2022 Volkswagen Virtus launched in India: Highlights
- Volkswagen Virtus mid-size sedan is all set to spice up the segment which has seen shrinking amid rise of SUVs in India. It will lock horns with the likes of Skoda Slavia, Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Hyundai Verna.
Volkswagen Virtus has been officially launched in India at a starting and introductory price of ₹11.21 lakh (ex showroom). The Virtus replaces Vento in India and comes as the second product from the brand under its India 2.0-project, the first being the Taigun.
Volkswagen in India has been in the sedan space for quite some time. Yet, the German carmaker has not been able to challenge the segment leaders with its products like Ameo in sub-compact sedan segment or Vento in the mid-size sedan space. With Virtus, Volkswagen hopes to bring some fresh breath of air in the segment that is dominated by the Japanese carmakers in India. 2022 Volkswagen Virtus will have its job cut out against the likes of Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Hyundai Verna. It also has to differentiate itself from its technical cousin Skoda Slavia to carve out its niche in the segment.
Catch all the highlights from the launch event of Volkswagen Virtus here.
Virtus now available to challenge sedans and SUVs alike
With Virtus, Volkswagen is gunning for both sedans as well as mid-size SUVs. What do you make of the pricing? Also check out full launch report copy on our website.
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Price launch alert
Volkswagen Virtus launched at ₹11.21 lakh for the ComfortLine variant of the Dynamic Line Trim. There is also the HighLine and TopLine variants in this trim.
The GT Line - also called Performance Line - with the more powerful engine is priced at ₹17.91 lakh (all prices are ex showroom and introductory)
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The global launch and market introduction of Volkswagen Virtus gets underway.
Watch our first-drive review of Volkswagen Virtus here:
All eyes on pricing
Virtus may be a solid package but Indian customers would once again also measure the car for its price structure as against those of its rivals. It is important to also note that Slavia starts at around ₹10.70 lakh (ex showroom) in the country which means the base Virtus could be priced at around ₹11 lakh (ex showroom), possibly going up to ₹15.50 lakh for the top variant (ex showroom).
Performance Line vs Dynamic Line
The biggest difference in terms of Virtus' Performance Line and Dynamic Line comes in what is under the hood. The former gets a more powerful 1.5-litre engine while the Dynamic Line has a turbo 1.0-litre motor.
The Performance Line is also sportier to look at courtesy blackened alloys and a rear spoiler.
What features does the Virtus cabin pack in?
Virtus comes loaded with a plethora of features with the list including a 10-inch main infotainment screen, an all-digital driver display, ambient lighting, wireless phone charging functionality, sunroof and an eight-speaker sound system, among others.
Will sedans make a comeback?
Officials from both Skoda and Volkswagen say that mid-size sedan space in the country has ceded space also because of lack of new products. In this regard, the likes of Slavia and Virtus are looking at injecting fresh energy.
Volkswagen Virtus vs Skoda Slavia: Similarities
Volkswagen Virtus sedan is part of the Skoda Auto Volkswagen India's India 2.0 Project, which also include the Skoda Slavia. Both sedans are technical cousins thanks to the same MQB A0 IN platform that underpins them. Both sedans are being offered with two sets of petrol engine. These include a 1.0-litre TSI and a 1.5-litre TSI units. They are both similar in dimension and offer plenty of space inside thanks to a wide wheelbase.
Why Volkswagen is betting high on Virtus
The sedan space in India has not seen much of a growth in recent times. At a time when SUVs seem to be the flavour of the season, sedans have taken a backseat as far as customer's first choice of a ride is concerned. Hence, the segment has not seen much happening of late, barring Skoda's Slavia entering the sedan space. Volkswagen has been talking about the potential to exploit the lack of products. The all-new Volkswagen Virtus aims to rejuvenate the segment with a stylish, powerful, yet comfortable sedan that promises to turn things around.