Volkswagen Virtus has turned into a force to be reckoned with within the mid-size sedan segment in no time. Its aggressive appearance, five-star Global NCAP safety, and luxurious touches have appealed to many buyers who are looking forward to a more exhilarating and premium driving experience. Two of Virtus’s turbo-petrol engines are a significant aspect of its success because they cater to different types of drivers. You get the economical and efficient 1.0-litre TSI engine and the more potent and advanced 1.5-litre TSI EVO engine, which appeal to a range of driver types. For many prospective buyers, choosing the Virtus might be as simple as the actual-world Virtus mileage and performance delivered by each of the engines.
This in-depth 2025 guide has been crafted to enable an informed decision. We will carefully dissect the official ARAI ratings, examine what owners are getting on the road, and talk about the finer points of performance, running expenses, and the driving experience as a whole. Suppose you’re an urban commuter seeking best-in-class fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness, or an adrenaline-fueled enthusiast requiring explosive performance. In that case, understanding the true nature of each engine is crucial for a fulfilling ownership experience.
Table of Contents
An Overview of The Engines
Both the 1.0L and 1.5L engines are turbocharged and feature direct injection, but they are fundamentally different in character and technology.
1.0-litre TSI
This is a 999cc, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and marks the entry level of the Virtus range. It has been engineered to provide an excellent balance of power, performance, and economy. It boasts113.98bhp of power and 178 Nm of torque, offering more than sufficient performance for daily city chores and comfortable cruising on highways. It has a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
1.5-litre TSI EVO with ACT
This is a 1498cc, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and tops the Virtus’s engine offerings. It’s an advanced engine delivering a class-leading 147.51bhp of power and a tremendous 250 Nm of torque. Its ace up the sleeve is Active Cylinder Technology (ACT), which has the capability of shutting down two of the four cylinders under light-load conditions (such as highway cruising) to conserve fuel. This engine is available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.
Official Mileage: The ARAI Figures (2025)
The ARAI-claimed mileage figures are a good starting point for comparison, as they are measured under identical, controlled conditions.
- Virtus 1.0L TSI Manual: 20.8 km/l
- Virtus 1.0L TSI Automatic (TC): 18.12 km/l
- Virtus 1.5L TSI Manual: 18.88 km/l
- Virtus 1.5L TSI Automatic (DSG): 19.62 km/l
Comparing these figures, the 1.0L TSI manual is the most economical on paper. The 1.5L TSI DSG auto, conversely, proves more economical than its 1.0L automatic counterpart, thanks to the latter’s 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and cylinder deactivation technology. However, these statistics may not directly translate to everyday driving reality.
Real-World Virtus Mileage: What Drivers Experience
The true-world verification of an engine’s efficiency is in its performance across a combination of traffic, highways, and varying driving patterns. That’s where things get interesting, but practical results often diverge from the claimed ones.
Virtus 1.0L TSI
- City: Mileage in urban traffic for the 1.0L TSI tends to range from 10-12 km/l. The three-cylinder engine drinks a little in stop-and-go traffic, and the necessity to rev the engine more to get rapid acceleration affects mileage.
- Highway: Out on the highway, the 1.0L TSI does much better. With relaxed driving and a cruise of some 90-100 km/h, owners cite 16-18 km/l figures. 6th gear on the 6-speed manual and the Dual Clutch Auto serve to keep RPM levels down, enhancing efficiency.
- Combined Average: For a mixed driving cycle, a realistic average Virtus mileage for the 1.0L TSI is around 13-14 km/l.
Virtus 1.5L TSI EVO
- City: Despite its larger engine displacement and greater power output, the 1.5L TSI has proved quite frugal in the city, often delivering 11-14 km/l. This is largely due to the excellent torque, which means the engine doesn’t have to be revved as extensively, combined with the fast-shifting DSG gearbox.
- Highway: Here, the 1.5L TSI’s Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) truly excels. At constant cruise, two of the cylinders are deactivated, and the engine runs as an optimised two-cylinder unit. This provides excellent highway economy, with owners routinely achieving 17-20 km/l, and easily besting the 1.0L TSI output in some instances.
- Combined Average: A realistic average Virtus mileage for the 1.5L TSI is around 14-16 km/l.
One important point to take away from this is that the 1.5L TSI, though stronger, tends to be no less efficient in actual road use, particularly on the highway. This defies the common belief that a small engine is always economical.
