When the sedan Virtus de Volkswagen appeared in 2018, it was quickly considered a “baby” Vento. Due to its style, its interior space and its behavior, the smallest four-door of the German brand was very close to one of the most desired midsize cars on the market.
Now a new version, or a reformulated old version, is coming to the market, which seeks to make this model grow in distinction: the new variant Exclusive It fits into the range as the most equipped and the most powerful.
This new option is the best thing about the new range of compact sedans, which was presented at the end of last year and brought new aesthetic and equipment features.
But the most striking thing was the change of focus that the German brand gave to this model. The always latent temptation in the automotive world is to try to provide sportiness to models that, due to their characteristics, do not deserve those attributes.
That is to say, it is not bad to give a sporty air to a sedan (think of the M versions of BMW or AMG of Mercedes-Benz, to name just two), but it seems more logical to enhance the virtues of elegance, comfort and refinement.
This was the case of the Virtus with the GTS version that was offered before, to which an attempt was made to give a sporty treatment. This variant will now be exclusive to the Polo, its 5-door brother.
Elegant and efficient
For the Virtus this Exclusive version remains, which from an aesthetic point of view points to another search. At the same time, launches the redesign of the range that also distances it from the Polo. With changes to the nose, a new bumper and a different design of the lights.
In this version of the sedan manufactured in Brazil, some elements of the Nivus crossover can also be seen, such as the shape adopted by the LEDs in the daytime running lights and fog lights. New chrome elements are also noticeable but without exaggeration (and that was a good decision).
However, the leitmotif of this Exclusive variant is the color negro. Everything goes in that tone or is darkened. The 18” wheelsthe bumpers, the end of the grill, the rear lights and even the letters that write the model name on the trunk lid are in black.
But it inherits the “irons” of the previous GTS version. To start, the engine 1.4 TSI 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, which is associated with a six-speed automatic transmission. This gives the Exclusive a spirited performance every time you demand it.
Few chrome. The finishes do not abuse shiny elements and that suits it very well.This is how it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and achieve a maximum speed of 210 km/h. Remarkable numbers for a compact sedan.
But a small contradiction appears in this new approach to distinction that is sought with this Exclusive variant, since the setup seems to be identical to that of the previous GTS. That is, firm suspensions and low-profile tires that can be uncomfortable when traveling over cobblestones or roads in poor condition.
Now, for those who enjoy that type of driving, this Virtus continues to provide a feel that those who like sporty handling will enjoy.
Inside, black also rules, even on the roof and pillar lining. The digital dashboard allows multiple configurations according to each preference. Although for that you have to take into account something very important. The gearbox is silky smooth during serene driving. But when an immediate reaction is requested, the reaction when downshifting is not as fast as expected and, once it does, the contrast of that pause with the energetic response of the engine becomes uncomfortable.
The solution is to put the box in Sport mode (it is done from the selector) and its response completely changes its reaction. It is also possible to configure the throttle response speed, steering harshness and engine sound.
With this new proposal, Volkswagen seeks to deliver more refinement in a segment that does not normally aim for that. And it does with a well-equipped model, with a well-made image and with a mechanical assembly that gives it that extra power that others do not have in the category.
With the update of Volkswagen’s price list for March, this version became a little outdated, since it increased from the $28,150,000 it cost until last month and exceeded the threshold of the internal tax, commonly known as “tax to luxury”, so it now appears at $35,709,650.
Prices
- Virtus Comfortline: $25,770,850 (entry-level)
- Virtus Exclusive: $35,709,650 (tested version)
Datasheet
- Largo: 4.560 mm
- Ancho: 1.750 mm
- Alto: 1.480 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,650 mm
- Weight: 1,258 kg
- Baúl: 521 dm3
- Fuel tank: 52 liters
- Engine: naphtha, 1.4L
- Power: 150 CV and 5,000 rpm
- Torque: 250 Nm a 1.500 rpm
- Transmission: Automatic, 6 speeds
- Front-wheel drive
- Accel. 0-100 km/h: 8.7 seconds
- Maximum speed: 210 km/h
- Average consumption: 8 L/100 km
Main equipment
- ABS and stability control (ESP)
- Front, front side and curtain airbags
- adaptive cruise control
- Autonomous emergency brake
- Fatigue detector
- Sistema Start&Stop
- Parking sensors
- reversing camera
- 10” multimedia touch center
- Digital dashboard
- Android Auto y Apple CarPlay
- Wireless cell phone charger
- Automatic climate control
- Keyless opening and ignition system
- Synthetic leather upholstery
- 18 inch wheels
