Want to replace my Ignis with Virtus but not sure which variant to buy

My wife sat at the back and complained of lack of space w.r.t. Hyundai Verna / Honda City and stiff suspension.

BHPian dieselOmaniac recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Folks, want your expert opinions regarding my recent dilemma of choosing Virtus variants / engine options. I am sure to get genuine and constructive viewpoints through this forum.

Want to replace my 2-year-old Ignis Zeta with something more powerful (and a proper sedan in the 15-16L OTR range). Ignis is serving me pretty well actually (my daily drive is about 55km, mix of city and highway 60-40) giving me 18kmpl as well with no issues at all.

But alas, I had always wished to drive/own a VW at the back of my mind so decided to sell Ignis and zeroed in on Virtus. This is in spite of their dealership/service horror stories. Can't help.

Noted one fact that there is very little to choose from the sedan market these days, under the 20L range!

• City - ruled out - no turbo and obviously dated and mostly for the chauffeur-driven I thought.
• Slavia - ruled out as IMO, the Virtus looks better both interior and exterior.
• Verna - ruled out - too loud appearance - polarizing actually -doesn't like the look overall.
• Ciaz - not worth giving thought only.

So you can see - no option basically.

The VW local dealer has been pretty patient and supportive so far, I had 2 TD already. Initially drove the GT DSG and was floored by it, superb drivability and power, simply awesome. But as the GT Plus DSG is out of budget, thought to try the 1.0 TSI manual too.

Clearly, it's under par when compared with the GT but it's no slouch also, overall decent. With my usage, it can very well work for me. I hardly do 1 or 2 road trips in a year (of >500km) over and above my daily usage.

2 things I noticed during TD of the 1.0 TSI:

• They brought a brand new TD car (with only 250km on the ODO) Topline variant with electric seats. The clutch is quite long and hard (compared to my Ignis). Is it going to get normal with usage?
• Wifey sat at the back and complained of lack of space w.r.t. Verna/City and stiff suspension, basically, the ride was not as plush as she was expecting. Is this an issue with Virtus? (I might ignore this point eventually - wish me luck - as it'd mostly be driven by me and I won't bother much about the backseat comfort). But I thought space shouldn't have been an issue in Virtus.

Now the problems

• GT or 1.0 TSI (there is a new GT DSG version based on Highline, I can extend my budget to that max possible, but will lose out on 2 key features, digital cockpit and curtain airbags - will it be a good buy at 18.5L OTR)?
• If 1.0 then manual or TC? I am 51 and my knee starts to hurt sometimes if I drive long on cars with a hard clutch so will the TC be good then? Please note, I have always driven a manual throughout my life. For GT, I can make the switch but for 1.0, I am not sure as I didn't TD the 1.0 TC. (There is also a GT Plus MT but that's out of budget as well).
• If 1.0, then the Highline or Topline? Which offers more bang for the buck?
• December has some offers going on for a few models as informed by the SA. But, apparently, all offers are for 1.0 only and for non-electric seat models. And absolutely ZERO offer in any GT variants, as informed, isn't it strange (or they are just bluffing and pushing me for the 1.0 old stocks)? This can affect me in my buying decision as the difference in OTR will be huge.

I was also thinking of waiting 3 months for the FY year-end. Will the offers be more then? or December is the correct time to take the plunge? I know all car manufacturers will increase prices by 2-3% from next month so that's another factor too.

Here's what BHPian fhdowntheline had to say about the matter:

Can I suggest that if you don't have parking or other constraints, don't get rid of the Ignis? It is the ideal 2nd city car, and you never know when you need to use it when you can't take the bigger one.

As for your big car choice, if you think 6 airbags are necessary then you can overlook your visual preferences and go for the Verna. You may get an IVT SXO within your budget which is nearly as well loaded as Turbo DCT and it is decent in terms of performance, offers the convenience of an AT without too many worries, and also gets ADAS. If you still like the Virtus, please go for the top end with 6 airbags.

Here's what BHPian Newtown had to say about the matter:

Having cars with both these engine variants in them, these are my thoughts.

My Virtus is a 1.0 TC and I really enjoy driving it. It's eager and quick when you need it to be. All my previous automatic cars have been with DSGs. I find the Torque Convertor very eager at the beginning but then that's their nature. One gets used to it.

The Taigun is a 1.5 DSG. It is a different feeling from the 1.0. The 4 cylinder feels more refined and smoother. Brilliant to drive as well. The DSG sometimes overthinks the gears in the normal driving mode. In Sport mode, it really makes much quicker and smarter decisions.

Ride quality at the back for the Skodas and VWs will not be a plush one. These cars are setup up for handling. Having said that, I find the back seat ride of the Virtus excellent and confidence-inspiring. Once your family drives some more in it, it will become second nature.

Here's what BHPian CoconutCar had to say about the matter:

My suggestion is to buy the latest 1.0 Torque Convertor Topline with Electric Seats. GT is a great car. But 1.0 TC makes the most sense. Buy the Top of the line version with all the bells and whistles.

My rationale:

• At 51 I feel knee comfort is more important. That eliminates MT. But DSG GT+ is out of budget. DSG GT is in budget, but I don't like recommending a car with 2 airbags when I consciously preferred 6. Your knee is more important than your driving pleasure. You might not feel it today, but will definitely feel it 5 years later.
• 1.0 is good enough. It can cruise at 110 all day long.
• If your heart is intent on 1.5, you can check out 2nd hand low run GT DSG. There are many. You will save money too on insurance and RTO. There is no harm in buying 2nd hand, if the car is good. It's only a psychological barrier. Money saved is money earned.
• You can buy accessories and modify your 1.0 to almost look like GT.

At the end of the day, whether you're in 1.5 or 1.0 you have to cruise sedately and reach home to your loved ones safely. And that requires speeds of 110-120.

I am saying all the above in spite of driving GT+, simply because you cannot floor the GT+ in 4th, 5th, or 6th gear. In all these gears, the car takes you immediately to high speeds. But driving at such speeds is foolish on our roads.

And up till these speeds, 1.0 will do fine. I am not discouraging purchasing 1.5. It's a head vs heart matter. After all, I also chose 1.5 despite these things. I went for MT because I don't have knee problems (26 Yr. + afraid of DSG issues + used to driving MTs)

My suggestion - 1.0 Topline TC Electric Seats.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.