VW Virtus base model: Could not have bought a better car at this price

Our ownership of the Skoda Kodiaq and Vento has been costly. Let's see how it goes with this new vehicle.

BHPian emperor recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Our budget was around 10L but not rigid. We already own a 2018 Skoda Kodiaq, a 2011 Vento and a 2016 Tavera. All three are diesel and due to the diesel rule, we can not use Vento and Tavera in the cities. Earlier we were exploring EVs and since our major drive is on highways with at least 250 km in one go. EVs did not make much sense. Next it came to the body type: Sedans or Raised Hatchbacks (Kushaq, Creta etc).

We already have a crossover and were more inclined towards sedans. It was clear that we would purchase either a VW or a Skoda. Took test drive of all four 1.0 TSI MT cars : Kushaq, Slavia, Taigun, Virtus. There was not much difference that I could feel in the drivability factor. Under the hood, all 4 are the same.

Then it came choosing the variants. We already have a feature-loaded car, and my dad and I believed since our driver will only drive the car any driver assist features like reverse cam or 3d cam are not needed. Only requirement was AC to be effective and the car to be comfortable.

The base model has the manual AC and not the auto climate control plus based on the reviews and my experience, manual AC is hassle-free (maintenance-wise) so without much thought we chose to go with the base model.

Styling wise I preferred Slavia's exteriors and Virtus' interiors.

Dealer quoted Virtus' price at 12.2L and Slavia's around 13L and Slavia offered halogen lamps whereas Virtus offered LEDs. VW dealer said the car was available for delivery the same day and Slavia would take a few days. Not giving any other thoughts we booked the Virtus. The car is excellent no doubt, but I feel I made a mistake choosing the base variant.

When we took the test drive it was the 1.0 MT top model. The interiors felt much more premium. The base model just feels lacking that appeal. Which I did not feel during the PDI. Moreover now for some reason, I am thinking should I have waited a few days and got the Slavia instead due to its exterior?

But anyway, the car is lovely. Love driving it. Of course, the punchiness will not match the Kodiaq, (don't know why am I even comparing them) but yes could not have bought a better car at this price. Let's see how the ownership experience goes; have been costly with Kodiaq and Vento. Well, Vento has been at the service center for 10 days. So, yes, let's see how the car holds up. Will soon write a detailed experience.

Here are the pics with the Kodiaq (No Vento as it is still at the service center):

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