Volkswagen Virtus special feature: Charm of a sedan

Sedans have a certain magic to them. They’ve always been the choice for those who cared about driving. Low, sharp, full of intent – never about towering over traffic, but cutting through it. Sedans don’t need to scream for attention; their elegance does the talking, their handling seals the deal. Even today, in a world drowning in SUVs, the sedan remains the truest expression of what a car was always meant to be: fast, graceful and connected to the road in a way no high-rider can match. And the Volkswagen Virtus is the purest example of that spirit – stylish, powerful and unapologetically good-looking.

Most brands today are chasing SUV sales and sedans seem to command less attention than they used to. But at evo India, it’s the opposite. We look forward to cars that break the monotony, are fast, handle like a go-kart, and deliver a thousand marks on the Thrill of Driving. Which is why there’s almost always a Virtus in our fleet. And because my daily driver is an SUV, I sometimes take the Virtus home just to unwind, relax and remind myself why I fell in love with cars in the first place.

There is a Virtus for everyone. You do not need to be a car enthusiast to like the Virtus, because of how versatile an offering it is. Range starts with the Comfortline variant with the 1-litre TSI engine, and that makes for a perfect executive sedan – good engine, executive looks without sporty elements, comfortable seats, and an affordable price point. If you’re someone that wants the sporty exterior look, has a tight budget and doesn’t mind the smaller engine, then the Virtus GT Line is a great option. This engine can be mated to either a 6-speed MT or AT. And if you are someone that likes power and a good-looking car, then the Virtus GT Plus Sport is there for you. It sits at the top of the variant lineup, and gets a 1.5-litre TSI EVO engine that makes 148bhp and 250Nm, which can be mated to either a 6-speed MT or a 7-speed DSG. With all these options, it’s evident that there’s a Virtus for every kind of garage.

Now we’ve tested the Virtus GT across various terrain, set records with it, and proven what it’s capable of. In 2023, we drove it across the Rann of Kutch in record time, and in 2024, we pushed it to cover the maximum distance by a sedan in 24 hours. I wasn’t part of the Rann crew, but I was pitboss for the 24-hour run – keeping radios alive, drivers sharp, and cars in check. It was chaos, but in all that madness I still found time to slip behind the ’wheel for a stint, in the 1-litre 6-speed MT Virtus. Because in the middle of it all, what I wanted most was simple – to drive the Virtus at full send. That’s the pull of a good sedan. And when it came time to bring the cars back from NATRAX to Pune, the choice was clear. From among the Virtus, Taigun and Tiguan, my pick was obvious: the same 1-litre, 6-speed MT Virtus I drove on track, finished in Rising Blue Metallic colour.

All other cars left earlier, and I stayed back and left late with Anand, who was behind the ’wheel of the Tiguan. He led the way, and together we blitzed highways, ducked through rally stage-like village roads, and carved corners all the way home. Despite having half the cubic capacity of the Tiguan, the Virtus kept up with ease. Not once did it feel out of breath. And whenever I wanted a boost, all I had to do was downshift a gear. The ride quality is phenomenal and the suspension strikes that rare balance – stiff enough to corner flat, yet forgiving enough to shrug off potholes. The steering is sharp and responds instantly – a quick flick and it darts the way a cat does when it’s hunting. But the Virtus isn’t just about performance.

Step inside and the cabin matches the polish of its drive. There’s a 25.65cm infotainment screen, 20.32cm instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, sunroof, wireless charger and ambient lighting. There are multiple trim and upholstery options, but my pick of the lot is the Virtus GT Plus Sport. With its 1.5-litre TSI EVO engine, lip spoiler, rear diffuser, black accents and black-and-red badging, it’s the perfect stealth machine – especially in Deep Black Pearl.

In an era when SUVs crowd the streets and carmakers push height over heart, the Virtus feels like a rebellion on four wheels. It’s proof that sedans still matter – not just as cars, but as statements. A sedan for all seasons, all moods, and all roads India can throw at it. The Virtus is defying trends – and in doing so, it’s keeping the fire of sedans alive and thriving.