Prices for the Volkswagen Virtus, the second sedan to be underpinned by the Volkswagen group's MQB-A0-IN platform, are out and it can be yours for a sum of ₹11.21 lakh (introductory ex-showroom price). There are two variants on offer with four trim levels, and the Virtus can be had with either a 1-litre or a 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine. You also have the option to choose between a manual or an automatic transmission.
There's no arguing over the fact that the Volkswagen Virtus is a handsome car through and through. With its traditional three-box design, muscular shoulder lines, a prominent front end, a classy rear end and the colours that it's available in; Volkswagen has absolutely knocked it out of the park when it comes to the styling of the Virtus. It has the right amount of chrome and the Performance Line variant looks stealthier with its blackened accents.
The Volkswagen Virtus gets a choice of two engines. Same as the Taigun and it's sister car the Slavia. You choose between either a 1-litre TSI or a 1.5-litre TSI, Volkswagen's famed turbo-petrol powerplants. The former can generate a peak power output of 113bhp and 178Nm, the latter churns out 148bhp along with 250Nm and that is one enthusiasts should eye for as it gets a seven-speed DSG as standard. The 1-litre TSI though also gets a 6-speed automatic transmission but it is of the torque converter type. The Virtus also gets the option of a six-speed manual which can be coupled to the smaller 1-litre engine.
On the inside, the Virtus gets an interior that is identical to the Taigun in terms of both design and features. It a gets a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an 8-speaker sound system. Then there's ambient lighting as well as a 8-inch digital cockpit that's configurable.
To keep you cool and your drinks cool, the Virtus gets leather seats at the front that are are ventilated and a cooled glovebox, in addition to a sunroof. On the safety front, the Virtus gets a host of equipment with over 40 active and passive safety features combined including 6 airbags, ABS and Traction Control.
The Volkswagen Virtus has been launched at an introductory price of ₹11.21 lakh and that makes it about ₹20,000 more expensive than its sister car, the Slavia. But higher variants of the Virtus undercut prices of the top end variants of the Slavia. The Virtus is available in two trim — Dynamic Line and Performance Line — with variants with four trims. The Volkswagen Virtus rivals the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Hyundai Verna, Honda City and the Honda City e:HEV.
Here's the full introductory price list of the Volkswagen Virtus: