Skoda Auto Volkswagen India has planned a range of new models for the country, which are slated to hit roads in the next couple of years. The next big launches from both automakers will be the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus sedans. While the former will come as a replacement to the Rapid, the latter will replace the VW Vento. Both models will take on the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. Here’re key details of the upcoming Skoda and Volkswagen sedans that will launch in the first half of 2022.
Skoda Slavia
Skoda’s new mid-size sedan is ready to see a release in March 2022. Production of the model is already underway at the company’s Chakan, Pune based plant. The Slavia will come in Active, Ambition and Style trims, packed with 1.0L and 1.5L TSI petrol engines. While the smaller capacity unit makes 115bhp against 175Nm, the latter one with the active cylinder technology (ACT) delivers 150bhp with 250Nm. There will be three gearboxes on offer – 6-speed manual, 6-speed torque convertor automatic and 7-speed DSG automatic.
Based on Made-for-India MQB A0-IN platform, the Skoda Slavia has been equipped with features such as a 10-inch free-standing infotainment system with SmartLink technology, MySkoda Connect mobile online services, ventilated front seats with leather upholstery, an electric sunroof, a fully digital 8-inch instrument cluster, a new two-spoke multi functional steering wheel and more.
Volkswagen Virtus
The upcoming Volkswagen Virtus will have its world premiere in early March, followed by its launch in the third week of May 2022. Similar to its cousin – Skoda Slavia, the new VW sedan will be built on the heavily-loacalized MQB A0-IN platform and come with the 1.0L TSI (115bhp/175Nm) and 1.5L (150bhp/250Nm) engine options. Transmissions will also be borrowed from the Slavia. Most of its design elements, interior features and components will be similar to the upcoming Skoda sedan. Though, it will look different and some extra features on offer.
