamic and emotional design language, spacious interiors, functionality and TSI technology, will win the hearts of our customers.”, said Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India.
“The New Volkswagen Virtus offers nothing but brilliance in the premium midsize sedan segment. Being the longest car in the segment, spaciousness is no longer a compromise for our customers. With its confident character, the New Virtus is loaded with best in class features in both the Dynamic and Performance line that will appeal and impress the aspirational Indian customer. Enhancing the personality of the Virtus further on the Performance line are the iconic GT elements that provide a unique character to the car”, said Ashish Gupta.
The New Virtus will be available in the 1.5l TSI EVO engine with Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) and 1.0l TSI engine both equipped with idle Start/Stop and will be mated to a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic torque converter or 7-speed DSG transmission option. The efficient TSI technology delivers a peak power of 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque on the 1.5l TSI EVO engine giving customers maximum power at minimum consumption. Along with instant acceleration with an 85kW (115PS) power delivery and 178 Nm on torque on the 1.0l TSI engine offering customers a fun-to-drive experience. The exemplary performance is supported by R16 alloy wheels on the New Virtus.
The New Virtus is equipped with a host of technology, entertainment and connectivity features such as the 20.32 cm digital cockpit, 25.65 cm large touchscreen infotainment system equipped with wireless App Connect through Apple CarplayTM and Android AutoTM, KESSY (key less entry and engine start), an electric sunroof, smart-touch Climatronic AC, 8-speakers with immersive sound as standard, wireless mobile charging, front ventilated leather seats, MyVolkswagen Connect App and many more.
The New Virtus is equipped with 40+ active and passive safety features. The sedan offers up to 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), multi-collision brakes, hill-hold control, seamlessly integrated LED headlamps with LED DRLs, ISOFIX, 3 headrests at the rear, tire pressure deflation warning, reverse camera among many other features.
The New Virtus will be available in vibrant and exciting exterior colors such as the Wild Cherry Red, Carbon Steel Grey, Reflex Silver, Curcuma Yellow, Candy White and Rising Blue.
With the World Premiere of the Volkswagen Virtus, pre-bookings for the sedan have commenced across the 151 sales touch points in India and can also be initiated through the online booking platform on the Volkswagen India website.
Volkswagen has hinted at a premium offering when it comes to pricing and varianting. There are a lot of features standard such as LED lights, 8 speakers, safety kit and much more making the variants list quite short. Pricing should be around the Taigun and recently launched Skoda Slavia but given the history of Taigun and Kushaq, expect VW to play the variant strategy very differently. Customers will be left wanting either between the two European cousins and it will be SAVIPL who will be the winner.
