A New Spin on a Old Friend

The Volkswagen Virtus facelift is coming and it’s not just a minor refresh. Expected to arrive in late 2025 or early 2026, the updated sedan gets ADAS Level 2 and a panoramic sunroof – two features Indian buyers have been asking for. With the Hyundai Verna facelift and Skoda Slavia breathing down its neck, Volkswagen India is upping its game.

Subtle But Smart Changes

At first glance, the Virtus facelift won’t look like an all-new car. Instead it’s an evolutionary design update – new grille, sharper LED headlights, fresh alloy wheels and reworked bumpers front and rear. The wide stance and clean German lines remain, but the facelift gives it a more modern and fresh look. That’s the catch – modern without losing its identity.

Cabin That Feels a Class Above

Step inside and this is where the sedan truly excels. Volkswagen has gone for a more premium cabin with new upholstery and a new color theme. The big talking points? A panoramic sunroof – finally coming to the Virtus – and a 360-degree camera system for extra safety. The ADAS suite adds features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking making long drives far less tiring and far safer.

Engines Stay the Same and That’s Okay

No big changes under the bonnet. The facelift continues with the tried-and-tested 1.0L TSI (115 bhp) and 1.5L TSI (150 bhp) turbo-petrol engines. Both are known for their performance and efficiency. The 1.5 TSI with DSG, found on the enthusiast-favorite GT Line trims, will continue to be the performance choice, while the 1.0 TSI remains the ideal engine for practical daily use. Sometimes sticking to what you know is worth the trade.

Price and Rivals

Price will be slightly higher than the current ₹11.56 lakh–₹19.40 lakh range, for the added tech and luxury. That puts it in the same league as the Hyundai Verna, Skoda Slavia, Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. But with ADAS and a panoramic sunroof, the Virtus facelift might just have the edge for those who want a safer and feature loaded sedan.

Verdict

The Volkswagen Virtus facelift isn’t about change – it’s about improvement. With premium bits, smarter safety and that sunroof, it’s ready to hold its ground in the mid-size sedan space in India.

Also read

The Future is Here: What to Expect from the 2026 Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus Facelifts

FAQs

When will the Volkswagen Virtus facelift launch in India?
By late 2025 or early 2026.

Will the Virtus facelift get diesel engines?
No, it will continue with 1.0L and 1.5L TSI turbo-petrol engines only.