The Volkswagen Virtus is a popular sedan in India. It comes from the German car maker Volkswagen. This car entered the Indian market in 2022. It replaced the old Vento model. The Virtus stands out in the mid-size sedan segment. It competes with cars like Hyundai Verna, Honda City, and Skoda Slavia. For Indian buyers, it offers a mix of style, safety, and driving fun. In 2026, Volkswagen made some price changes. The base model now starts at a lower price. This makes it more attractive for budget buyers. Let us look at the car in detail.
Quick Spec Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.0L TSI (115 PS, 178 Nm), 1.5L TSI (150 PS, 250 Nm) |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual, 6-Speed AT, 7-Speed DCT |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 18.45 – 20.8 kmpl |
| Boot Space | 521 Liters |
| Ground Clearance | 179 mm |
| Safety Rating | 5-Star GNCAP |
| Price Range | Rs 10.50 – 19 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Seating | 5 |
Exterior Design
The Virtus has a sleek look. It measures 4561 mm in length. The width is 1752 mm. The height stands at 1507 mm. The wheelbase is 2651 mm. This gives it a long and balanced shape. The front has sharp LED headlights. They come with daytime running lights. The grille has chrome accents. It looks premium. The bumper has air intakes for better cooling. From the side, the car shows clean lines. It has 16-inch alloy wheels in higher variants. The base models get 15-inch wheels. The roof slopes gently to the back. This gives it a coupe-like feel. At the rear, there are LED taillights. They connect with a chrome strip. The boot lid has a small spoiler. It adds a sporty touch. Ground clearance is 179 mm. This helps on Indian roads with potholes. The car comes in colors like Candy White, Rising Blue, and new Flash Red. The GT variants have black accents. They look more aggressive. Overall, the design is elegant. It appeals to young buyers in cities like Mumbai or Delhi.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Virtus feels spacious. It seats five people. The cabin uses dual-tone colors. The dashboard has gloss black and silver trims. The seats are leatherette in top models. They feel soft. Front seats are ventilated. This is great in hot Indian summers. The driver seat adjusts for height. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes. This helps find a good driving position. Rear seats have good legroom. Even tall people fit well. Headroom is enough for most. The rear bench has three headrests. It includes a center armrest. AC vents are at the back. This keeps passengers cool. Boot space is 521 liters. It fits family luggage easily. You can fold the rear seats for more space. Up to 1050 liters. The interior has some hard plastics. They feel sturdy but not luxury. Storage spots include cup holders and door pockets. The glovebox is cooled. This is useful for drinks in traffic.
Features and Technology
The Virtus packs many features. The infotainment screen is 10 inches. It supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You can connect your phone easily. The sound system has eight speakers. Music plays clear. There is wireless charging for phones. Climate control is automatic. It has one zone. Cruise control helps on highways. The digital instrument cluster is 8 inches. It shows speed, fuel, and trip info. Higher variants have a sunroof. It opens with one touch. Paddle shifters are on automatic models. They let you change gears manually. Keyless entry and push-button start are standard in mid variants. The rear camera shows guidelines. Parking sensors help in tight spots. For Indian users, the My Volkswagen app connects to the car. You can track location or check fuel. Features like these make daily drives easy. However, the screen can lag sometimes. The AC fan is noisy at high speeds.
Engine and Performance
The Virtus has two petrol engines. No diesel option. This is a downside for mileage lovers. The base engine is 1.0-liter TSI. It makes 115 PS power. Torque is 178 Nm. It comes with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. The manual gives 20.8 kmpl mileage. Automatic gives 18.45 kmpl. In real life, city mileage is 12-15 kmpl. Highway can reach 18 kmpl. The engine feels smooth in city. It picks up speed from 2500 rpm. Overtaking is easy. The 1.5-liter TSI is for GT models. It gives 150 PS power. Torque is 250 Nm. It pairs with a 7-speed DCT automatic. Or a 6-speed manual in some. Mileage is 19.62 kmpl claimed. Real world is 14-17 kmpl. This engine is fun. It accelerates fast. 0-100 kmph in under 9 seconds. The car feels stable at high speeds. Up to 150 kmph no issue. Handling is sharp. Steering is precise. Suspension absorbs bumps well. It rides comfortable on bad roads. Brakes are strong. They stop quick. In Indian traffic, the automatic is smooth. But DSG can jerk in low speeds. Maintenance is higher than rivals. Service costs Rs 10,000-15,000 per year.
