2024 Volkswagen Virtus Review: Due to worsening traffic in cities, many new car owners are more interested in automatic cars, while a large portion of performance-loving people want to buy manual cars. Manual gearbox adds to the driving pleasure and is perfect for cars like Volkswagen Virtus. So, while Volkswagen offered a manual with the 1.0 TSI, the more powerful 1.5 TSI Virtus came only with an automatic transmission.
Driving experience
Recently Volkswagen has updated the Virtus with more features and especially the 1.5 TSI with a manual gearbox. This is a 6-speed manual gearbox mated to a 150 bhp/250Nm powertrain. We thought it was the perfect excuse to try out the new Virtus again. We had initially expected a heavy clutch but surprisingly it is not so.
The gearbox is light and slots in well with a slick shift action. However, the gear lever is a bit heavy. At low speeds, there’s enough torque which means you don’t have to downshift all the time and it’s quite comfortable to drive in traffic, the clutch bite isn’t too harsh.
The engine complements this gearbox well. Generating maximum power is fun with this engine, where power delivery is linear but still has the turbo punch you’d expect. This setup on one hand looks sharp while on the other hand it is also a comfortable highway cruiser. Although the manual version is slightly less efficient than the automatic, the manual is actually more fun, even if the automatic is more convenient to drive.
Some facilities also increased
Everything else about this sedan remains the same, including the SUV-like ground clearance which is great for Indian roads. Its design handles body control very well. Volkswagen has also updated the feature list and the Virtus now has dual powered seats, which is unique for its class. Overall, the manual matches its fun factor and the 1.5 TSI well, adding to the appeal of the 1.5 TSI. If your journey is not long and you want to drive a manual car then this could be an attractive package.