Performance and Driving Experience: Power vs. Practicality
The choice between these two engines is not just about fuel economy; it’s about the entire driving experience.
Virtus 1.0L TSI
1.0L TSI is a perky and lively engine. It’s a good fit for urban life, with rapid acceleration and convenient handling. The engine does have a characteristic “thrum” of a three-cylinder engine, but the cabin effectively screens the driver and passenger from this. For highway tasks, the engine has no complaints, but overtaking at higher rates of velocity might require a downshift. The 6-speed torque-converter automatic is smooth and reliable, offering a smooth ride in traffic conditions.
Virtus 1.5L TSI EVO
This engine is in another class. 150 PS of muscle and 250 Nm of torque give stunning performance. The throttle response is prompt, and power delivery is linear and forceful across the rev range. This makes the Virtus 1.5L an absolute enthusiast’s vehicle. Highway overtakes are taken easily, with the engine never running short of power even under reserve. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is brilliant, delivering lightning-quick and seamless shifts and accentuating the car’s sportiness. The multi-cylinder setup also makes this engine more even-tempered and smoother than the 1.0L engine.
Financial Breakdown: Price and Running Costs
The superior performance and technology of the 1.5L TSI EVO come at a premium.
- Price Difference (Ex-showroom, approximate): The 1.5L TSI variants are typically priced ₹6–8 lakh higher than the equivalent 1.0L TSI models.
Given the real-world mileage figures, let’s see how the running costs compare, using an approximate petrol price of ₹94.77 per liter (mid-2025).
- Cost per Km (Based on Real-World Average):
- Virtus 1.0L TSI: ₹94.77 / 14 km/l = ₹6.77 per km
- Virtus 1.5L TSI EVO: ₹94.77 / 15.5 km/l = ₹6.12 per km
Surprisingly, though, the 1.5L TSI may be more economical to run per kilometer, due largely to the better highway mileage and ACT technology of the older motor. If you are a high-mileage driver, the premium purchase cost may be more important to you than the cost of running. The choice then ends up being less of a power-for-fuel-economy trade-off and more of an initial cost versus better-overall-package trade-off.
The Verdict: Which Virtus is for You?
Choosing between the two engines comes down to your priorities and budget.
For the City Commuter and Budget-Conscious Buyer:
- Best Pick: Volkswagen Virtus 1.0L TSI.
- Why: If the majority of your use of the vehicle is in town and annual mileage is average, then the 1.0L TSI strikes an ideal balance. It’s much more affordable to purchase and has a snappy, trustworthy engine that’s more than up to the daily job.
For the Driving Enthusiast and Frequent Highway Traveler:
- Best Pick: Volkswagen Virtus 1.5L TSI EVO.
- Why: If you’re an absolute fan of driving and embark on frequent road trips, the 1.5L TSI has no contest. The added muscle, better engine smoothness, and the sophisticated DSG transmission make for an exhilarating and effortless drive. Its intelligent cylinder deactivation technology means that you don’t have to sit back and compromise on Virtus mileage on highways either. For the money-spenders, of course, it provides a degree of performance and class-leading refinement that has no competition in the class.
In short, each of these engines has its own set of strengths. The 1.0L TSI is the head-over-heart option with excellent value and a solid all-round proposition. The 1.5L TSI EVO is the hot-hatch fan’s fantasy with a thrilling drive and the added perk of decent fuel mileage.
FAQs
Q. Is the 1.5L TSI with ACT always running on two cylinders?
A. No. The Active Cylinder Technology only deactivates two cylinders under low-load conditions, such as cruising at a steady speed. The moment you accelerate, all four cylinders fire up instantly.
Q. What is the main difference between the 1.0L’s TC and the 1.5L’s DSG automatic?
A. The 1.0L’s TC (Torque Converter) is a more traditional and reliable automatic. The 1.5L’s DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) is a dual-clutch transmission that offers much faster and smoother shifts, enhancing the car’s performance.
Q. Is the maintenance for the 1.5L TSI more expensive?
A. The DSG transmission and the more complex engine technology in the 1.5L TSI can lead to slightly higher maintenance costs compared to the 1.0L TSI’s more conventional setup.
Q. Do both engines have the same boot space and fuel tank capacity?
A. Yes, both engine variants of the Virtus come with a 521-litre boot and a 45-litre fuel tank.
