Since its launch in June this year, the Virtus mid-size sedan has been making a descent in sales as per Volkswagen’s standards. It has replaced the ageing Vento in the brand’s India lineup as a more premium alternative that comes with two engines across four variant options. In case you are also considering the Volkswagen Virtus and are confused between its variants, we are here to help you select the most value-for-money variant.
Let’s start with its specifications: –
Specifications
| Engine | 1-litre turbo-petrol | 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with Active Cylinder Technology |
| No of Cylinders | 3 | 4 |
| Max Power | 115PS | 150PS |
| Max Torque | 178Nm | 250Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual/torque converter automatic | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Claimed Fuel Efficiency | 19.40kmpl (manual), 18.12kmpl (automatic) | 18.67kmpl |
The Volkswagen Virtus comes with two turbocharged petrol engine options. Starting with the smaller 1.0-litre unit, this engine will indeed impress you with peppy performance. It cruise effortlessly at three-digit speeds without any hassle. However, sudden overtaking does leave you wanting a bit more outright punch to gain quick momentum. However, there is no match for the 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder TSI engine when it comes to power & excitement. It also features Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) that shuts down two of its four cylinders in low load conditions for optimum fuel efficiency.
Dimensions and Cabin Space
| Length | 4541mm |
| Width | 1750mm |
| Height | 1507mm |
| Wheelbase | 2651mm |
| Ground Clearance | 179mm |
| Boot Space | 521 litres (expandable up to 1050 litres) |
As a result of its long wheelbase, the Volkswagen Virtus has generous cabin space with a satisfactory amount of knee, leg, and headroom, even for taller passengers. Seat cushions are too thick and provide adequate support for the back, shoulders, and under-thighs. Despite this, seating three at the back will be a bit tight due to the narrow cabin and strong contouring of the seats.
Variants-Wise Price and Features
1. Volkswagen Virtus Comfortline
| Engine | 1-litre TSI |
| Ex-showroom Price | Rs 11,31,900 (MT) |
Key Features: –
| Exterior | LED headlamps with LED DRLs, LED taillamps, 16-inch steel wheels with full covers, body-coloured side mirrors with LED turn indicators, black garnish on the window bottom line and chrome strip on the upper grille. |
| Interior | Premium dual-tone interiors, black fabric upholstery and bottle holders in all doors. |
| Comfort & Convenience | Height adjustable driver’s seat, foldable rear bench seat, manual air conditioning, paddle shifters, front USB socket, adjustable headrests for all, remote central locking, power-adjustable side mirrors, idle engine start/stop function and steering mounted audio & telephony controls. |
| Infotainment | 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, eight speakers. |
| Safety | Dual front airbags, day/night IRVM, 3-point seat belts for all seats, ABS with EBD, Electronic differential lock system, rear parking sensors, high-speed alert system, seatbelt reminder, Electronic stability control (ESC), rear defogger, tyre pressure deflation warning, and multi-collision braking. |
Verdict: For budget-conscious buyers, the entry-level Volkswagen Virtus Comfortline variant can be a good option. Skip to the Highline variant if you can push your budget.
2. Volkswagen Virtus Highline
| Engine | 1-litre TSI |
| Ex-showroom Price | Rs 13,17,900 (MT), Rs 14,47,900 (AT) |
| Price Difference From Comfortline | Rs 1.86 lakh |
Key Features (over Comfortline): –
| Exterior | Lower grille in gloss black finish, signature chrome wing (front & rear), 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, sharkfin antenna, chrome garnish on door handles. |
| Interior | Sanguine pearl interior decor inserts, beige seat upholstery, beige fabric upholstery, and white ambient lights. |
| Comfort & Convenience | Paddle shifters (AT only), cup-holders in the rear centre armrest, cooled glovebox, 60:40 foldable rear seats, cruise control, four type-C USB sockets, wireless smartphone charger, push button start/stop, auto climate control, rear AC vents, front seatback pockets, and driver-side window auto up/down with pinch guard |
| Infotainment | 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple Carplay & Android Auto, eight speakers, and optional connected car tech. |
| Safety | Hill start assist (AT only), front fog lamps with static cornering lights, and reverse camera. |
Verdict: In our opinion, the Highline variant will meet the needs of most buyers while providing a pleasant ownership experience, making it our top recommendation for Volkswagen Virtus purchasers.
3. Volkswagen Virtus Topline
| Engine | 1-litre TSI |
| Ex-showroom Price | Rs 14,69,900 (MT), Rs 15,99,900 (AT) |
| Price Difference From Highline | Rs 1.52 lakh |
Key Features (over Highline): –
| Exterior | Full LED automatic headlamps with DRLs, LED turn indicators, chrome finishing on the lower grille, chrome garnish on the window bottom line, Razor dual-tone 16-inch alloy wheels, and a single-pane electric sunroof. |
| Interior | Leatherette seat upholstery, 8-inch TFT driver’s display. |
| Comfort & Convenience | Ventilated front seats, auto coming/leaving the home light function, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlamps, connected car technology, heigh-adjustable co-driver’s seat, and connected car technology. |
| Safety | Side & curtain airbags (total six airbags, including dual front units), auto-diming IRVM, and hill start assist. |
Verdict: As the best option for buyers who want some good-to-have features, the Topline variant is almost worth the price premium over the lower variants.
4. Volkswagen Virtus GT Plus
| Engine | 1.5-litre TSI |
| Ex-showroom Price | Rs 18,41,900 |
| Price Difference From Topline AT | Rs 2.42 lakh |
Key Features (over Topline): –
| Exterior | GT badging at the front, rear and fenders, red brake callipers in front, blacked-out alloys, dual-tone exterior with Carbon Steel Grey roof, and glossy black rear spoiler. |
| Interior | Red ambient lighting, sporty aluminium pedals, and two specific decors: Rave Glossy or Dark Red Glossy. |
Verdict: Considering the added premium over the Topline automatic trim, the Volkswagen Virtus GT-Line variant seems slightly overpriced. However, you can take it into consideration if you are interested in its performance.
