I am planning to buy a Volkswagen Virtus, and most reviews have mentioned that the DSG transmission on the 1.5-litre engine has reliability issues. I am confused. Is that true?
Sandeep Gonam, Bengaluru
Autocar India says: The Volkswagen Virtus scores high on the grounds of safety and comfort, as well as the fun-to-drive experience, particularly in its 1.5-litre TSI engine guise. While the company has had issues pertaining to the reliability of the 7-speed DSG transmission – codenamed the DQ200 – in the past, most of these have been resolved in the Virtus and Taigun.
The DQ200, which is a dry clutch dual-clutch transmission, used to encounter premature failures owing to the torque surge, particularly in some diesel models like the Vento. The gearbox used to also develop issues related to its mechatronic unit, which is an electro-mechanical control system of this complex technology, and is learnt to get affected across models.
However, the company has addressed these too in the Virtus and Taigun GT variants that come with the DSG drivetrain. While Volkswagen has tuned the 1.5-litre TSI engine to offer a linear torque delivery, well within the gearbox’s engineered limits, the DSG unit has also been thoroughly sealed to prevent any water-related damage to the mechatronics.
Moreover, the company is now also offering an extended 7-year warranty coverage on the Virtus GT, ensuring peace of mind for the buyer. Given that it is undoubtedly a satisfying experience to be behind the wheel of a Virtus 1.5, we would advise you to go ahead and buy the car.
We would still strongly recommend opting for the extended warranty cover, and being prepared for any untoward repairs, if at all, during the ownership cycle.
Also See:
2022 Volkswagen Virtus video review
Volkswagen Virtus 1.5 TSI petrol review, first drive
Volkswagen Virtus GT long term review, 6,000km report
Volkswagen Virtus GT long term review, 10,500km report
