Volkswagen Virtus : In a market where SUVs and crossovers continue to rule, sedans are often considered an off trend. But that’s where our Volkswagen Virtus comes in to prove you wrong.

With its crisp European lines, potent engine lineup and sophisticated road manners, the Virtus is proof that a tastefully executed sedan still has plenty to offer.

Introduced as part of the Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 strategy, the Virtus shares its MQB A0-IN platform with the Skoda Slavia. But it is also unique in its design identity and in the way it drives.

It takes over from the now defunct Vento and is targeting super comfortable buyers who want the dash of sophistication, dollops of space and portions of performance in one handsome mountain of a package.

Volkswagen Virtus Design at The Top of the World

The Virtus is a neat and sophisticated-looking design, much like all Volkswagen global products. Up front, a minimalist grille is bookended by full-LED headlamps, while a broad lower air dam lends a sporty look to the whole rig.

The crisp body sides, cleanly styled 16- or 17-inch alloys and chrome highlights on the window line all contribute to a more upmarket demeanor.

At the back the Virtus seems to be quite proportionate with large wraparound LED tail-lamps and not much badging. The GT Line version similarly receives blacked-out pieces and red brake calipers, adding a sporty flourish.

When stationary or in motion, the Virtus exudes a high-quality, mature look which many say is missing in its rivals.

Inside is clean and with plenty of features.

At a glance, everything’s laid out neatly on the dashboard of the Virtus, which features a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an 8-inch digital driver display. The cabin design is simple with straight lines and well thought out controls.

It’s got a two-tone color seating with contrast stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and soft touch materials for flavor.

The front seats are both comfortable and supportive, and the rear seat offers plenty of legroom and headroom for passengers.

The 521-litre boot is also one of the best in the segment, so it’s a good option for families and those doing lots of distance driving.

Powertrains and Performance

The Virtus comes with two TSI petrol engines:

A 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine which belts out 115 hp and 178 Nm of torque mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed torque converter automatic

But pitch a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-pot with 150 hp and 250 Nm between the front fenders, available mated to a 6-speed manual or a snappy 7-speed DSG gearboxes, to a motorway off-ramp and the perky Up! starts to make sense.

The smaller engine is all you need around town and on the freeway, while the larger 1.5L engine (featuring cylinder deactivation technology) is aimed at the keener driver who enjoys brisk acceleration and a safe margin for overtaking.

Key in the equation the Pirelli Virtus, which also impresses with stability at high speed, cornering grip, and ride comfort. The steering, in particular, is well-weighted, and the suspension manages to walk this delicate line of absorbing road imperfections while still keeping the car as taut as it should be.

It feels planted and secure even at triple-digit speeds — like a European car should.

Features and Safety

Volkswagen has generously equipped the Virtus, particularly in the higher trims. Key features include:

Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Ventilated front seats

Electric sunroof

Automatic climate control

Wireless phone charger

Ambient lighting

With reference to the protection, the Virtus also scores:

6 airbags (top variants)

ESC, hill hold assist and multi-collision braking

Rear-view camera with sensors

Build strong enough to take some abuse

Pros:

Good performance, particularly with the 1.5L TSI engine.

Mature, timeless design

Spacious cabin and large boot

Ride quality is assured and stable

Robust structure and the 5-star safety promise

Cons:

No diesel engine option

However, the DSG gearbox could be expensive to maintain in the long run

Shaky rear camera quality

HVAC controls could be less distraction-inducing to use while driving (as it stands, they are touch-only)

Price slightly on the higher side for top-end versions

Volkswagen Virtus Final Verdict

The Volkswagen Virtus is for those who appreciate the art of driving. It is polished, fast, roomy and just a little bit stylish, too — all without doing anything gimmicky.

The Virtus sets itself apart in a sea of cookie-cuttter cross overs by serving up good old-fashioned sedan strengths with a contemporary flavor. If you’re not swept up in the SUV frenzy, the Virtus is a car that puts a smile on the dial.

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