While the Mk5 Polo-based Volkswagen Vento continues to be sold in Malaysia, over in the Americas, its successor – the Virtus – has just been launched in Mexico. The small sedan, now sitting on the new Polo’s modular MQB A0 platform, makes its entry there nearly two years after it was first shown in Brazil, slotting above the Vento (which remains on sale, at least for the time being) as a more upmarket option.
As you’d expect, the Virtus is longer than the Polo (4,480 mm versus 4,053 mm) as well as a little taller (1,468 mm versus 1,446 mm), but the width is identical on both models (1,751 mm). Its wheelbase is also 86 mm longer at 2,650 mm, and it offers far more boot space at 521 litres.
On the outside, the Polo roots are fairly obvious, with the same clean-cut design language and a similar front end treatment. The front bumper has been redesigned with larger air intakes, accommodating the LED daytime running lights that are standard in Mexico. Most of the extra length can be seen at the rear of the car, where you’ll find trapezoidal tail lights that are reminiscent of the B9 Audi A4.
The angular design continues inside, with a horizontal dashboard design that places the head unit above the air vents. Unlike in Brazil, Mexico misses out on the Active Info Display instrument cluster, and the centre touchscreen has also shrunk from eight inches to 6.5. It still has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, however.
Just one engine option is available, and it’s the trusty (if a little antiquated) 1.6 litre naturally-aspirated MPI four-cylinder, making 110 hp and 155 Nm of torque. It’s paired to either a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic, with drive sent to the front wheels.
Standard equipment includes halogen headlights, 15-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, power windows, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, a universal smartphone mount with USB charging, six speakers and 60:40 split-folding rear seats. The automatic version adds 16-inch two-tone alloys and a leather-wrapped gear knob.
Safety kit includes four airbags, stability control and ISOFIX child seat anchors at the rear. Prices start at 275,990 pesos (RM59,500) for the manual version and 295,990 pesos (RM67,800) for the automatic.
GALLERY: Brazilian-market Volkswagen Virtus
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Lover to drive VW… but when comes service cost… hurt my wallet.
Service cost is OKAY for a conti, but yes its a tad bit expensive if BMW service somewhat costs the same.
My 1.2L service at Wearnes VW: between RM500-750 for normal, regular maintenance. RM1200++ for major.
My 328i after-warranty service at Ingress Auto, RM650-800. Never had major yet after 100k KM waranty.
I remembered my wife’s previous CRV 2.0 (2010 model) we had it serviced for between RM600-700 at Global Amity and RM1450 for 60k KM.
I dont know about service costs for newer T&H and P1/P2 tho.
Too bad wont be available here. Even the new polo wont be available. An insider said it is too pricey so it wont make sense.
The Virtus is only available as LHD. Even South Africa as a big RHD market with a big VW market share won’t get the Virtus.
India is due to get the Virtus in 2020. Aren’t they a RHD market as well? Maybe they will export the Virtus to South Africa from India after 2020…
Very basic specs though… consider the USA specced cars they are assembling for has much higher levels of kit.
everything look ok except the handbreak
Question is, will we get this – or maybe after 10, 20 years later….
Vw malaysia tak pandai mahu jual … Don’t want to market it when it’s still hot …. It will be too late when it is cold … Vw tak mau belajar daripada kesilapan htc ….
Every where accept Malaysia, is getting the new Polo & Jetta….
guess Euro NCAP, i mean Euro not SA NCAP rate how many stars for this Virtus…. no ESC, no AEB?
since its a re-use platform, saved a lot R&D, VW should at least add more new safety equip to Virtus….. Sad Virtus
I won’t be surprised that VW Msia will only sell Tiguan and the aging polo…
Pretty rear design but front is failed
Nilai jualan terpakai rendah..no value bila dah second hand..part mahal..