Volkswagen unveiled the VW Virtus in Brazil last
month. The company has developed the small sedan for markets like South
America, Central America, and the Caribbean region.
According to a report from Al Volante, the VW Virtus
could replace the India-made VW Vento in Mexico in Q1 2018. Volkswagen revealed
the car in Brazil last month, but there too, sales will commence only in
January next year. The VW Virtus is essentially the sedan version of the
sixth-gen VW Polo, which went on sale in Brazil just last month.
Based on the MQB A0 platform, the VW Virtus measures
4.48 metres in length and has a 2.65-metre wheelbase, which is the same as the
VW Jetta’s wheelbase. The Virtus’ body is 1,751 mm wide and 1,468 mm tall. Its
width is the same as that of the all-new Polo, but its height is 4 mm more. The
B-segment sedan has a boot space of 521 litres.
Volkswagen has confirmed only one engine for the VW
Virtus so far – 1.0-litre TSI. This flex-fuel engine develops up to 128 hp and 200 Nm of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission
sends power to the front wheels. Reports say that buyers will also have the
option to go for the 1.6-litre MSI flex-fuel engine that develops up to 117 hp and up to 162 Nm of torque. Volkswagen is expected
offer this engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Engine and transmission
choices will differ as per the market.
The VW Virtus’ production takes place alongside the
sixth-gen VW Polo in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brazil. This plant will supply to
the Mexican market as well.
