after driving virtus 1.5 you wont like the driving dynamics of anything else. german SUV feel is just unmatched, nothing else in this segment comes close

Mayank•5 Dec 2025

4/5

cost of ownership of a VW is quite high but for a driver centric car for family i would always go for virtus. the sheer power and driving dynamics of that car is too good. worth every rupee if you enjoy driving

CarWise•28 Dec 2025

4/5

virtus GT offers a more solid german style driving feel with excellent highway stability. very satisfying to drive if you enjoy dynamics

Volkswagen Virtus Expert Reviews

Autocar score

We like

Tough build
Ride and handling

We don't like

Some poor interior bits
No diesel or hybrid option

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Volkswagen Virtus Images

Leather Wrapped Gear Knob Shift Selector Image - 4890

Color Carbon Steel Grey Matte Image - 3188

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More questions you may find useful

Vin

•2w

I want to buy a new car for my grandparents, which will mostly be driven by a driver (they will mostly use the backseat). They currently use a Honda City. The running is around 300km per month, only in the city. I would not want a car that is high, since it will be difficult for them to get in, but still a good car that I can use for my business meetings when I am in town (2-3 days a month). Do not want another Honda City, as it seems boring to me now. I don't need ADAS, it's not meant for Indian roads yet. Please suggest a good car in a similar budget to the Honda City (let's say around 20 lakh).

Autocar India

•1w

If you want something that is comfortable for your grandparents in the rear seat and also fun to drive when you take the wheel, we would suggest considering the Volkswagen Virtus.The Virtus sits at a comfortable height, not too low and not too tall, which makes it easy to get in and out of, especially for elderly passengers. The rear seats are well-contoured and supportive for two people, so your grandparents will be comfortable when they are being driven around. The ride quality is also comfortable, which suits city usage well.At the same time, this Volkswagen car is also very engaging to drive. If you can stretch your budget a bit, the 1.5-litre TSI engine is smoother, more powerful and great fun behind the wheel. The 1.0-litre engine is also good and has enough performance if you want to stay within budget.You can also look at the Skoda Slavia, which is essentially the same car with some cosmetic differences, in case you prefer Skoda.One thing to keep in mind is that both these cars are expected to get an update soon, which could mean good deals on the current models if you are not looking to wait.

Volkswagen Virtus

Skoda Slavia

Shivathmaja PS

•2w

I am looking to buy a car for my parents, who do not drive, so it will mostly be chauffeur-driven. My main priority is rear seat comfort. We are upgrading from a 2011 Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire. The car will mainly be used for highways and long trips, with minimal city usage. However, I would prefer an automatic transmission in case I need to use it occasionally in the city (Bengaluru). Before starting test drives, I wanted your suggestions on some suitable vehicles. Based on my initial research, I have shortlisted the following options: Honda City ZX CVT Kia Seltos HTX iVT Honda Elevate ZX CVT Škoda Slavia 1.5L Sportline DSG or 1.0 Monte Carlo AT Volkswagen Virtus Topline AT My budget is around ₹20–21 lakh. Which option would you recommend, especially considering rear seat comfort and highway usability?

Autocar India

•2w

Go for the Honda City ZX CVT. For chauffeur‑driven parents, it offers the comfiest rear bench, ample legroom, and a smooth CVT for Bengaluru traffic within your ₹20-21 lakh budget.Rear comfort is its strength: the 2,600 mm wheelbase helps knee-room, the rear seat is well-cushioned with good thigh support, and the ride is tuned soft for long trips. The 506‑litre boot easily swallows luggage for highway runs. ZX adds 6 airbags and ADAS with adaptive cruise control, useful on long highways. The CVT’s smooth creep and no shift‑shock make occasional city use easy. Versus your shortlist, Elevate’s rear bench feels upright, while Slavia/Virtus ride firmer and are more driver‑centric for back‑seat comfort.The one thing you give up is ground clearance in comparison to the Elevate. Also, if getting in and out is a concern, the Elevate's high-set seats would make it easier. A test drive should sort that out. For now, we recommend the City for its hassle-free ownership experience, reliability and most of all, a refined and comfortable cabin.

Pawan

I am planning to buy a sedan. My annual driving is less than 10,000 km, with around 80% highway usage consisting of short trips of about 30-50 km. Would it be a good decision to buy the 1.0-litre Volkswagen Virtus or Skoda Slavia? I am especially concerned about after-sales service and long-term maintenance costs.

