Volkswagen Virtus

Positives: The 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers 114bhp and 178Nm of torque, offering a claimed fuel efficiency of 20.19kmpl (manual) and 18.7kmpl (automatic). The six-speed torque converter automatic and paddle shifters provide a smooth and responsive driving experience. The engine comes alive at around 2,500rpm, making city driving comfortable with enough power for daily commutes and occasional highway drives. The paddle shifters allow for manual control, which adds an element of driver engagement, especially on winding roads or overtakes. Even though it's a small engine, it manages to make the Virtus feel spirited for its size, giving an overall enjoyable driving experience in normal conditions. The Virtus is a nice handler and a comfortable cruiser, and its absorbent and settled ride quality impresses one to push it further to its limit. Negatives: Acceleration from a standstill feels lacklustre, and the car doesn’t deliver the punch you might expect from a turbocharged unit, particularly in high-demand situations like overtakes. Past 4,000rpm, the engine feels strained and noisy, and progress seems slower than the increased noise suggests, making it less enjoyable at higher speeds. Volkswagen Virtus Key Specifications: Fuel Type Petrol Engine 999 cc Turbocharged Transmission Manual & Automatic (TC) Mileage (ARAI) 18.45 to 20.8 kmpl Power 114 bhp Torque 178 Nm Read more

Positives: It has an electric sunroof, and a perfect driving position is made easy with height-adjustable driver’s seats and tilt and telescopic steering. Is equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to ensure seamless connectivity for modern drivers. Includes comfort features like ventilated front seats, automatic climate control, and paddle shifters, offering convenience and a premium touch to the driving experience. Rear passengers enjoy a spacious cabin with good head, knee, and shoulder room, while the large 521-litre boot provides ample storage for long trips. Features like wireless charging and a digital cockpit add to the tech-savvy experience, making it a modern and practical sedan for daily use. Negatives: The rear seat access is slightly low, which may be uncomfortable for some passengers. The fan for the seat ventilation is noisy, which can be a distraction during long drives or quiet cruising. While the technology and features are competitive, some buyers might miss additional tech perks like a heads-up display or a 360-degree camera, which are available in its rivals. Read more

Positives: The Virtus boasts a bold and sporty exterior with a wide front grille, sharp LED headlamps, and stylish 16-inch alloy wheels, giving it a modern, eye-catching appeal. While the ‘Chrome’ theme offers chrome exterior highlights, the ‘Sport’ theme drops all the chrome bits for a sportier black exterior and interior trims. The GT variants feature exclusive design elements like a blacked-out grille, red accents, and dual-tone finishes, enhancing the sporty look. Inside, the Virtus offers a premium space to spend time in with its dual-tone dashboard, leatherette upholstery, and ambient lighting. The overall design is clean and sophisticated, reflecting Volkswagen’s attention to detail in its exterior and interior aesthetic. Negatives: Some interior elements, like the door handles and toggle buttons, lack the refined feel expected from Volkswagen, giving it a slightly less premium feel than anticipated. Hard plastics in certain areas and a slightly flimsy feel to the handbrake, detract from the otherwise upmarket feel of the cabin. Read more

Positives: The Virtus holds a five-star Global NCAP safety rating, giving peace of mind for both adult and child occupants in terms of crash protection. Six airbags are standard across all variants, along with essential safety features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), hill-hold control, and multi-collision brakes. Additional safety features include ISOFIX mounts, tyre pressure monitoring system, and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera. Negatives: The absence of ADAS functions like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist feel like a gap compared to some competitors in this price range. Read more

The Volkswagen Virtus gets a 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine that makes an impressive 148bhp/250Nm. It is mated to a seven-speed DCT (dubbed DSG by Volkswagen) gearbox, capable of pulling this sedan from zero to 100kmph in 9.27 seconds (claimed). It also gets driving modes and paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience. It has a claimed fuel efficiency of 19.62kmpl and a range of 883km. Key Specifications: Fuel Type Petrol Engine 1498 cc Turbocharged Transmission Automatic (DCT) Mileage (ARAI) 19.62 kmpl Power 148 bhp Torque 250 Nm Read more