Volkswagen Virtus vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 13-14 Lakh for Long-distance Road Trip Lovers
What are the best cars for long drives, or highway driving in India? Today, we take a look at the Volkswagen Virtus and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and their variants for long-distance road trip lovers.
In this article, we will share
- What a long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
- Volkswagen Virtus vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder – an in-depth analysis of their features, fuel efficiency, space, and safety
- How to pick the right car for you
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What a Long-Distance Road Trip Lover Looks for in a Car
What a long-distance road trip lover should look for in a car:
- Fuel Efficiency – The car should have high fuel efficiency so that long-distance trips are economical
- Space – The car should have good space for a comfortable and enjoyable trip
- Safety – The car’s safety ratings should be high, and adequate safety features
- Handling – The car’s handling must be superior, and it should have high-speed stability
For those enamored with the open road, key attributes define the perfect long-distance companion. Comfort is paramount, requiring spacious interiors, adjustable seating, and climate control. Efficiency in fuel consumption, especially on highways, reduces the frequency of pit-stops, while high-speed stability and effective cruise control systems assure a stress-free drive.
Entertainment options like advanced audio systems and connectivity keep the ambiance enjoyable. Safety is non-negotiable, with high GNCAP ratings, multiple airbags, and advanced driver-assistance systems being a must. Lastly, ample boot capacity is essential to accommodate luggage for those lengthy adventures.
Why Volkswagen Virtus and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder are popular
The Volkswagen Virtus and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder resonate with road trip aficionados primarily due to their harmonious blend of comfort, efficiency, and safety.
Users laud the Volkswagen Virtus for its turbocharged engine, offering brisk acceleration and admirable fuel efficiency, even at highway speeds. Its minimalist body roll, spacious cabin, and sizable boot capacity are particularly beneficial for long sojourns.
Conversely, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, known for its robust build and reliability, offers exceptional comfort features. Its automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and supportive seating, highlighted by users, ensure a pleasant journey regardless of the duration.
The car’s stability at high speeds coupled with its responsive automatic transmission makes for effortless driving. Furthermore, both vehicles prioritize safety, boasting high GNCAP ratings, ABS, and airbags, giving travelers peace of mind.
Both models’ advanced infotainment systems, featuring touchscreen navigation and seamless smartphone integration, further enhance the travel experience by providing both entertainment and essential driving information.
Volkswagen Virtus and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Variants Shortlist in Rs 13-14 Lakh Range
For Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 16 October 2023 |
|---|---|
| S AT | ₹1,368,000 |
For Volkswagen Virtus, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 16 October 2023 |
|---|---|
| Highline | ₹1,338,000 |
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S AT
Priced at INR 1,368,000, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder S AT is a compelling choice for long-distance enthusiasts. Its stable high-speed performance, automatic transmission, and manual seating adjustments ensure both comfort and control during extensive journeys.
Though it lacks certain advanced safety features like knee/curtain airbags, its 4-star GNCAP rating, ABS, and two standard airbags still provide substantial safety. Additionally, its infotainment system, complete with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and voice control, keeps passengers entertained and connected. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder with Kia Seltos.
Volkswagen Virtus Highline
The Volkswagen Virtus Highline, available for INR 1,338,000, stands out with its turbocharged engine, ensuring robust power delivery and minimal turbo lag, perfect for those highway overtakes. Its high GNCAP rating of 5 stars, traction control, and ABS significantly enhance safety.
The car’s generous 521-liter boot capacity comfortably accommodates luggage, and the presence of glove box cooling, wireless charging, and a premium 8-speaker audio system elevates convenience and enjoyment. The LED headlights ensure clear visibility, crucial for long drives. If you’re a style-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the Virtus with Honda City.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Volkswagen Virtus and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder for Long-distance road trip lovers
The Volkswagen Virtus Highline emerges as the best variant for long-distance road trip lovers. One decisive factor is its turbocharged petrol engine, which not only offers lively performance thanks to its higher power output and torque but also maintains efficient fuel consumption, critical for long journeys. Its minimal body roll and agility contribute to a smoother, more stable ride at high speeds.
Safety, a crucial consideration, is where the Virtus Highline truly shines with its superior 5-star GNCAP rating compared to the 4-star rating of the Urban Cruiser. The inclusion of traction control and two airbags adds layers of safety, essential for long-distance travel.
Additionally, the Virtus Highline doesn’t skimp on comfort or technology. The large boot capacity, glove box cooling, and wireless charging are thoughtful additions for extended trips.
The sophisticated infotainment system, with a larger number of speakers and a touchscreen, provides enhanced entertainment and connectivity options, crucial for keeping spirits high during lengthy journeys. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Virtus with Skoda Slavia and Hyundai Verna.
The 2 Variants Compared
| Attribute | Volkswagen Virtus Highline | Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S AT |
|---|---|---|
| Rear AC vents | Yes | Yes |
| Climate Control | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen Navigation | Yes | Yes |
| High-Speed Stability | Stable | Stable |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| GNCAP Rating | 5 | 4 |
| Traction Control | Yes | No |
| Knee/curtain airbags | No | No |
| Fuel tank capacity (l) | 45 | 45 |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags (number) | 2 | 2 |
| Glove box cooling | Yes | No |
| Wireless charging | Yes | No |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | No | No |
| Parking Assistance | No | Yes |
| Cruise Control | No | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | No |
| Headlights (LED) | Yes | No (Halogen) |
| Sunroof | No | No |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Volkswagen Virtus Highline: The Virtus Highline tops the list due to its superior safety rating, turbocharged performance, and extensive comfort and convenience features, making it a well-rounded option for extensive journeys.
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S AT: Despite a lower safety rating, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder S AT compensates with reliable performance, automatic transmission convenience, and robust infotainment offerings, crucial for long, enjoyable drives.
The Volkswagen Virtus Highline, with its exceptional safety features, performance, and comfort, is the top choice for long-distance journeys. The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S AT follows closely, offering strong value. Overall, though, both are comfortable cars for road trips in India.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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