Volkswagen has taken the wraps off the VW Virtus GTS Concept at the ongoing Sao Paulo International Motor Show 2018. The presentation previews a production model that will launch in the Brazilian market next year.

The Volkswagen Virtus GTS Concept features several exterior styling cues inspired by the Polo GTI. The highlights of the design study include 18-inch “Brescia” alloy wheels shod with 215/40-spec rubber and the signature red accent line running through the grille and headlamps. The new model features ORVM housings finished in black, a lip spoiler, red brake callipers, and bumper trim. The interior features a digital instrument cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel with a “GTS” logo and contrast red stitching, and red dashboard trim. The front seats sport integrated headrests.


Powering the VW Virtus GTS Concept is a 1.4-litre, four-cylinder TSI unit that powers the front wheels through a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. The motor outputs a maximum power of 147 hp & peak torque of 250 Nm. To put things in perspective, the Polo GTI's 2.0-litre turbo-petrol motor outputs 197 hp and 320 Nm.

The VW Virtus is one way a successor to the VW Vento. Basically, it is the sedan version of the sixth-gen VW Polo. The LATAM-focused product based on the MQB A0 platform measures 4.48 m long, 1.75 m wide, and 1.46 m tall. Its wheelbase, at 2.65 m, is the same as that of the VW Jetta. It has a boot space of 521 litres. The Brazil-spec Virtus is available with two engine options - a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol that outputs 115 bhp and 162 Nm, a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol that develops 126 bhp and 200 Nm. While the 1.6 engine former comes mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox, the latter is paired with a six-speed automatic unit.


The low-cost version of the MQB A0 platform, the ‘‘MQB A0 IN’ will spawn the successor to the VW Vento in 2022. We expect the design to be an original, borrowing very little from the Virtus. The first products to be underpinned by the localised architecture will be SUVs from Skoda & VW to challenge the Hyundai Creta's dominance come 2020-21.