New Delhi: Sedans are suddenly back in fashion and Volkswagen's Virtus is the latest launch to tempt away SUV buyers. For Volkswagen, sedans are not new since they have had them before with the Passat and Jetta but this time the aim is to do a more mass-market offering. A big premium sedan right in the middle of the compact SUV segment is the right way to do it. The Virtus is the second product under the India 2.0 project and is based on the MQB A0 IN platform the same as the Taigun. While the sedan has two engine options with a 1.0l TSI and a 1.5l TSI, we have concentrated on the 1.0l TSI for our first-drive review.
Before getting to the driving bit, let us talk about the looks because the Virtus is an impressive looking car with typical Volkswagen styling. Like all Volkswagen cars, the Virtus is elegant and not too over-styled while being restrained even in the Dynamic line. The 1.0l TSI engine is available with the Dynamic line trim while it's 4,561 mm makes it the longest car in its class. That has an important effect with the Virtus looking a class larger than its rivals. The twin chrome lines on the grille are joined with the LED headlamps with DRLs while the 16-inch alloys are smartly designed. If anything, the rear tail-lamps with the grey finish along with the clean-cut lines further make it a premium looking car. The Virtus in this colour and spec is not too flashy and just right.
Inside, it's well built with the level of toughness you expect from a Volkswagen. The doors close with a heavy thud and feel solid while the design is again simple but elegant like the exterior. The Dynamic line uses dual-tone leather seats while the dashboard gets a simple but functional layout. While it isn't soft touch, the dashboard feels nicely put together with no complaints. The 10-inch touchscreen is well integrated here and even the digital instrument cluster is basic in design but delivers what you want to see along with a few customizable views. The equipment list matches cars of this class but the highlights are cooled and ventilated seats, connected car tech, wireless charging and smartphone connectivity, sunroof, an 8-speaker audio system, auto climate control, 6 airbags, a rearview camera and more.
The rearview camera could have had a better display while the audio system does sound good along with the AC chilling the cabin pretty quick despite the intense heat on the day we drove it. With the longest wheelbase in its class, the Virtus promises good space and here we agree with comfortable seats along with a large enough window line. It is not a comfy 5-seater but the middle tunnel is not too big hence the middle passenger will not be that uncomfortable. Crucially, the seats are comfortable along with good thigh support plus the armrest is placed just right.
The 1.0l TSI would be the best selling engine in the Virtus and it is a familiar engine being a turbocharged petrol engine delivering 115hp/175Nm. It's available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic on the one we had. The 1.0l TSI feels refined and smooth from the start while the gearbox is seamless in stop-go traffic. The gearbox is just about quick enough for quick overtakes while you can shift to S mode or use the paddle shifters. We do have to say that this is one of the best adaptations of the 1.0l TSI and to us, it feels more linear plus smooth.
It has more than enough power when you want it to and only when driven really hard at high rpm is when you get to hear the engine. Lag does not feel so with the automatic and we suspect the manual would not be as relaxing to drive. We can see the majority going for this engine/gearbox combination. We only got straight roads for the drive but the ride and the overall suspension proved themselves over tricky terrain plus being stable at high speeds. The ride is a plus and adds to the premium experience.
The 179mm ground clearance also gives it enough capability to go over bad roads like an SUV and you need not be super careful over speed breakers. It feels sharp like any Volkswagen too with a light but direct steering. It is also quick around corners with only a bit of body roll. However, the Virtus remains one of the more fun to drive cars in its class. The 1.0l AT gave us 10/12 kmpl overall. We do think the Virtus is an all-arounder sedan while it is amongst the nicest to drive in its class plus also looks like it belongs to a segment higher. The 1.0 TSI delivers enough performance too, while we feel the SUV-like ground clearance would be handy for buyers here. Hence, if you are considering a sedan over an SUV, this car should be on your list.
What we like - Looks, space, good equipment list, ride/handling, refinement
What we do not - No diesel engine, rear camera display could have been better
Car loan Information:
Calculate Car Loan EMI