Volkswagen has announced to launch two new cars on the new locally developed MQB AO IN platform. The company has already unveiled the Taigun mid-sized SUV, which is scheduled to be launched in the festive season before Diwali. The second VW model to be developed on the MQB AO IN platform will be a new mid-sized sedan, which will replace the existing Vento.
The new Volkswagen sedan will be based on the Virtus sedan, which has already been caught testing in India. The new sedan is most likely to be launched in the last quarter of current financial year, which is January-March 2022. The new sedan will be positioned against the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.
Dimensionally, the new Volkswagen Virtus sedan is 4,480mm in length, 1,751mm in width and 1,468mm in height. It is around 90mm longer and 52mm wider than the current Vento. The wheelbase has been increased by 97mm to 2,650mm. It offers a luggage carrying capacity of 521-litres, which is again 27-litres more than the Vento. Also See – 5 Things to know about VW Virtus sedan – spied
The new mid-sized sedan will be powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that churns out a maximum power output of 108bhp and a peak torque of 175Nm. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. The sedan could also get a new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which will also power the Taigun. Paired to a 7-speed DSG, this engine produces 147bhp and 250Nm of torque.
The Volkswagen Virtus is a sedan version of the international-spec Polo hatchback. The sedan shares styling cues from the Passat, featuring signature VW grille, slimmer headlamps with integrated angle running lights, LED tail-lamps and sloping roofline. The India-spec model could receive some design changes in-line with the new Taigun.
The sedan will also share the interior features with the Taigun SUV. It could get a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital instrument console, automatic AC, wireless charging, etc.
