Volkswagen Virtus has finally been launched in India. The midsize sedan, which is a sister sedan to the Skoda Slavia, is the fourth model in Volkswagen’s India 2.0 project which has cars specifically made for our country. Like the Slavia, the Volkswagen Virtus will also get two engine options and three gearbox options.
Prices for the Volkswagen Virtus start at Rs. 11.21 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base Comfortline trim with the 1.0-litre engine and manual gearbox. The 1.0-litre engine with the torque converter automatic gearbox starts with the Highline trim and will retail for Rs. 14.27 lakh (ex-showroom). The top-of-the-line GT trim with the 1.5-litre engine and the dual-clutch DSG gearbox is priced at Rs. 17.91 lakh (ex-showroom).
Mechanically, the Volkswagen Virtus is the same as the Skoda Slavia. Under the hood, there are two engines on offer. The 1.0-litre, three cylinder turbo petrol engine produces 115hp and 178Nm of torque. It can be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol engine produces 150hp and 250Nm of torque. The engine is coupled with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox. In comparison, the Slavia’s 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine is also mated to a manual gearbox.
Cosmetically, the Volkswagen Virtus feels very VW-esque with the slim and wide grille that can also be seen on the Taigun. VW has neatly integrated the chrome accents on the grille with the L-shaped LED daytime running lights and the accents in the headlights. In profile, the Virtus feels as long as the Jetta. At the back, VW has given a smoked-out treatment to the taillights.
Inside, the Virtus has a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment, an 8-inch instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, connected car tech, ventilated seats, a sunroof, cooled glovebox, and auto headlamps. Most of these features are available on the higher trims.
The Volkswagen Virtus will rival the likes of Skoda Slavia, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Hyundai Verna, and Honda City. The last two on the list are also the only ones to get a diesel engine option.
[Featured Image Credit: Volkswagen]
Satvik Khare