Volkswagen Virtus is a mid-size sedan built on the localised MQB AO-IN platform. It replaced the Vento in both Indian and international markets. This driver-focused sedan is German-engineered to combine sporty fun driving for the drivers and everyday practicality for families. There are seven variants available in different powertrains. However, there is only one fuel type- petrol for the Virtus model. Virtus is available in two engine options such as 1.0L 3-cylinder TSI and a punchier 1.5L 4-cylinder TSI. The 1.0L TSI engine comes with a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions. The 1.5L TSI engine is available only with a 7-speed DSG transmission.
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement | 1498 |
| Max power (bhp) | 148 bhp@5000-6000rpm |
| Gear box | 7-Speed |
| Max torque (Nm) | 250 Nm@1600-3500rpm |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 19.62 |
| Fuel Type | petrol |
| Digital sound package with amplifier and subwoofer available with the higher variants | |
| Ventilated front seats with leather inserts | |
| Electric sunroof | |
| Push-button start and stop |
| Popular Variants | On-Road Price*in Delhi |
|---|---|
Comfortline 1.0 Tsi Mt petrolmanual999 cc20.8 kmpl | โน 12.43 Lakh |
Highline 1.0 Tsi Mt petrolmanual999 cc20.8 kmpl | โน 15.68 Lakh |
Highline Plus 1.0 Tsi Mt petrolmanual999 cc | โน 16.14 Lakh |
Gt Line 1.0 Tsi Mt petrolmanual999 cc | โน 16.65 Lakh |
Highline 1.0 Tsi At petrolautomatic999 cc18.45 kmpl | โน 17.07 Lakh |
The Volkswagen Virtus offers a confident and composed driving experience that feels more premium than other mid-size sedans. It does not attempt to have a sporty feel that is not expected from a car of its size and instead strikes the perfect balance between firmness and comfort. The steering is well-tuned when it comes to feedback, and the suspension does a commendable job of soaking the usual road undulations without resorting to floaty behavior. Even when being driven fast, the Virtus remains composed. The Virtus feels like a driversโ car that still happens to be practical enough for a family.
| Design | 4/5 | |
| Paint Quality | 4/5 | |
| Panel Gaps | 4/5 |
| Design | 4/5 | |
| Space | 4/5 | |
| Comfort | 4/5 |
| No. of Airbags | 4 | |
| Features | 4/5 |
| Stability | 4/5 | |
| Eng. Response | 4/5 | |
| Clutch & Gears | 4/5 |
| Pros | Strong highway stability and confident handling | 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine offers excellent performance | Spacious rear seat and large boot for the segment | Solid build quality and planted road feel | Comfortable ride balance for long distance driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cons | No diesel engine option available | Interior design feels plain compared to some rivals | DSG automatic can be expensive to maintain long term | Glossy interior panels attract fingerprints easily | Feature list focuses more on essentials than luxury |
"Looks classy and feels very German. I drive the 1.0 TSI and itโs smooth, but mileage dips in city traffic. Interior quality is great, and the boot is massive. Wish fuel economy was slightly better in stop-go conditions."
"Everywhere I go, people ask about the car. The design is bold and distinct. Inside, the Virtus feels refined and thoughtfully laid out. It's fun to drive and feels stable even at 120+. Only thing missing is a diesel option."
"The 1.5 TSI engine is a gem! Quick throttle response, smooth DSG shifts, and excellent highway stability. The car looks sharp and premium, inside and out. I chose Virtus over SUVs for the driving feel โ and it hasn't disappointed."
"We wanted a stylish car that is safe for city and outstation travels. The Virtus car fits perfectly for these needs. The cabin feels airy and has better legroom in the rear. In terms of features, it is loaded! There is the digital cockpit, ventilated seats, sunroof, etc., that work well. But at times, it can be slightly stiff while riding. "
There are three gearboxes available with the Virtus. The 1.0L TSI engine has a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions. The 1.5L TSI engine is only paired with a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The DSG gearbox can deliver higher power and torque. Currently, the manual transmission option has been discontinued by Volkswagen.
Yes, the Virtus can get better mileage on the highways than on city roads. The 1.0L TSI engine gives an average of 12-14 Km/l which could be slightly lower with a full load. The turbo petrol engine has an average mileage of 13 to 15.5 Km/l which can also return better mileage when there is full occupancy with full load.
The basic exterior colours available with the Virtus are Lava Blue, Rising Blue Metallic, Wild Cherry Red, Reflex Silver, Carbon Steel Grey and Candy White. The Chrome and Sport variants have two additional options, such as Deep Black Pearl and Carbon Steel Grey Matte. The latest Virtus Anniversary Edition has an additional Avocado Pearl, which is not available with other variants.
The top variant, the Virtus GT Plus Sport with the 1.5L TSI DSG, has an ex-showroom price of around Rs.19.40 lakhs. The Volkswagen Virtus price may vary with the city and added accessories. Only the GT Plus Chrome, GT Plus Sport and the Anniversary Edition have this 7-speed DSG transmission, and all of them are in the higher price range.
Yes, Volkswagen Virtus offers cruise control in most variants. It is not available with the base Comfortline and is available with Highline, Highline Plus, Topline, GT Plus Chrome, GT Line, and GT Plus Sport.
Yes, the Virtus is suitable for long-distance driving. Its seats are comfortable, and its performance on highways is better. The steering responds well, it has supportive seats, and a larger boot space for more luggage for extended journeys.