The German manufacturer, Volkswagen launched the Vento in 2011 and the C segment sedan has been receiving timely updates ever since. However, recent spy shots of the Virtus (called the Vento in some markets) shows that the sedan is up for a generation upgrade.
The spy shots confirm that the next generation Vento will carry styling bits from the fascia of the 2018 Volkswagen Polo. However, the design is expected to be as low profile as the current car. The side silhouette of the next gen Vento is expected to carry basic sedan proportions with sleek shoulder and waist lines to compliment the styling. The spotted car sits on a newly designed set of alloy wheels. The rear has been styled taking cues from its older sibling, the Jetta. The tail lamp boasts of striking design and the rear bumper has been re-styled to look upswept – maybe they are hoping for aero trickery here.
Inside the sedan are gadgets recently seen on the 2018 Polo with a touch-screen infotainment system and an all-digital instrument cluster. The new car is expected to tick all the boxes in the feature list, however, to keep the cost in check, Volkswagen will have to limit its offerings.
As the 2018 VW Polo, the Virtus/Vento is expected to be based on the newly developed MQB platform. However, the Polo sedan will sit on a longer wheelbase than its hatch back sibling. The track of the car is expected to be wider – courtesy the new MQB platform. Power source of the new Virtus will be the same 1.0-litre TSI engine, with 126bhp and 204Nm of torque and 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine which produces 120bhp. On the other hand, the Indian market is expected to see the same 1.2-litre TSI and a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a seven speed DSG gearbox and a five speed manual gearbox respectively. The diesel variant will be offered with a 1.5-litre TDI engine with a choice of DSG or a manual gearbox.
The Virtus will make its way here to the domestic market. However, its arrival seems to be slated only for the latter half of next year. Post launch, the Volkswagen Virtus is expected to be dubbed as the ‘Vento’ and will enter a segment already dominated by Hyundai Verna, Skoda Rapid, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Honda City.
