Volkswagen Virtus Highline Plus

The search for a new car in India is a journey filled with exciting choices and important decisions. From sticking to your budget and ensuring top-notch safety for your loved ones, to understanding monthly maintenance costs, getting the latest features, and relying on dependable company service, there is a lot to consider. You want a car that is not just a mode of transport but an extension of your lifestyle. Today, we are taking a deep dive into a car that checks many of these boxes with a dash of German engineering and style: the new Volkswagen Virtus Highline Plus. This premium sedan has been making waves, and we are here to tell you why it might just be the perfect fit for your garage.

Engine Specifications

The Volkswagen Virtus Highline Plus offers a choice of two fantastic petrol engines, both known for their efficiency and spirited performance.

• 1.0L TSI Petrol Engine: This three-cylinder turbocharged engine is a workhorse, producing 115 PS of power and 178 Nm of torque. It is perfect for city driving and highway cruising, offering a great balance of power and fuel efficiency. You can get it with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a smooth 6-speed automatic (torque converter) transmission.
• 1.5L TSI EVO Petrol Engine with ACT: For those who love an adrenaline rush, this four-cylinder turbocharged engine is a true delight. It delivers a mighty 150 PS of power and a robust 250 Nm of torque. The Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) helps save fuel by shutting down two cylinders when not needed, making it surprisingly efficient for its power output. This engine comes paired exclusively with a quick-shifting 7-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission.

Design Overview

The Virtus stands out with its bold and elegant design, a true head-turner on Indian roads.

Exterior

• The Virtus boasts a sharp and dynamic look with clean lines and a strong road presence.
• It features sleek LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that give it a sophisticated signature.
• Chrome accents on the front grille and window lines add a touch of premium appeal.
• Stylish alloy wheels complement its sporty stance, making it look modern and aspirational.

Interior

• Step inside, and you are greeted by a thoughtfully designed cabin that is both comfortable and luxurious.
• The dual-tone dashboard theme adds to the premium feel.
• High-quality materials and excellent fit and finish are evident throughout the cabin, reflecting Volkswagen's attention to detail.
• The seats are well-cushioned and offer good support, ensuring a comfortable ride even on long journeys.
• There is ample space for five occupants, making it a practical family sedan.

Key Features

The Virtus Highline Plus is loaded with features designed to enhance your driving experience and convenience.

• Large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with excellent clarity.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone connectivity.
• Electric sunroof, adding a touch of luxury and openness to the cabin.
• Wireless phone charging pad, keeping your devices juiced up without messy cables.
• Automatic climate control for consistent cabin temperature comfort.
• Ventilated front seats (available on higher variants), a blessing in India's hot climate.
• 8-inch digital instrument cluster (Virtual Cockpit) providing clear driving information.
• Cruise control for relaxed highway driving.
• Automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers for added convenience.
• Keyless entry with push-button start/stop.

What is the Ground Clearance of Volkswagen Virtus Highline Plus?

The Volkswagen Virtus Highline Plus offers a healthy ground clearance of 179 mm. This is excellent for Indian road conditions, allowing you to tackle speed breakers and uneven surfaces with confidence.

What is the Boot Space of Volkswagen Virtus Highline Plus?

With a massive boot space of 521 litres, the Virtus Highline Plus is one of the most generous in its segment. You will never have to worry about luggage space for your weekend getaways or airport runs.

What are the Dimensions of Volkswagen Virtus Highline Plus?

• Length: Approximately 4561 mm
• Width: Approximately 1752 mm
• Height: Approximately 1507 mm
• Wheelbase: Approximately 2651 mm

Powertrain Options

The Volkswagen Virtus offers versatile powertrain combinations to suit different driving styles:

• 1.0L TSI engine with 6-speed manual transmission.
• 1.0L TSI engine with 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
• 1.5L TSI EVO engine with 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.

Safety Features

Safety is a cornerstone of Volkswagen's philosophy, and the Virtus Highline Plus truly shines here.

• Up to 6 Airbags: Ensuring comprehensive protection for occupants in case of a collision.
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps prevent loss of control during sudden manoeuvres.
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD): Provides superior braking performance.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Alerts you to changes in tyre pressure, enhancing safety and fuel efficiency.
• Hill Hold Control: Prevents the car from rolling backward on inclines.
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts: For secure installation of child safety seats.
• Rear parking sensors and a reverse camera for easier parking.

NCAP Rating Table

The Volkswagen Virtus has an outstanding safety record, earning top marks in crash tests.

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars
Bharat NCAP	(Expected 5 Stars - based on Global NCAP results and strong platform)	(Expected 5 Stars - based on Global NCAP results and strong platform)

Rivals of Volkswagen Virtus Highline Plus

In the competitive premium sedan segment, the Volkswagen Virtus faces strong competition from:

• Honda City
• Hyundai Verna
• Skoda Slavia
• Maruti Suzuki Ciaz

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let us look at the advantages and disadvantages of owning the Volkswagen Virtus Highline Plus.

Pros

• Exceptional Build Quality and Safety: Truly feels like a tank, backed by a 5-star Global NCAP rating.
• Powerful and Refined Engines: Both TSI engines offer strong performance, especially the 1.5L TSI EVO.
• Engaging Driving Dynamics: Offers a sporty yet comfortable ride, making it a joy to drive.
• Generous Space: Ample cabin room for passengers and a massive 521-litre boot for all your luggage.
• High Ground Clearance: 179 mm is a boon for Indian roads, reducing worries about scraping the underbelly.
• Feature Rich: Equipped with modern comforts like a large touchscreen, sunroof, and wireless charging.
• Stylish Design: A sleek, modern aesthetic that stands out in the crowd.

Cons

• Premium Pricing: It is positioned at a slightly higher price point compared to some rivals.
• Ride Quality: The suspension can feel a bit firm over sharp bumps, especially at lower speeds.
• Rear Seat Width: While spacious, seating three adults abreast in the rear can be a bit snug on longer journeys.
• Service Network Reach: Volkswagen's service network, while improving, is not as widespread as Maruti Suzuki or Hyundai.
• Certain Features Missing: Lacks a 360-degree camera which some rivals offer in top variants.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Virtus Highline Plus is more than just a car; it is a statement. It perfectly blends German engineering, robust safety, powerful performance, and a feature-rich cabin into a compelling package. If you are a discerning car buyer in India looking for a premium sedan that prioritizes safety, offers an exhilarating driving experience, and boasts a sophisticated design, the Virtus Highline Plus should definitely be on your shortlist. While it commands a slight premium and has a few minor drawbacks like its firm ride, its numerous strengths, especially its 5-star safety rating and potent engines, make it an incredibly attractive option. Take a test drive and experience the Virtus for yourself; you might just fall in love with its blend of practicality and passion.