Launched in June 2022 as a successor to the VW Vento, the Volkswagen Virtus has made a remarkable entrance into the market. Over the past five months, it has consistently crossed 1,500 monthly sales, showcasing its strong appeal. With two turbo petrol engine options and automatic and manual transmission choices, the Virtus offers versatility for drivers. Boasting a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP, it’s clear that safety is a priority. The pricing ranges from Rs 11.56 lakh to Rs 19.41 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India), making it an attractive option for many buyers.
Achieving Sales Milestones
Now, just over two years since its launch, the Volkswagen Virtus has reached a significant milestone, surpassing 50,000 units sold in India. As the second offering from the German carmaker under its India 2.0 project, the Virtus has quickly become one of the most sought-after compact sedans. It has been the best seller in its segment since May 2024, averaging more than 1,700 monthly sales. Along with the Taigun, these two models have collectively surpassed 1 lakh sales in the second quarter of FY25, contributing around 18.5% to the company’s total sales in India.
Reasons Behind Its Popularity
What fuels the Virtus’s popularity? Primarily, it’s the impressive engine options. The Virtus features a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine delivering 115 PS and 178 Nm of torque alongside a more powerful 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine that churns out 150 PS and 250 Nm. Both engines come with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, providing flexibility to drivers.
Premium Interior Experience
Inside, the Virtus impresses with premium features that elevate the driving experience. Highlights include a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8-inch driver’s display, and a luxurious single-pane sunroof. Additional conveniences like push-button start/stop, wireless phone charging, and ventilated front seats make this sedan a standout in its class.
Safety That Impresses
Safety is paramount, and the Virtus doesn’t disappoint. With a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP and an array of features including six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts, rain-sensing wipers, and a rear parking camera, it’s designed to protect both driver and passengers.
Competitive Pricing and Rivals
Prices for the Volkswagen Virtus range from Rs 11.56 lakh to Rs 19.41 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). It competes with heavyweights like the Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna, Honda City, and Maruti Ciaz, positioning itself firmly in the premium sedan market.
Volkswagen’s Record-Breaking Sales
Volkswagen has recently celebrated a milestone, with the Virtus contributing significantly to its success in the four-wheeler segment. Surpassing 50,000 sales in just 28 months, the Virtus has emerged as India’s highest-selling premium sedan for 2024, with over 17,000 units sold this year alone. With a steady sales rate of nearly 60 daily units, the Virtus is a critical player in the brand’s impressive growth, accounting for approximately 18.5% of domestic volumes since its introduction.
The Path Forward
Brand Director Ashish Gupta thanked customers for making Virtus India’s No.1 selling premium sedan. He highlighted that crossing the 50,000 sales mark is a testament to the product’s success in the Indian market. With the recent introduction of new variants like the Virtus GT Line and Virtus GT Plus Sport, Volkswagen aims to maintain its momentum in the competitive automotive landscape.
Price Range and Variants
The Virtus is available in four distinct variants: Comfortline 1.0L Turbo, Highline 1.0L Turbo, Topline 1.0L Turbo, and GT Plus 1.5L Turbo. The starting price is an attractive Rs 11.55 lakh, with the top model priced at Rs 17.59 lakh (all ex-showroom), appealing to many buyers.
