KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Volkswagen Virtus starts at Rs 11.55 lakh, with the top trim costing Rs 19.40 lakh ex-showroom
- It comes with the best-in-class ground clearance of 179 mm
- Check out the pros and cons of this premium compact sedan
The Volkswagen Virtus is a premium compact sedan that arrived in India in March 2022. Since then, it has built a loyal fan base in a short time due to its European looks, outstanding engines, performance, ride quality, and safety standards. Additionally, the 1.5 L GT variant is powerful enough to compete with high-end luxury cars and can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h on a straight road.
So, if you are planning to buy a sedan in this segment and want detailed knowledge about the VW Virtus, youve come to the right place. Here, I will outline its pros and cons. For more content like this, don't forget to join the 91Wheels WhatsApp channel.
Also Read: Honda City 5th Generation: Pros And Cons To Know Before You Buy
Pros of Volkswagen Virtus
Timeless Design
The Volkswagen Virtus is one of the most beautiful cars on Indian roads, and nobody can deny that. Its simple yet elegant design reflects European styling. The neat and clean design is a timeless piece of art, meaning that even after 10 years, the Virtus will still look beautiful. It doesn't need to conform to modern trends to attract customers.
In the GT trim, the Virtus's simple-looking exterior gets sporty highlights that make it look dynamic. Additionally, it features a dual-tone treatment, a gloss black finish on the bumper, black alloy wheels, and red brake calipers.
Competition Check: Its rivals, the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, and Skoda Slavia, do not have the same finesse as the Virtus. Except for the Slavia, the other rivals appear more modern, which is both a positive and a negative; they may start to look dated over time. In contrast, the Virtus, with its timeless design, will continue to shine like a diamond.
Ground Clearance of Volkswagen Virtus
A lot of people hesitate to buy sedans because they have low ground clearance, which can be a significant barrier. As a result, many opt for compact SUVs and other alternatives. However, Volkswagen has addressed this issue by offering 179 mm of ground clearance in the Virtus. This is substantial for a sedan, so you needn't worry when driving over rough patches or large speed bumps.
To put it into perspective, the Toyota Innova Hycross has a ground clearance of 185 mm, and this sedan is just 6 mm shorter. Additionally, at first glance, one will notice how upright it appears.
Competition Check: The Honda City and Hyundai Verna both come with 165 mm of ground clearance, which is quite low. Drivers need to be extra cautious when passing through rough patches. Additionally, the Skoda Slavia has the same level of ground clearance.
Spacious Interior
Once you're inside the VW Virtus, you'll be surprised at how spacious it is. With a length of 4561 mm, it is the second longest car after the Honda City, and the wheelbase of 2651 mm is evident inside. The legroom is ample, and the seats are ideal for long rides. Additionally, the dashboard is designed with a flat layout, which helps maximise space and maintain the airiness of the interior.
To add more, 521 L is the boot capacity, so you can fit atleast three full size trolley bags, plus multiple small bags.
Competition Check: Every sedan in this segment offers a tremendous amount of space, and even people who are 6 feet tall wont feel claustrophobic. However, when it comes to boot space, the Honda City offers 506 liters, the Hyundai Verna provides 528 liters, and the Skoda Slavia has 521 liters.
Driving Pleasure
One of the best parts about every German car is their driving dynamics and ride quality; they are simply the best. Drivers feel so connected to the road and the car that they gain the confidence to drive aggressively. Additionally, the stability is phenomenal, allowing the driver to take sharp turns and push the car in all weather conditions.
A lot of Indians dont put much emphasis on the ride quality of a vehicle and only focus on mileage and after-sales service. Unfortunately, by doing so, they miss out on the enjoyment of driving these robust cars, which excel in providing a lot of fun.
Competition Check: If you wish to buy a simple car for your family with soft suspension, then go for the Honda City. If you want a little sportiness, choose the Skoda Slavia. However, if you want a driver-focused car that elevates your driving experience, then pick the Volkswagen Virtus.
Engine Options and Mileage In The Volkswagen Virtus
There are two engines on offer: a 1.0 L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 114 PS and 178 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. With the manual transmission, the Virtus achieves a mileage of 20.8 kmpl, and with the automatic transmission, it achieves 18.45 kmpl.
The second engine is designed for performance and is offered under a separate moniker, the Virtus GT. Here, VW has added a 1.5 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 148 PS and 250 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG transmission.
The ARAI mileage is 18.88 kmpl with the 6-speed manual transmission and 19.62 kmpl with the DSG transmission.
Competition Check: In the Honda City, you can achieve 18.6 kmpl with the 6-speed manual transmission and around 17 kmpl with the CVT gearbox. On the other hand, the new Verna claims to offer mileage between 18 and 21 kmpl. The Skoda Slavia offers mileage between 18 and 20 kmpl.
Cons of Volkswagen Virtus
Lack Modern Features
It's been more than 2 years of Virtus launched, and this car has recieved no updates. Clearly its missing on some important features which its rivals are providingm such as ADAS, 360-degree camera, and remote start. Major competitors like Honda City, Hyundai Verna offer these features, and its high time, Volkswagen should also do that.
No Diesel Option
Volkswagen's turbocharged petrol engines might offer decent mileage and great high-end performance, but the fun of diesel engines cant be replaced. We all miss the 1.5 L TDI diesel engines and their mileage. One of its rivals, the Honda City, offers a hybrid option for customers who mostly drive on highways and want to achieve maximum mileage. The hybrid version offers around 26 to 27 kmpl on a regular basis and can easily reach 30 kmpl with a light foot.
In the end, Volkswagen should consider offering an alternative option, as the demand for turbocharged petrol engines is not sufficient, which is reflected in the sales numbers.
Camera Quality of Volkswagen Virtus
The camera quality of this premium sedan does not match its price. Additionally, there are no guidelines to assist during wheel rotation. At night, the camera is best described as useless due to its poor resolution. When compared to the Hyundai Verna, it falls significantly behind. Both are extremely opposite in terms of quality, which VW should improve.
The Honda City's camera quality has improved after the facelift, and the Skoda Slavia is expected to receive an update in 2025. Hopefully, the company will update the Virtus soon.
Also Read: Upcoming Skoda Compact SUV Name Reveal On August 21
Verdict
So, these are the top pros and cons of the Volkswagen Virtus, and honestly, there are more positives than negatives for this vehicle. If you want a fun-to-drive car that also provides good mileage, both engines are excellent choices. According to several media reports, it will receive a facelift in 2025, so we can expect new updates then.
