CFAO Motors Rwanda Limited, the authorised dealer of Volkswagen in Rwanda, unveiled their latest addition to the sedan family, the Volkswagen Virtus.
The launch took place on Tuesday, May 30, at the Volkswagen Showroom in the Special Economic Zone, marking an exciting milestone for the automotive industry in Rwanda.
On December 16, 2022, a press briefing marked the official announcement of the vehicle during the visit of Martina Beine, the Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa.
During a press interview at the launch, Serge Kamuhinda, the CEO of Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda, shared insights about the Virtus and the driving factors behind its development.
Kamuhinda revealed that the Virtus was a direct response to customer demands for a high-quality sedan that could navigate various road conditions while maintaining fuel efficiency. He further explained that the Virtus would be available for both individual purchases and as part of VW Mobility solutions.
ALSO READ: What is the future of Africa’s automotive industry?
Addressing the topic of assembling electric vehicles in Rwanda, Kamuhinda mentioned that the process had been temporarily halted due to the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The scarcity of materials, particularly the semiconductor crisis, had impacted the assembly of electric vehicles. However, he reassured the audience that VW Rwanda was actively working towards reactivating the electric vehicle assembly line by the end of the year.
Cheruvu Srinivas, Chief Operating Officer at CFAO Motors Rwanda, emphasised the importance of Rwandans supporting the Virtus since it is assembled by Rwandans, for Rwandans, in their own homeland.
Srinivas also highlighted the benefits of purchasing the Virtus through CFAO Motors Rwanda, including a three-year warranty and free service until the vehicle reaches 10,000 km.
About the Virtus
The Volkswagen Virtus represents a practical, stylish, and versatile addition to Volkswagen’s rapidly expanding sedan range. With its sophisticated design and eye-catching appearance, the Virtus appeals to a wide range of customers, particularly the young and young-at-heart who seek a vehicle that exudes confidence while prioritising cost-effectiveness.
At first sight, the Virtus leaves a lasting impression with its striking front end that showcases its affiliation with the Volkswagen sedan family. The vehicle boasts a new bumper, a grille that stretches across the front, and Eco LED headlamps, ensuring enhanced visibility during night-time drives.
The side profile of the Virtus is defined by two horizontal character lines, giving it a muscular and masculine look. The rear of the vehicle features a reflective band framed by a black trim panel, accentuating its width and adding a distinctive touch to its design.
Safety is a top priority for Volkswagen, and the Virtus is equipped with the latest safety features to provide a secure driving experience. These features include six airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), anti-slip regulation (ASR), park distance control, and park assist for the Highline model.
ALSO READ: VW’s electric car launched in Rwanda
Step inside the Virtus, and you’ll discover a stylish and spacious interior that offers ample room for all your endeavours. The adaptable rear seats can be folded or slid to optimize the available space. The Virtus truly defines comfort and versatility, allowing you to transform its 377 litres of boot space into 521 litres of rear cabin space, catering to your ever-changing needs.
The new Virtus is available in two variants, namely Topline and Highline, they’re both powered by a 1.6L petrol engine coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission, generating an impressive 81 kW of power.
To suit your personal style, the Virtus offers a range of seven exterior colours, enabling you to select the one that resonates with your adventurous spirit.