Autocar India

•3w

For your needs, the Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia are good options. Both cars are mechanically identical, so it ultimately comes down to which one you prefer in terms of styling and interiors, and which brand has a service centre closer to you. Performance from the 1.0-litre TSI engine is more than adequate for your highway trips, and fuel efficiency is respectable on the highway as well. The six-speed torque converter is excellent; however, in your case, since most of your driving is on the highway, the slick 6-speed manual is a fine choice.Volkswagen and Skoda have had a reputation for higher maintenance costs in the past. But both brands have improved things significantly with their INDIA 2.0 cars, which include the Virtus and Slavia. One thing to note, however, is that facelifts for both models are expected shortly. While these are likely to be relatively minor updates, similar to the one the Skoda Kushaq recently received. The 6-speed automatic is expected to be phased out and replaced by a new 8-speed unit, as seen on the Kushaq. Do consider this in your purchase decision.

Volkswagen Virtus

Skoda Slavia

Rahul R

•4w

I am a 37-year-old self-employed male with two young kids. I loved the Virtus and decided to make it my first car. However, when I calculated the cost of ownership over 10 years, I felt I would be spending too much. My preference shifted towards the Hyundai i20 N Line after reading reviews that described it as a good driver’s car with ample rear space and decent boot space. Mileage is not a concern. My question is: will it satisfy me, or will I regret not getting the Virtus? If I choose the N Line, should I go for the manual or DCT? My usage will be 30% city and 70% highway.

Autocar India

•4w

If you have set your heart on the Volkswagen Virtus GT 1.5 TSI, we would strongly recommend you go for one. It is enjoyable to drive, and the 1.5 TSI engine elevates the drive experience manifold. Yes, the total cost of ownership will be higher than the Hyundai car; however, the smiles the Virtus delivers per kilometer makes it worth the stretch. It is one of those decisions that you buy with your heart, and it'll bring you a certain satisfaction each time you are behind the wheel of your car. You don't want to be in a state where you need to compromise, buy a car you're not too keen on getting, and regret your decision every time you see a VW Virtus GT.That said, if the Virtus GT is a financial stretch you're not comfortable with, then the Hyundai i20 N Line is an excellent hatchback that's both practical and fun-to-drive. The manual gearbox is more engaging than the DCT, and if you don't have to deal with a lot of bumper-to-bumper city traffic, it is the one that we'd recommend.

Volkswagen Virtus

Hyundai i20

Mayura

•4w

I own a 2018 Honda City Manual SV Petrol version, and I am planning to buy a new car. I have been driving the Honda City for more than 10-11 years due to the comfort of a luxury sedan. I am confused, as many people are suggesting that I buy an SUV like the Kia Seltos. I did a test drive and liked many of the features, but the comfort of driving a sedan was missing. Personally, my family likes sedans. But I want to know where the Honda City stands in the market. Is it losing market share due to other SUVs and EVs? Should I stick with the Honda City for a pleasurable driving experience and forget about the tech aspect of it? Also, please advise on manual vs automatic, as I feel driving an automatic will take away the pleasure of driving. Nowadays, I have heard that no one is buying manual cars because of the trend and the ease of driving. But I want to know if there is a good driving experience without gears, or if automatics are just for people who can’t manage cars with gears. Also, is the sunroof variant just for aesthetic purposes, or does it really have any usable value, considering most of my driving is in the city? A detailed review would help.

Autocar India

•4w

In terms of choosing between manual and automatic, it largely comes down to usage and personal preference. The convenience that an automatic transmission brings in stop-and-go traffic is undeniable, making it the better choice for those with long urban commutes. However, if a manual is what you prefer and the extra effort it requires in the city doesn’t bother you, then that is what you should get.It’s true the Honda City doesn’t sell as well as it once did in a market dominated by SUVs, but it remains a competent, if somewhat underwhelming, car. If you like the Honda experience and want to upgrade to an SUV, the Elevate is worth considering. It’s a spacious vehicle with good ride and handling and a slick gearbox; however, it is down on features compared to the competition.If you’d prefer to stick with the sedan formula but want something more engaging to drive, the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus should be right up your alley. They are currently among the most enjoyable sedans to drive in the segment and, even in 1.0-litre TSI form, offer more performance than the Honda City. They are also available with a manual, although Volkswagen has recently discontinued the manual on the 1.5 TSI.Finally, a sunroof is a luxury feature, not an essential. If you don’t find any practical value in it, it’s best avoided.