Volkswagen Returns To Play A Two-Pronged Game With The Virtus

Volkswagen returns to play a two-pronged game in the mid-sized sedan space with the Virtus

- Tuhin Guha

With the Polo and Vento now consigned to the history books, the Volkswagen Virtus has it on itself to repeat the success of those two models. And live up to the image these cars have helped create of Volkswagen being a maker of approachable enthusiast-oriented cars. In a larger sense, the Virtus is also a culmination of the Skoda-Volkswagen group's India 2.0 turn-around plan. The last act to what has been a fairly successful revamp of the firm in India, and completes the group's interesting strategy of trying to revitalize the stagnant sedan market in India.

Virtus GT driving impressions

Like the Taigun, the biggest differentiator for this top-spec Volkswagen Virtus GT is the larger 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and the seven-speed DCT it pairs with. But, unlike its SUV and Skoda brethren, the Virtus doesn't get a manual option in GT form, although this could be added to the line-up later.

THE VIRTUS LOOKS THE PART AND HAS THE GO TO MATCH IT TOO

We've now experienced all four iterations of the MQB-AO-IN architecture in the past year, so on the move, the Virtus throws up few surprises in the way it drives. This motor with its 150PS and 250Nm is still a potent performer. Even with the gearbox's propensity to choose the highest possible gear in the D mode, the engine's accessible torque band ensures that progress in traffic is generally seamless. Shifts are largely smooth and well-timed, with much of the slow-speed stutters from earlier iterations of the VW's dual-clutch transmissions brought under check.