We review the Volkswagen Virtus using the SWOT Analysis. We have a look at its strengths & weaknesses, find opportunities for the brand to make the car better, and lastly, have a look at the threat it faces from its rivals.
Let us start with the strengths of Volkswagen Virtus
Strengths
Efficient Petrol Engines
Volkswagen will launch the Virtus with the same engine options as the Taigun, which means it will get a 1.0L turbocharged petrol engine that develops 115 HP & 175 Nm of torque, this engine will be available with either a 6-Speed manual or a 6-Speed automatic transmission. The other offering would be the 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine that develops 150 HP & 250 Nm of torque. This engine will also get the option of a DSG gearbox.
The 1.5L engine features a special feature that makes it quite efficient, the cylinder deactivation technology. Now what that means is, that when the Virtus is driven in a smooth and sedate manner, the engine automatically shuts down two cylinders to increase fuel efficiency. Considering the rising costs of owning a petrol engine and the lack of a diesel engine in the lineup, this feature was more of a necessity than a technological marvel.
Highlights:
- 1.0L TSi – 115 HP & 175 Nm
- 1.5L TSi – 150 HP & 250 Nm
Styling
The Virtus is set to replace the Vento in the sedan lineup of VW. It’s not a secret that the VW Virtus & Skoda Slavia, both use the same MQB AO IN platform, which is specifically designed for India. So the similarities in the coupe-like body line are pretty evident. The basic elements of the body line remain the same, however, both the brands have chosen different paths to achieve their distinct design.
The styling of the VW Virtus, without a doubt, shows its strong ties with the VW Jetta. The wide proportion of the bonnet, long wheelbase, coupe-roofline, and sleek headlamps, all these elements checks the boxes for the prerequisites of a sedan.
The main distinctiveness between the Slavia and the Virtus is its taillamp. While the Slavia looks elegant from the back, it’s the Virtus which awakens your driving spirit, with just one look at the tail lamp. The blacked-out treatment gives it all the sporty credentials it needs in terms of design.
Overall, the VW Virtus is a great-looking car, no matter which angle it is viewed from.
Highlights:
- 16” Alloy Wheels
- Chrome Inserts
- Contrast Colour Roof (GT Line)
- Blacked Out Alloy Wheels (GT Line)
- Smoked Tail Lamps
DSG Gearbox
The 1.5L TSi engine will be offered with the enthusiast’s all-time favourite DSG Gearbox. This dual-clutch transmission ensures quick and sporty shifts while offering long ratios for fuel-efficiency. So the use of DSG, makes the Virtus, the perfect sedan for mile-munching on highways.
Highlights:
- 7-Speed DSG Automatic Transmission
Safety
Being German, the Virtus carries over the assurance of strong build quality and safety with itself. The Virtus is packed with 40 safety features. It features up to 6-Airbags, ESC, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, Hill Hold Assist, rearview camera & Isofix mounts for the rear seats.
Highlights:
- 6-Airbags
- ESC
- Isofix Mounts
Weaknesses
Undersized Alloy Wheels
With the increase in wheelbase and dimensions of the sedan when compared to the Vento, the 16” alloy wheel feels a bit undersized, as it highlights the huge wheel gap. While it is understandable from the manufacturer’s point of view to do this for balanced ride quality and fuel efficiency, it just becomes that one-minute styling element that always cries for an upgrade.
No Diesel Engine
Owing to the BS-6 regulations and the transition towards EV, VW has committed to a petrol engine only policy. Hence they are only offering petrol cars in India. While this is a good initiative for the environment, the users have not yet forgotten the torque and fuel efficiency of a diesel engine. Especially, the VW diesel engine.
Opportunities
Bigger Wheel Size
Quality of Plastic in Cabin
VW has done a great job with the interior of the Virtus, but as you move towards the lower end of the panel, some of it feels scratchy and of low quality.
Insulation Sheet Under the Bonnet
As you open the bonnet, you can notice the cost-cutting, as there is no insulation sheet under the bonnet. With one in place, the Virtus will surely achieve better NVH levels.
Threats
Skoda Slavia
The Slavia is the first threat to the Virtus as it is completely identical to the Virtus in almost everything, design, features and most probably pricing too. So in a way, the users are mainly going to choose brands over their vehicles, considering the same offerings.
Highlights:
- Skoda Slavia – Rs 10.59-17.79 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom)
Honda City
The second threat to VW Virtus would be the all-time segment leader, which has dominated the segment for almost two decades. The Honda City has the plus point of its reliability and ease of maintaining the vehicle. Now with a petrol-hybrid variant, the City will pose a direct threat to the Virtus, especially when it will boil down to pricing.
Hyundai Verna
The Verna has done fairly well in the segment, especially because of its pricing and the features that it has to offer. The highest variant tops out at Rs 15.49 Lakhs (ex-showroom), whereas the Virtus is expected to go upwards of 17 Lakhs, so that makes the Verna a competitor,
But, when it comes to driving pleasure, enthusiasts have never felt distracted during their purchase and chosen the VW for the robust build quality and superb driving pleasure, so let’s wait and watch, how the Volkswagen Virtus performs, post its launch.
