VW Virtus 1.5 TSI gets new entry-level GT trim for Rs 16.20 lakh

In less than a month, Volkswagen has gone from having just one variant of the Virtus 1.5 TSI to three variants. Following the launch of the Virtus GT Plus MT last month, the carmaker has now launched the Virtus GT DSG for a price of Rs 16.20 lakh (ex-showroom). This is the most affordable variant of the Virtus 1.5 TSI yet, and sits below the more feature-equipped GT Plus trim.

1. Virtus 1.5 TSI DSG gets new entry-level GT trim
2. DSG gearbox now available in two trims
3. Costs Rs 2.38 lakh lesser than top-spec DSG variant

Here’s a look at the detailed price list of the Virtus in India:

Volkswagen Virtus GT: what’s new?

The GT trim is the new entry-level trim for the Performance Line variants of the Virtus (1.5 TSI engine-equipped variants). Compared to the GT Plus DSG variant, the newly launched variant is more affordable by Rs 2.38 lakh. While that’s a sizeable difference in price, it does come with the deletion of quite a few features and cosmetic elements.

On the outside, this includes the chrome lining for the grille and the window line, LED turn indicators and the blacked-out alloy wheels – instead there are silver finished units. The omissions are more significant on the inside where it now misses out on full leatherette upholstery, front side airbags and curtain airbags, height adjustable co-driver’s seat, auto dimming rear view mirror, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers, digital instrument cluster, sunroof and ventilated front seats – all these features are exclusive to the top-spec GT Plus trim.

Volkswagen Virtus Performance Line: powertrain options

The Performance Line variants of the Virtus are powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine that produces 150hp and 250Nm of torque and gets active cylinder-deactivation technology. It’s mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG).

As mentioned above, the Virtus Performance Line is now available in GT and GT Plus trims, where the GT trim only gets the DSG gearbox, while the GT Plus gets both manual and DSG gearbox options.

Crucially, the new GT DSG variant brings down the price of the 1.5 TSI variants by a significant margin, and this should help boost sales. The 1.5 TSI thus far only accounted for a meagre 10 percent of sales, but with the more accessible GT variants, Volkswagen will be looking to attract more customers for the higher-spec engine.

Volkswagen recently also introduced a new GT Edge Limited Collection of the Virtus as a limited-edition model. Available in an exclusive ‘Deep Black Pearl’ paint shade, this can only be booked online and will be manufactured on a made-to-order basis.