Volkswagen Virtus: What You Should Know

Volkswagen India launched the Virtus as the successor to the Vento. It is their answer to the City and Verna. The segment, which the city and Verna have dominated, got two new competitors in the form of Virtus and Slavia. The Virtus comes with a 1.0L TSI engine and a 1.5L TSI engine along with 3 different gearbox options. VW has always satisfied the Indian car enthusiast and it continues to do so with the Virtus.

Virtus – Things We Like

• Sporty and appealing design
• Many powertrain options
• Roomy interiors
• Aggressive pricing
• 5-star NCAP ratings

Virtus – Things We Dislike

• Lacks exclusivity due to similarities with the Slavia
• The base model lacks several features including auto-climate control
• DSG gearbox can be unreliable
• Expensive top variant
• Lack of a diesel option.

Virtus – Must Know Details

The range starts at 12 lakh rupees and the top model will set you back by almost 20 lakh rupees. The Virtus comes equipped with all the gimmicks one can expect. Not to mention, they have addressed the demands of Indian car enthusiasts. The Virtus, after a long wait, comes with a manual for its GT line trim. Whether you adore the quick-shifting nature of the DSG, comfort and reliability of a conventional automatic or the traditional manual, you can make your pick the lot.

You get the luxuries you previously compromised for in a Polo or a Vento while getting better performance figures. Features such as cruise control, electric sunroof and electric seats are the tip of a feature-loaded iceberg.

Virtus – Performance and Specs

• Engine: 1.0L TSI / 1.5L TSI
• Horsepower: 113 / 148 HP
• Torque: 178 / 250 NM
• Transmission: 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic / 7-speed DSG
• Drivetrain: FWD
• 0-100 kmph: 8.8 seconds [1.5L TSI]
• Top speed: 190 KMPH
• Suspension: Mc-Pherson suspension and stabiliser bar at front; Twist beam axle at rear
• Brakes: Disc brakes at front; Drum brakes at rear
• Wheels: 205/55 R16
• Safety features: Hill-hold control, Park distance control, 6 airbags and electronic stability control

Virtus – Competitors

• Hyundai Verna – powerful performance from the turbo engine
• Honda City– economical and environment-friendly hybrid option.
• Maruti Suzuki Ciaz – cheaper to buy and maintain.
• Skoda Slavia – similar dynamics to the Virtus.
  
  The Virtus has tough competition in this segment. Each car has its own strong point and come with decent equipment list and strong powertrain options.

Virtus – Our Verdict

The Virtus brings a breath of fresh air to the Volkswagen lineup. Along with its handsome looks, it has the fun factor to excite the Indian market. It leads the segment in terms of safety and offers an adequate amount of features. It gives the customers freedom in choosing their desired powertrain, thanks to the different engines and gearboxes on offer.

Despite it being a fan-favourite, the Virtus lacks exclusivity thanks to the shared powertrain with the Slavia. Volkswagen’s reluctance to offer diesel variants to its lineup leaves a lot to be desired. The base model may start at a lower cost, but the price of the top model is significantly greater than those of City and Verna.

If you are on the lookout for a sporty sedan, this is the correct choice for you. The pros outweigh the cons, and Volkswagen seems to have done an impressive job with the Virtus.