Volkswagen India’s MQB‑based sedan, the Virtus, has marked its third anniversary in the Indian market this June, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Since its launch in June 2022, it has emerged as the best‑selling midsize sedan, carving out a 32 % segment share in 2025
Commanding The Segment
Built in Pune’s Chakan plant and exported globally, the Virtus has sold over 61,000 units domestically in three years, with total combined sales and exports crossing approximately 143,000 by April 2025 . That’s a steady climb from ~18,900 in its first year to ~20,800 in year two and ~21,800 this year.
Even as sedans fade in popularity amid the SUV wave – the overall sedan segment has shrunk—FY2025 saw a 28 % dip, the Virtus has secured the top spot in both 2024 and early 2025. It sold 1,707 units in May 2025 alone, the only C‑segment sedan to cross the four‑figure mark that month . VW has fought back with strong safety, performance, and a polished package. A facelift is reportedly in the works to sustain interest
Powertrain & Safety
The Virtus offers two turbo‑petrol TSI engines: a 1.0‑litre three‑cylinder delivering 114 BHP and 178 Nm, and a 1.5‑litre four‑cylinder delivering 148 BHP and 250 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6‑speed manual, 6‑speed torque‑converter auto (1.0), or 7‑speed DSG (1.5).
It’s built on VW’s India‑specific MQB‑A0‑IN platform, the Virtus boasts high localisation (up to 95 %) and a 5‑star GNCAP rating. It comes with a suite of passive safety measures such as Hill Hold Assist, ABS, EBD, ESC and it also comes with six airbags as standard, and a stable bodyshell.
Dimensions & Comfort
At 4,561 mm long, 1,751 mm wide, and with a 2,651 mm wheelbase, it dwarfs most rival sedans. With its German‑tuned suspension, plush interiors and a crisp, responsive driving feel, the Virtus connects emotionally with India’s young driving enthusiasts.
Sharing platforms with the Skoda Slavia, Skoda Kushaq, Skoda Kylaq & the VW Taigun, the Virtus has helped VW India build scale and export volume. Combined domestic sales of the Virtus and Taigun crossed 50,000 in Q2 2024. This synergy, backed by export appeal, keeps VW competitive even as compact SUVs dominate.
Price & Offers
Ex‑showroom Delhi pricing starts around ₹11.56 lakh, extending to ₹19.40 lakh for the top 1.5 GT‑Sport DSG trim. To celebrate the anniversary, VW India is offering ₹50,000 off plus scrap‑and‑replace benefits up to ₹20,000.
Verdict
In an SUV‑obsessed market, the Virtus stands out by staying sharp, solid and sincere. It blends German build quality and turbo performance into a spacious, safe, feature‑rich package.
