Volkswagen Virtus production commences ahead of its launch in May 2022
India Today
Volkswagen has commenced production of the upcoming Virtus sedan that goes on sale in India in May 2022 to take on the likes of the Skoda Slavia, Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.
Volkswagen has announced that the series production of the upcoming Virtus sedan has commenced at the company’s manufacturing facility in Chakan. The sedan is part of Volkswagen group’s India 2.0 project and is to be the fourth car built on the localised MQB A0 IN platform. The Volkswagen Virtus is powered by either a 1.0-litre TSI or a 1.5-litre TSI and will be offered in both manual and automatic variants.
The Virtus has size on its side, measuring 4,561mm in length, making it the longest in its class. A familiar Volkswagen design language has been used. The front gets LED headlamps and LED DRLs, the taillamps get LED treatment as well. Volkswagen will be introducing the car in two design trims based on the engine choice similar to the Taigun SUV - Dynamic and GT Line. The GT Line gets the bigger 1.5 TSI motor and adds sporty character to the car with dual-tone colours, GT badging, and black alloys.
Inside, the cabin layout is similar to the Taigun and has a 10-inch touch infotainment display in the centre. The automatic climate control switches are located on a touch panel. Other features include an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, sunroof, six airbags, ventilated front seats, eight speakers and more.
Volkswagen is offering a choice of two turbocharged petrol engines for the Virtus. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol makes 115bhp and can be opted for with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. The 1.5-litre TSI that will power the GT Line gets 150bhp with a manual or a 7-speed DSG.
The Volkswagen Virtus is very closely related to the recently launched Skoda Slavia and both share plenty with each other, including the platform and powertrains. The sedan is likely to carry a price tag similar to its Skoda branded sibling, around Rs 11 lakh to Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom). The VW Virtus will compete with the Honda City, Skoda Slavia, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Hyundai Verna.
“With the start of production of the New Virtus at our Chakan facility in Pune, we have successfully completed our commitment of launching two new products under the India 2.0 project based on the MQB A0 IN platform for the market under Volkswagen Brand. The development of the carline is a joint effort of our global and Indian teams who have worked dedicatedly towards retaining the global manufacturing standards of the brand while maintaining localization levels of up to per cent”, said Piyush Arora, MD, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited.
