Volkswagen VirtusTiming chain or Belt?

The Volkswagen Virtus is a B-segment subcompact sedan manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen. It has been on sale since 2018 and has only had one generation to date. This model came to replace models such as the Volkswagen Vento / Polo Sedan and the Volkswagen Santana in some markets. It is also marketed as the Volkswagen Polo Sedan in South Africa, Volkswagen Lavida XR in China, and Skoda Slavia in India.

The Virtus was introduced in Brazil in November 2017 and went on sale in January 2018. It uses the Volkswagen Group's MQB A0 platform, the same one used by the Polo Mk6, the Volkswagen Taigo / Nivus, and the Volkswagen T-Cross. It features a wheelbase of 2,651 mm, 103 mm longer than the Polo hatchback.

The engine options for the Virtus are exclusively gasoline and Ethanol (the latter is only sold in Brazil). The engines are 1.0 TSI / TGI, 1.4 TSI, and 1.6 MSI. Additionally, in February 2023, it received a cosmetic and mechanical update, featuring new engines such as the 1.0 TSI with 109 hp (gasoline) and 116 hp (ethanol).

There is also an Indian variant of the Virtus, introduced in 2022, where it replaced the Volkswagen Vento. It uses the MQB A0 IN platform adapted for that market and is offered with 1.0 and 1.5 TSI engines.

Regarding China, this model has been sold since mid-2023 as the Volkswagen Lavida XR. It uses a 1.5 MPI engine with 108 hp and a 6-speed automatic transmission. It replaced the second-generation Lavida and the Volkswagen Santana in that market.

The Virtus earned 5 stars in Latin NCAP and Global NCAP crash tests. It features 6 airbags, electronic stability control, autonomous emergency braking assist, and Isofix anchorages in all markets.

Among the rivals of the Virtus are models such as the Toyota Yaris Sedan, the Chevrolet Onix Plus, and the Nissan Versa.