Volkswagen Virtus : In a market where SUVs are gaining serious ground, sedans have their work cut out for them. But Volkswagen has entered the 4-door circus with the Virtus, a mid-size sedan that is touted to provide the European quotient, fun-to-drive character and pragmatism that an Indian consumer is looking for.
The Virtus is not here to be ordinary, with it’s sharp design, strong, engine options and German engineering at its best.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Virtus unique and whether it lives up to its premium sedan promise?
Volkswagen Virtus Elegant European Design
One look at the Virtus and you know it’s not just another cheap sedan. The styling is crisp, well proportioned and very European. It’s a mature-looking car with a broad front grille, slim LED headlamps and a sleek profile, which looks crisp on the road without shouting too loud for attention.
The rear end has a touch of class as well, with wraparound tail lights and a hint of chrome. Unlike some of its showier competitors, the Virtus doesn’t use gimmickry—rather, it wins you over with timeless design references.
Roomy and Well-Appointed Interior
Inside, the cabin keeps with Volkswagen’s minimalist style. The dashboard is very simple and driver orientated.
Higher-spec models gain premium soft-touch materials, which contribute to the luxury feel, while the digital cockpit and glossy piano black inserts add a contemporary touch.
You’re connected with a 10-inch infotainment system offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 8-speaker sound system and a full digital instrument cluster. There’s also ventilated front seats, a sunroof and ambient lighting — amenities that people now expect from a car in this segment.
And, crucially, the cabin is roomy. There is decent rear seat legroom and the 521-litre boot size means you will have no trouble on long journeys even if you are carrying luggage.
On the Road: Made for the Enthusiast
It’s on the road the Virtus really distinguishes itself, however. It is powered by two engine options1.0L TSI or the powerful 1.5L TSI EVO with Active Cylinder Technology. Both are petrol turbocharged options that feel smooth and punchy.
Both the 1.0L engine, which is offered with manual and torque converter automatic of 6-speeds each, is good for everyday use with decent performance and mileage balance.
The 1.5L TSI, however, is the driver’s car. Its power output of 150 PS and its 7-speed DSG gearbox ensure an incredible adrenaline rush, excellent overtaking ability and unmistakable refinement. The Virtus always feels poised to tackle the highways or the twisties.
Ride and Handling Suspension :A Tasteful Compromise
The Virtus comes with the fully matured suspension setup akin to the Polo with Volkswagen having customised the suspension and spring settings for a blend of comfort and dynamics.
Some road imperfections make their way through, but the ride quality is composed. It’s composed in the corners, with little body roll and excellent steering feel — attributes which are hard to come by with sedans in this category.
The seating position is perfect, the visibility good and the brakes bite cleanly and reactively.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Top-class driving dynamics, particularly in conjunction with the 1.5L TSI
Product Description A Sleek, elegant and timeless European design encompasses the Ettie European Sham.
Roomy cabin and generous boot
Feature-rich with incl. ventilated seats and digital cockpit
Great fit and feel Quality materials Good safety ratings
Cons:
No diesel engine option
Rear headroom may be a little tight for taller riders.
DSG gearbox feels a bit jerky at low speeds even though it is quick
It has fewer service points than Maruti or Hyundai
Volkswagen Virtus Final Verdict
It may not have the market reach of the Asian competitors, yet the Volkswagen Virtus instead unswervingly comes up with an alternative in the ring.
It has an aesthetic which appeals to those who want the car’s outwards appearance to be less showy, it appeals to those desiring excitement behind the wheel and those who want a solid, well engineered product.
The Virtus isn’t the most affordable sedan in its class but it will more than make for it with the premium driving experience and the level of polish that is seldom found in this segment.
If you’re one of those souls who thinks a car’s wheelbase should be good for more than just going from A to B, the Virtus might just be the car you’ve been subliminally dreaming about, one of your spookier dreams.
