Volkswagen Virtus Positives and Negatives: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Volkswagen Virtus, launched in 2022 as the successor to the Volkswagen Vento, is a compact sedan based on the MQB A0 IN platform. Competing with prominent rivals like the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Ciaz, and Toyota Yaris, the Virtus aims to make a mark in the Indian market. In this article, we will delve into the pros and cons of the Volkswagen Virtus (Positives and Negatives), analyzing its performance, features, and overall value proposition.

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Pros of Volkswagen Virtus (Positives)

A ‘Complete’ Car that Brings Love Back to Sedans

The Virtus offers a well-rounded driving experience, boasting a refined design, a spacious cabin, and a solid build quality. Its classy exterior and interior styling elevate the sedan’s appeal. With supportive seats, perfect ergonomics, and ample storage, the Virtus provides comfort on long journeys. Notably, its 521-liter boot is the largest in its segment, offering ample cargo space (along with the Skoda Slavia)².

Powerful and Engaging Driving Experience

With two turbo-petrol engine options, the Virtus delivers a thrilling performance. The 1.5-litre TSI engine, available in the top variant, produces an impressive 148 BHP and 250 Nm of torque. This engine’s strong mid-range and top-end performance, coupled with active cylinder technology for enhanced fuel efficiency, make the Virtus one of the most fun-to-drive sedans in its segment².

Balanced Ride and Handling

The Virtus impresses with its sorted suspension, striking a balance between a comfortable ride quality and agile handling. It smoothly absorbs road imperfections, providing a stable and composed drive on both smooth and rough roads. The steering’s responsiveness and accuracy further contribute to the sedan’s enjoyable driving experience².

Top-notch Safety Features

Safety is paramount in the Virtus, as it is equipped with an array of advanced safety features. These include six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), hill hold control (HHC), rear parking sensors with a camera, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ISOFIX child seat anchors, and more².

Abundance of Comfort and Convenience Features

The Virtus does not compromise on comfort and convenience, boasting features like active cylinder technology, ventilated front seats, electric sunroof, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic headlamps and wipers, cruise control, keyless entry and go, and more.

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Cons of Volkswagen Virtus (Negatives)

Lack of Diesel Engine Option

One significant drawback is the absence of a diesel engine option in India. With soaring petrol prices, many customers prefer diesel cars for their better fuel economy and lower running costs. Rivals of the Virtus offer diesel engines that may appeal to a broader audience².

Reliability Issues with DSG Transmission

The 7-speed DSG transmission has a history of poor reliability and breakdowns in India. Some customers have faced issues such as clutch failure, jerky shifts, overheating, and sudden loss of power. The cost of maintaining and repairing the DSG gearbox can also be a concern².

Limited Transmission Options

The Virtus offers the 1.5-litre TSI engine only with the top variant, which comes with the DSG gearbox. Enthusiasts seeking a manual transmission option for this engine may find it disappointing, as it is not available in lower trims².

Rear Seat Comfort

While the Virtus has a spacious rear cabin, it may not be the most comfortable for three adults. The rear seat lacks proper under-thigh support and adjustable headrests for all passengers, making it better suited for two adults and a child².

Pricing and Accessibility of the Top Variant

The 1.5-litre TSI engine is only available in the top variant, making it relatively expensive for customers seeking this powerful engine. It would have been more appealing if offered in a mid-trim variant as well.

Interior Quality

While the Virtus boasts a well-designed interior, some materials used in the cabin feel plasticky and cheap. The fit and finish are not always consistent, and some customers may not appreciate the body-colored interior highlights².

Missing Features

The Virtus lacks certain features offered by its rivals, such as a subwoofer, driving modes (sport), a 360-degree camera, and electric driver’s seat adjustment.

Sensitivity of Turbo-Petrol Engines

The fuel efficiency of the turbo-petrol engines is sensitive to driving style. Aggressive driving can lead to a significant drop in fuel economy.

After-Sales Service and Spare Parts Availability

VW’s after-sales service can be inconsistent, and the spare parts for the Virtus may not be readily available or affordable. The limited service network may pose challenges for customers in remote areas².

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Virtus offers a compelling package with its well-rounded driving experience, powerful engines, and abundance of features. However, it also faces some drawbacks, such as the absence of a diesel engine option and concerns over the reliability of the DSG transmission. Customers looking for a comfortable and engaging sedan with a reputable brand name can consider the Volkswagen Virtus. This are few Positives and Negatives of new VW Virtus.

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FAQs

1. Does the Volkswagen Virtus offer a diesel engine option in India?
   • No, the Virtus does not come with a diesel engine option in the Indian market, which may be a drawback for some customers seeking better fuel efficiency.
2. What makes the Virtus a fun-to-drive sedan?
   • The Virtus offers a 1.5-litre TSI engine with 148 BHP, providing a thrilling driving experience with strong mid-range and top-end performance.
3. Is the rear seat of the Virtus spacious?
   • While the cabin is spacious, the rear seat may be more comfortable for two adults and a child rather than three adults.
4. Are there any reliability concerns with the DSG transmission?
   • Yes, the 7-speed DSG transmission has had some reliability issues in the past, such as clutch failure and jerky shifts.
5. Which safety features does the Virtus come with?
   • The Virtus is equipped with six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors with a camera, and more, making it one of the safest cars in its segment.