Volkswagen has launched the Virtus in India, with a starting price of Rs 11.21 lakh, going up to Rs 17.91 lakh for the top-spec 1.5 TSI Performance-line variant. Bookings for the Virtus are already underway. The Virtus is a sister model to the Skoda Slavia, and the fourth model from VW Group's heavily localised India 2.0 project of made for India cars.
- Virtus gets two petrol engine options - 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI
- Costs Rs 22,000 more than the Skoda Slavia
- 1.5 TSI motor gets only a DSG option
Here is the detailed price list of the Virtus
| Volkswagen Virtus price (ex-showroom) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Variant | 1.0 TSI MT | 1.0 TSI AT | 1.5 TSI DSG |
| Comfortline | Rs 11.21 lakh | - | - |
| Highline | Rs 12.97 lakh | Rs 14.27 lakh | - |
| Topline | Rs 14.41 lakh | Rs 15.71 lakh | - |
| GT | - | - | Rs 17.91 lakh |
Volkswagen Virtus: powertrain options
The Virtus range starts with a 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder turbo petrol engine that produces 115hp and 178Nm of torque. The engine is paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. Volkswagen is also offering the more powerful 1.5-litre TSI four-cylinder turbo petrol engine that makes class-leading 150hp and 250Nm of torque. The engine also features cylinder deactivation technology to save fuel. For now, the 1.5 TSI is only available with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Skoda Slavia, however, gets both manual and automatic gearbox options with the 1.5-litre TSI engine.
Volkswagen Virtus: exterior design and dimensions
The Virtus is of course a size bigger than the Vento, and there are hints of the bigger Jetta in the sedan’s design. It looks more grown-up compared to the sportier and more compact looking Skoda Slavia. For more details on the Virtus’ styling, you can check our review here.
In terms of dimensions, the Virtus measures 4,561mm in length, 1,752mm in width, 1,507mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,651mm. While the width, height and the wheelbase are the same as the Slavia, the Volkswagen is marginally longer than the Skoda. These dimensions make the Virtus, along with the Slavia, the biggest car in its class.
Volkswagen Virtus: variants, interior and equipment
The Virtus gets two distinct variant lines – Dynamic Line, which is for all the 1.0-litre variants and the GT-badged Performance Line, which includes the 1.5-litre variants. The Dynamic line features beige and black interiors while the Performance line gets red stitching on the seats, aluminium pedals and red detailing on the dashboard.
Top-spec version gets features like a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8.0-inch instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, connected car tech, ventilated seats, a sunroof, cooled glovebox and auto headlamps and wipers. On the safety front, higher variants get six airbags, hill-hold control, ESC and tyre pressure monitor. In terms of practicality, the Virtus packs a 521-litre boot and a 60:40 split rear-seat option to open up more space.
Volkswagen Virtus: rivals
The Virtus takes on other mid-size sedans in the market like the Skoda Slavia, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City and the Hyundai Verna. Honda City and Hyundai Verna are the only two cars in the segment that also get an option of a diesel engine. Moreover, Honda recently introduced a strong hybrid powertrain for the City as well.
Also see:
Volkswagen Virtus vs rivals: specifications comparison
2022 Volkswagen Virtus video review
2022 Volkswagen Virtus first look video
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