Less is More

With the manual version of the Virtus 1.0 TSI, which costs substantially less at Rs 11.2 lakh, we assess the quality of the lower capacity Virtus

- Kurt Morris

IVEN THAT SEDANS FELL OUT OF favour with buyers for a while in favour of sport utility vehicles SUV), the Virtus has been a success for Volkswagen with over 5,000 deliveries taking place in two months and more. The Virtus has reintroduced the sedan to purchasers’ minds. We already drove the 1.0 TSI automatic, but we wanted to spend some time with the manual variant to assess how well it performs. Keep in mind that Volkswagen provide both a manual and automatic for the Virtus 1.0 TSI, but only a DSG automatic for the Virtus 1.5 TSI.

The Virtus boasts of a 95 per cent localization rate thanks to its MQB Ao IN foundation. With a length of 4,561 millimetres, the German automaker reiterates that it is the longest vehicle in the segment.

There are two versions of the new Volkswagen Virtus: Dynamic Line and Performance Line. We will discuss a number of cosmetic changes that the latter gains over the former in a moment. A single slat grille with a chrome border divides a pair of smoked LED headlamps with built-in LED daytime running lights DRL) on the fascia of the Virtus. Further down, a broad air dam with chrome and gloss black inserts for the front bumper and halogen fog lights on either side are located. The sequel of sorts of the Vento has wraparound smoked LED tail-lights, Virtus” inscription on the boot-lid, which also has a space for the number-plate, and a chrome insert for the rear bumper, along with reflectors.