Ride and Handling
The Virtus shines in driving. It feels planted on highways. Body roll is low in corners. This is better than Verna or City. The suspension is tuned for India. It handles potholes without crash. Ride is firm but not hard. Passengers stay comfortable on long trips. From Delhi to Jaipur, it feels easy. The car is quiet inside. Wind noise is low at 100 kmph. Engine noise enters at high revs. The 1.5 GT is for enthusiasts. It has sport mode. This makes throttle sharp. Paddle shifters add fun. For city use, 1.0 is enough. It saves fuel too. Ground clearance helps avoid scrapes. In rain, traction control keeps it safe. Overall, it drives like a European car. Confident and fun.
Safety Features
Safety is a strong point. The Virtus has 5-star GNCAP rating. For adults and kids. It has six airbags standard. Electronic Stability Control is there. Hill hold assist helps on slopes. Multi-collision brakes stop after crash. ISOFIX for child seats. Tyre pressure monitor alerts low air. ABS and EBD for braking. Rear sensors and camera. In tests, it scored high. Body is strong. It uses high-strength steel. For Indian families, this is key. Roads have risks. No ADAS like lane assist. Rivals like Verna have it. But basics are solid.
Variants and Pricing
In India, prices start at Rs 10.50 Lakh ex-showroom. Top model is Rs 19 Lakh. On-road can add Rs 1-2 Lakh. Variants include Comfortline, Highline, Highline Plus, GT Line, GT Plus. Base Comfortline has 1.0 manual. It has basic features. Highline adds alloys and touchscreen. GT has 1.5 engine. Sport trim has black elements. In 2026, base price dropped by Rs 66,000. Some mid variants rose by Rs 45,000-51,000. Top GT DSG up by Rs 30,000. This makes entry affordable. EMI starts at Rs 20,000-25,000. Compare to Slavia, which is similar but cheaper in some. Verna starts higher. City is reliable but less fun. For buyers in Ranchi or small towns, service centers are few. But improving.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong build and 5-star safety.
- Fun engines and handling.
- Spacious cabin and boot.
- Premium features like ventilated seats.
- Good value in base models.
Cons:
- No diesel for high mileage.
- High service costs.
- Some cheap plastics inside.
- Mileage drops in city.
- Rear access low for elders.
FAQs For Volkswagen Virtus
What is the mileage of Volkswagen Virtus?
The claimed mileage is 18-20 kmpl. In city, expect 12-15 kmpl. Highway gives better.
Is Virtus safe for family?
Yes. It has 5-star rating and six airbags. Good for Indian roads.
Which engine is better, 1.0 or 1.5?
1.0 is good for daily use and fuel save. 1.5 GT is for speed and fun.
What are the competitors?
Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Skoda Slavia. Virtus wins in driving feel.
Any 2026 changes?
Prices revised. Base lower by Rs 66k. Facelift may come later in 2026.
How is service in India?
Volkswagen has centers in big cities. Costs are high. But reliable.
Is it better than SUV?
For highways, yes. Lower fuel use. But SUVs have more height.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Virtus is a solid choice for Indian buyers. It blends German quality with Indian needs. Safety is top. Driving is enjoyable. Space fits families. In 2026, price cuts help entry buyers. It may not have diesel or fancy ADAS. But it excels in basics. If you want a sedan over SUV, pick Virtus. Test drive it. You will like the feel. For cities like Ranchi, it handles mixed roads well. Overall, a worthy buy in Rs 12-20 Lakh range.
