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Volkswagen Virtus: Can it give "goosebumps" to its rivals?

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anjalidixit
Volkswagen Virtus: Can it give "goosebumps" to its rivals?

Volkswagen India recently launched their most anticipated sedan, the Volkswagen Virtus, under their "India 2.0" project. The Virtus boasts a length of 4561mm, making it the longest sedan in its class. Yes, it's even longer than its sibling, the Skoda Slavia, by 20mm. 

The MQB-A0-IN platform is exclusively for the Indian market. However, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has started exporting 'Made-in-India' Volkswagen T-Cross (or Taigun) to Mexico. The same platform is seen in the Skoda Slavia, Skoda Kushaq, the Volkswagen Taigun, and the Volkswagen Virtus. Volkswagen has invested Rs8000 crores under the India 2.0 strategy to enhance its presence in the country. 

However, keeping those things aside, let's come back to the Volkswagen Virtus. The sedan has started entering dealerships and is available for test drives. Its launch, along with the price list, will take place on June 9th. The Virtus takes on the likes of the segment-leader, the Honda City, Skoda Slavia, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, and the Hyundai Verna. So, let's see how it stacks up against its rivals in this Volkswagen Virtus review

 

Volkswagen Virtus Exterior: Design and Dimensions

The Virtus dimensions measure 4561mm in length, 1752mm in width, and 1507mm in height, and it sits on a wheelbase of 2651mm. The rest of the dimensions, except the length, are the same as the Skoda Slavia. The Volkswagen Virtus has a boot space of 521 litres, which is a lot of space. With its 2651mm longer wheelbase than its rivals, it is safe to say that it will offer ample legroom. In terms of practicality, the Virtus makes more sense. 

In terms of design, the Volkswagen Virtus looks sporty and aggressive. Depending upon the variant, the front bumper will either get a full-black or a chrome treatment on the lower section of the bumper. The Virtus also sports LED headlamps, LED DRLs, and LED tail-lights as standard. It also has sharp shoulder lines on the body that looks classy.

The Performance Line (GT trim) gets black inserts on the roof, rims, and ORVMs. It also gets GT badges on some parts of the body. Overall, Volkswagen's designers have done a great job on the exterior. For more detailed information on its interior and exterior, check out the Virtus review.

 

Volkswagen Virtus Interior: Layout and Features

Hopping inside, many people will find the cabin's layout similar to that of the Volkswagen Taigun. Like its siblings, the Virtus also gets a dual-tone theme interior. It features a body-coloured applique that runs across the dashboard. However, this decorative panel can be polarising. Like the Taigun, the Virtus also gets the same touchscreen infotainment system and a fully digital instrument cluster. Despite being composed of hard plastics, the overall fit and finish of the Virtus interior are pretty good. However, Virtus's interior could have been on par with its siblings. The Virtus gets leatherette seats, accompanied by a centre armrest with a storage compartment. 

 

However, Volkswagen should have given GT badges in the Performance Line's interior. It only gets red ambient lighting and a red-themed instrument cluster, whereas the Dynamic Line gets white ambient lighting and a blue-themed instrument cluster.

 

In terms of ergonomics, Virtus and its siblings get no complaints. Everything is reachable by the driver with ease. Below the infotainment screen, it gets a panel for the HVAC that gets touch buttons finished in gloss black. The Virtus also offers several storage compartments. That said, it also has a cooled glove box.

 

The Volkswagen Virtus has a load of features. It has front ventilated seats, a touchscreen infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, a wireless charging tray, etc. Furthermore, it also gets connected-car technology, rear aircon vents, and two USB-C charging sockets.

 

Volkswagen Virtus: The Powertrain

The Volkswagen Virtus gets the same powertrain options as its siblings. It gets a 1.0-litre TSI that produces 115bhp and 175Nm of torque. The 1.0-litre gets either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter. The 1.5-litre, on the other hand, churns out 150bhp and 250Nm of torque. It is exclusively available in the 7-speed DSG. 

However, no manual transmission is available in the Performance Line (GT). On paper, the Volkswagen Virtus seems to be promising, but only time will tell once the Volkswagen Virtus review in India is out.

 

Volkswagen Virtus: Pricing

Volkswagen India hasn't announced the price of the Virtus yet. The prices will be out on June 9th. But as observed, Volkswagen cars are usually more expensive than Skoda cars. Due to which, the Virtus might have a price tag above its closest rival, the Skoda Slavia. For reference, the Skoda Slavia's price starts at Rs10.99 lakh (ex-showroom), so the Virtus price might start from Rs11.50 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards. 

To check out the first drive review of the Volkswagen Virtus, new launches, car reviews, or for the nearest driving school in your region, visit autoX

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