The Volkswagen Virtus was launched in India, in June this year, as a much-needed replacement for the ageing Vento compact sedan. It is the fourth model from the VW Group to be built on the localised MQB-A0-IN platform, which has already spawned products like the Taigun, along with Skoda's Kushaq and Slavia. Now, we first drove the car in May 2022 and loved it. Back then we did get to test both the 1-litre automatic and the 1.5-litre DSG automatic model extensively, however, what we did not get to drive, was the manual version of the compact sedan. Well, that is until now.
Also Read: Volkswagen Virtus Review: 1.0 TSI And 1.5 TSI Automatics Driven
We recently got a chance to get behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Virtus 1.0 TSI manual and considering this version of the car is likely to be sold in higher numbers, it's important to know how it performs. And we are here to tell you exactly that.
The Volkswagen Virtus 1.0 TSI MT gets the same 999 cc three-cylinder turbo petrol engine that is offered with the VW Taigun.
Now, unlike its cousin, the Skoda Slavia, the Virtus gets the option of a manual gearbox only with the 1.0-litre TSI engine, whereas the more powerful 1.5-litre TSI motor gets an automatic DSG or direct shift gearbox as standard. As for the gearbox, it is the same manual unit that is offered with the likes of the Volkswagen Taigun and even the Skoda Slavia, and the Kushaq. And like in the other three models, here too it is tuned to offer a smooth and responsive performance. The gear ratios are well spaced out, the throws are shorter, and the shifts feel smooth and precise.
Also Read: Volkswagen Virtus Compact Sedan Launched In India
The 6-speed manual gearbox is smooth and responsive offering an engaging drive.
However, there is a tiny bit of lag which you might notice, but you get used to it quickly, especially if you are quicker in changing your gears. VW also offers a gear-shift indicator. The clutch too is nice and light, however, it would have been a near-perfect setup if the travel of the pedal was a bit shorter.
The 1.0-litre motor is very refined, and there are no hard vibrations or noise that you typically associate with the three-pot engine.
Like the 1.0-litre automatic, we drove in May, here too the engine is tuned to offer a maximum output of 114 bhp, which is available from 5000-5500 rpm, offering a peppy performance. The motor also develops a peak torque output of 178 Nm, which is available from as low as 1750 rpm and stays on up to 4500 rpm. Now, there is a bit of turbo lag in the lower rpms, however, as soon as you move up the rev band and cross the 2000-2500 rpm mark, the turbo kicks in and the engine becomes a lot more energetic and responsive, allowing you to attain triple-digit speeds in no time. Overall, the engine is very refined, and you will not notice any of those hard vibrations or noise that you typically associate with a three-pot engine.
The Virtus has sharp and sure-footed handling, while the suspension offers a smooth and comfortable ride quality.
There is no change in the ride and handling department either. The Virtus feels sharp and sure-footed and continues to handle like a charm, imparting great confidence, both at high speeds, as well as while attacking corners. The suspension too is quite supple, and it manages to take on all kinds of small bumps and undulations on the road with great ease, offering a smooth ride. The flat-bottom steering wheel is light and precise and has a nice feel to it. While a bit of additional heft would have been a welcome addition, however, the light steering certainly makes manoeuvring through city traffic a breeze.
The visual highlights include - LED headlights with LED DRLs, chrome exterior accents and 16-inch ‘Razor’ alloy wheels.
In terms of design and styling, the car looks identical to the automatic version we drove earlier. The 1.0-litre Virtus comes under the Dynamic Line trim, and the model with us was the range-topping Topline variant. So, the visual highlights include - the clamshell-style bonnet, sharp LED headlights with LED daytime running lamps, a muscular bumper with heavy cladding and LED foglamps, which give the car a robust look. VW also offers a set of 16-inch 'Razor' alloy wheels, signature LED taillights and chrome accents on the grille, door handles and bumpers, which adds to the premium-ness of the car.
The Dynamic Line VW Virtus 1.0 TSI option gets dual-tone black and beige interior, with matching leather + leatherette upholstery and a well-laid-out dashboard.
As for the cabin, unlike the all-black interior of the top-spec Performance Line trim, here you get dual-tone black and beige interior, with matching leather + leatherette upholstery. The fit and finish is really premium and you also get a tonne of features and smart tech. The driver-focused dashboard gets the same 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the company's connected car tech - MyVolkswagen Connect. Volkswagen also offers creature comforts like ventilated front seats, wireless phone charger, auto climate control, an electric sunroof, rear AC vents and a foldable rear armrest. The Virtus also comes with a fully digital instrument cluster and a class-leading boot space of 521 litres.
The Topline Virtus 1.0 TSI MT gets ventilated front seats, rear centre armrest and AC vents, sunroof and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The Volkswagen Virtus is loaded with over 40 safety features and most of them are offered as standard fitment across the variant line-up. The highlights include - Electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock braking system (ABS) electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), brake assist, rear parking sensors, and more. While dual airbags and ISOFIX child seat mounts are also standard, the top-spec trim also comes with a rear parking camera and up to 6 airbags.
The Volkswagen Virtus is loaded with over 40 safety features and most of them are offered as standard fitment .
The manual version of the Volkswagen Virtus is priced from Rs. 11.22 lakh for the Comfortline trim, going up to Rs. 14.42 lakh for this Topline variant (all ex-showroom, India). In comparison, the top-end petrol manual variant of the Skoda Slavia with the same configuration is Rs. 3,000 cheaper. At the same time, the top-end petrol manual version of the Honda City is Rs. 50,000 less expensive, while the Hyundai Verna petrol manual is Rs. 1.36 lakh cheaper than the Topline Virtus manual. However, both get naturally aspirated petrol engines and are a few years older in the market.
If you are in the market for a manual petrol sedan, then the Volkswagen Virtus should definitely be on your shortlist.
So, the Virtus 1.0 TSI manual might be a little expensive compared to some of its rivals, but for the premium, you certainly get a solid product. The turbo petrol engine and gearbox are beautifully configured to offer you an engaging and fun-to-drive experience, while the car itself is also loaded with a tonne of modern creature comforts and smart tech. So, if you are in the market for a manual petrol sedan, then the Volkswagen Virtus should definitely be on your shortlist.
