Volkswagen Tries out the Semi-Spicy GTS Trim in Sao Paolo

Following up on the weird neatness of the Tarok, Volkswagen released another South American concept yesterday: the Virtus GTS.

Trading on some of the GTI’s design language the little sedan may look like something to envy Brazil for but worry not, because it’s a lot like that bowl of soup you just microwaved: hot on the outside, cold on the inside.

The Virtus is, essentially, South America’s Polo, but they get a sedan version. As a result of that lineage–not to mention the Polo GTI’s red grille stripe and tartan seats–and a name straight out of the Porsche lineup, you’d expect the Virtus to be pretty good. But alas…

Unlike the Polo GTI, which gets a 2.0-liter engine that makes 200 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque—not bad for a car its size—the Virtus GTS only gets the 1.5-liter unit, which only makes 150 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and only sends that power through an automatic transmission with a number gears that I frankly to care to learn.

It seems, therefore, that this is not unlike North America’s R-Line trim, using the trappings of a performance model to sell a deeply normal model.

The trim, though, does come with everything. No options will be offered, so you get a digital dash, 8-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, light sensors and all for the base price. Which is nice.

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