We look back at all the sedans that Volkswagen have offered in India that helped pave the way for the Virtus.
Story: Kurt Morris
The sedan legacy of Volkswagen India dates back to the early 2000s when the German automobile giant launched its first car in the Indian market. Over the years, Volkswagen India have launched several cars, such as the Vento, Jetta, and Passat, all of which have been very successful. The Volkswagen India sedan legacy is characterized by cars that have been designed to be reliable, durable, and practical.
We may just take a moment to reflect upon and appreciate the sedan body style or a three-box form with a distinct boot, engine compartment, and passenger cabin that distinguish the sedan as a type of automobile body. Luxury and executive cars are frequently linked with this form of vehicle, which is utilised for medium to large-sized vehicles. With its roomy inside and sleek and smooth form, the sedan body shape is well-liked because it is a convenient and useful option for daily use. It is a handy option for families or those who need to transport stuff in the boot because it has plenty of storage space.
Let us take a look at the car that started this sedan legacy in India, the Volkswagen Passat, a mid-size luxury car that was introduced in 2008. It was available in both diesel and petrol engine options, offering a comfortable and spacious interior along with advanced safety features. The Passat remained a solid choice for those seeking a premium German car in India. It officially established Volkswagen as a brand to reckon with in our country.
Then we come to one of the stars of the VW Group, the Volkswagen Phaeton, which was a full-size luxury car. It was positioned as a flagship model for Volkswagen in the country and offered advanced technology, a spacious interior, and premium features. The Phaeton remains a well-regarded car among luxury car enthusiasts and is known for its high-quality engineering and design.
Up next is the Volkswagen Jetta, a mid-size sedan that has been available in India since 2007. Over the years, the Jetta has become one of Volkswagen’s popular models in India, offering a comfortable and spacious interior, good fuel efficiency, and a stylish design. The car was praised for its handling and ride comfort, making it a popular choice in the mid-size sedan segment. The Jetta underwent several updates and facelifts since its introduction in India and it remained a popular option for those seeking a premium German car with a good balance of performance and comfort.
The Vento was introduced in 2010 as a premium offering in the mid-size sedan segment, while the Ameo was introduced in 2016 as a sub-compact sedan aimed at the budget-conscious customer. Both the Vento and the Ameo offered a spacious interior, good fuel efficiency, and a comfortable ride, making them popular among car-buyers. The Vento was positioned as a more premium offering, with a focus on design, technology, and safety features, while the Ameo was positioned as a more value-oriented option, offering a good balance of features and performance at a more affordable price point. Both the Vento and the Ameo were built in India and were popular choices among Indian car-buyers seeking a stylish, practical, and affordable German car.
Now let us take a look at the current sedan offered by Volkswagen in India: the Virtus. The Volkswagen Virtus is a mid-size sedan that was first launched in December 2020. It is the latest offering by Volkswagen in the Indian market and it has been designed to combine the best elements of a sedan with the convenience of a hatchback. The Virtus is powered by a 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine that produces 115 hp of power and 175 Nm of torque along with a 1.5-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine that produces 150 hp and 250 Nm. It is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and the car also comes with an optional seven-speed DSG automatic transmission.
The Volkswagen Virtus is designed to offer a comfortable and luxurious experience with its spacious cabin and a host of advanced features. It comes with a panoramic sunroof, a dual-zone climate control system, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The car also comes equipped with cruise control, an electronic parking brake, and a host of safety features, including six airbags and a rear-view camera. It is designed to be an affordable yet luxurious option in the mid-size sedan segment.
Starting at Rs 11.32 lakh (ex-showroom), it is reasonably priced and is offered in two trims: Comfortline and Highline. The car has a more apealing style that is both contemporary and elegant. It is a fantastic choice for individuals looking for a reasonably priced and opulent mid-size sedan. It is certain to attract the attention of a broad variety of buyers in the Indian market owing to its appealing design, roomy interior, and an assortment of cutting-edge technologies.
Also read: Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia score 5-star safety rating in Global NCAP
