Volkswagen commences production of Virtus sedan with 95% localization
German automaker Volkswagen has commenced the production of the new Virtus sedan in India. The car was unveiled in the country last month. The company has announced that the production of the four-wheeler has started at the Chakan plant in Pune. The Virtus is part of Volkswagen's "India 2.0" project and incorporates 95% localization.
Why does this story matter?
The Virtus enters production with a lot riding on it. Apart from being an important part of Volkswagen's next chapter in India, it is also expected to revitalize the country's sedan segment. The car is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, and according to the company, it has hit the sweet spot of maintaining desired localization levels while keeping up with international standards.
The car sports a chrome-surrounded mono-slat grille
The Volkswagen Virtus is a mid-sized sedan with a lengthy hood, a sloping roofline, a chromed mono-slat grille, a wide air dam flanked by fog lights, and LED projector headlights with integrated DRLs. On the sides, it has black ORVMs, blacked-out B-pillars, and 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. Sleek wrap-around taillamps, a shark-fin antenna, and "Virtus" lettering on the boot lid grace the rear end.
Two engine options are available
The Volkswagen Virtus is powered by a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder, TSI petrol engine that generates 114hp/175Nm and a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder, petrol mill that churns out 148hp/250Nm. Transmission duties are handled by a six-speed manual, six-speed torque converter automatic, or a seven-speed DCT gearbox.
The sedan houses a 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment panel
The Volkswagen Virtus features a roomy cabin with ventilated front seats, automatic climate control, an electric sunroof, and a multifunctional steering wheel with cruise control. It packs a fully-digital instrument cluster, a wireless charger, and a 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment console with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Six airbags, ABS, EBD, and a rear-view camera display with parking sensors ensure passengers' safety.
Volkswagen Virtus: Pricing and availability
Volkswagen is yet to announce the price of the Virtus. However, we expect it to start at around Rs. 10 lakh (ex-showroom). The car is available for pre-booking for a token amount of Rs. 11,000.
