While both Skoda and Volkswagen have their compact SUVs arising in early 2021, compact sedans from both carmakers will hit the market within the last half of 2021. Now, a test mule of the VW Vento’s Brazil-equivalent, the Virtus, has been spied in Pune. The spied left-hand drive model was seen with minimum camouflage, only enough to hide the giveaway details like the brand and name.
The sighting of the Virtus, therefore, could mean that the carmaker duo has started the component testing for its upcoming compact sedans in India.
The Virtus is predicated on the sixth-generation Polo that’s sold in international markets and shares an equivalent MQB-AO also . Volkswagen could take design cues from the sedan for the upcoming Vento’s successor.
Volkswagen offers the Brazil-spec Virtus with a ten .25-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and LED headlamps. Expect the India-spec Vento’s successor to return well-equipped with comforts , while safety features are likely to incorporate multiple airbags and rear parking sensors.
The Vento’s successor are going to be a petrol-only offering, as is that the case with all the new Skoda-Volkswagen models. it’ll likely be powered by the new 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine rated at 110PS and 175Nm. it’ll come mated to either a 6-speed MT or a 6-speed converter automatic. This powertrain was introduced within the Vento and Rapid in 2020.
Volkswagen’s new compact sedan is probably going to command a premium over the present Vento that’s priced between Rs 8.93 lakh and 13.39 lakh (ex-showroom). it’ll still lock horns with the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, fifth-gen Honda City, Hyundai Verna, new-gen Skoda Rapid and Toyota Yaris. It remains to be seen whether Volkswagen continues to supply the current-gen Vento alongside the new sedan like Skoda might neutralize the case of the Rapid.