Volkswagen Virtus And Taigun Highline Plus Variants Launched: Details
Volkswagen India has launched ‘Highline Plus’ variants for the Virtus and Taigun. Both products enjoy good acceptance and respect in the country. The new variants could thus boost sales further. These were introduced alongside the new GT-Line variants, and get more features and technology than the regular Highline.
The Highline Plus variants are available only with the 1.0 TSI engine option. However, both manual and automatic transmissions are being offered. The Taigun Highline Plus MT has an ex-showroom price of 14.27 lakh. The Highline Plus AT costs Rs 15.37 lakh, ex-showroom. These if you see, are Rs 54,000-Rs 89,000 more expensive than the regular Highline.
The Virtus Highline Plus, on the other hand, is priced at 13.88 lakh and Rs 14.98 lakh for the manual and auto variants respectively. These are Rs 86,000 and Rs 81,000 more expensive than their regular Highline variants.
Changes (Feature Additions) On The Highline Plus Trim
The Highline Plus trim gets minor feature revamps. It offers an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a sunroof, auto-dimming IRVM, push-button start, rain-sensing wipers, and a follow-me-home function for the headlamps. You don’t get these on the regular Highline variants. These additions remain the same on both the sedan and SUV.
The new variant also offers wireless charging, electrically foldable ORVMs, automatic climate control, height-adjustable driver seat, reverse parking sensors and camera, 60:40 split rear seats, rear AC vents, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, brake assist, etc.
Highline Plus Engine And Transmission Options
On both the Taigun and Virtus, the Highline Plus comes just with the smaller TSI engine. It is a 1.0L, 3 cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that produces 114 bhp and 178 Nm. A 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic gearboxes are available. This 1.0 TSI- AT configuration is quite popular these days. Both vehicles are underpinned by the Volkswagen MQB A0 IN platform- a heavily Indianized version of Volkwagen’s renowned MQB architecture.
Volkswagen’s Recent Efforts To Boost Sales
Volkswagen India has recently been trying diversify its portfolio and drive more sales. They seem to be trying to capitalise on the well-selling Virtus and Taigun for this. VW India has lately been adding more variants and trims to these models. The manufacturer recently launched distinct Sport and Chrome packages on the sedan and SUV, giving them two distinct personae. This has also helped in boosting sales.
Digging more into sales figures, the Virtus has been doing exceptionally well. It is pumping life into the slow-selling sedan segment. It is, in fact, the segment’s best seller. The sedan had recently achieved the 50,000 units sales milestone in the country. This comes in just about 28 months from launch.
Interesting to note is that the Virtus beat its own stable-mate Skoda Slavia, in the process. For those who are still unaware, the Slavia and Virtus are mechanically the same. The only difference lies in the cosmetics and packaging.
Both the Taigun an Virtus will likely get notable facelifts next year. The new vehicles will have notable visual upgrades and a few feature additions like a panoramic sunroof. Modern tech like ADAS is expected on the facelift. The same is expected to raise the VFM quotient and generate more sales for the duo.
Will The Virtus Have A Generational Upgrade In India?
Ideally, Volkswagen should launch an all-new Virtus by 2028-29, especially considering the sedan’s popularity. However, a full replacement may not happen, if the current circumstances are to prevail. Volkswagen seems to be in talks with Mahindra for a possible JV, which if realised, will let the German giant use the Indian’s NFA SUV platform for its future models. Basing the sedan on this might not be the best decision.
VW thought about bringing in the next-generation MQB A0 37 platform as the new base. This is larger than the current MQB A0 27 platform and could potentially spawn a bigger, roomier car. The manufacturer reportedly failed to get costs in check with this architecture. It seems like the Virtus could be axec after its present lifecycle.