Finance
The Volkswagen Virtus was officially launched in India on Thursday, with a starting price of 11.21 lakh (ex showroom, introductory) for the Dynamic Line’s base ComfortLine variant. This trim also includes the HighLine and TopLine variants. The more capable GT Line, also known as the Performance Line, costs Rs. 17.91 lakh (ex showroom, introductory). The Virtus replaces the Vento in the market for Volkswagen and is an ambitious model that not only promises to compete with existing sedans in the country like the Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, and Hyundai Verna, but also to take on the growing preference for mid-size SUVs.
| Volkswagen Virtus: Pricing | Dynamic Line | Performace Line | |
| ₹17.91 lakh | |||
| Comfortline MT | ₹11.21 lakh | ||
| Highline MT | ₹12.97 lakh | ||
| Highline AT | ₹14.27 lakh | ||
| Topline MT | ₹14.41 lakh | ||
| Topline AT | ₹15.71 lakh | ||
| all prices are introductory & ex-showroom |
Virtus is built on the MQB A0 IN platform, which also powers the recently introduced Skoda Slavia. Even though both models will compete, Virtus and Slavia are technically cousins. While both cars have the same engine, suspension setup, and dimensions, the exterior styling and cabin layout are vastly different.
Virtus is possibly India’s most sporty mid-size sedan. Whether one chooses the Dynamic or Performance Line, there is much to admire about the vehicle’s assured stance. Virtus is longer than all of its direct competitors, including Slavia, in terms of dimensions. It has the same width and height as the Slavia but outperforms all competitors in both dimensions. The Virtus has the same wheelbase as the Slavia and Ciaz and is longer than the City and Verna.
| Volkswagen Virtus | Skoda Slavia | |
| Length | 4,561 mm | 4,561 mm |
| Width | 1,752 mm | 1,752 mm |
| Height | 1,487 mm | 1,507 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,651 mm | 2,651 mm |
| Boot space | 521-litres | 521-litres |
Beyond the numbers, the Virtus is a stylish vehicle that has been compared to a mini Jetta by many. The Dynamic Line, in particular, stands out thanks to its GT badge, blackened alloys, and sporty spoiler design at the back.
Volkswagen Virtus cabin highlights:
The Virtus has a 10-inch touchscreen display as well as other features such as a wireless smartphone charger, an eight-speaker system, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, a sunroof, and more. Six airbags, ESC, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, ABS with EBD, and other safety features stand out.
The sedan is also quite comfortable, with plenty of space for rear passengers. The large size of the window and the largest boot space in the segment – 521 litres – should make Virtus a popular choice for long trips.
Volkswagen Virtus engine and transmission:
| Volkswagen Virtus | Skoda Slavia | |
| Engine | 1.0-litre TSI, 1.5-litre TSI | 1.0-litre TSI, 1.5-litre TSI |
| Maximum power | 115 PS (1.0L) / 150 PS (1.5L) | 115 PS (1.0L) / 150 PS (1.5L) |
| Maximum torque | 178 Nm (1.0L) / 250 Nm (1.5L) | 178 Nm (1.0L) / 250 Nm (1.5L) |
| Transmission | 6-MT, 6-AT, 7-DSG | 6-MT, 6-AT, 7-DSG |
Under the hood of the Virtus are two petrol engines. There are two engines available: a three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo petrol and a four-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol. Transmission options include a six-speed manual, a torque converter, and a buttery-smooth seven-speed dual clutch.
Source:ASTech
