Volkswagen Virtus Gets a Price Update of Up to Rs 70,201 in India

If you were planning to start 2026 with a shiny new Volkswagen Virtus in your driveway, you might want to re-check your budget. Volkswagen India has quietly rolled out a massive price update for its beloved sedan. While the entry-level model just became a steal, the rest of the lineup has seen a significant price hike.

But the biggest shocker isn't the price—it's the lineup itself. In a move that might break a few enthusiast hearts, Volkswagen has discontinued two of its most thrilling manual variants.

The Big Shake-Up: What’s New?

Volkswagen has adopted a "Robin Hood" strategy this January—taking from the rich (higher variants) and giving to the poor (entry-level variants).

• The Good: The base model is now significantly cheaper, making the Virtus more accessible than ever.
• The Bad: Almost every other variant has seen a price hike ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 45,000.
• The Ugly: The 1.5L TSI engine is no longer available with a manual gearbox. Yes, the "GT Manual" dream is officially over.

Price Cuts: A Jackpot for Budget Buyers

In a rare move, Volkswagen has slashed the price of its entry-level trim by a massive margin.

• Comfortline 1.0 MT: Reduced by Rs 70,201.
• Topline Chrome 1.0 AT: Reduced by Rs 3,155.

Insight: The massive cut on the Comfortline variant brings the starting price of the Virtus down to Rs 10.50 lakh (ex-showroom). This is a strategic move to undercut rivals like the Hyundai Verna and Skoda Slavia, attracting buyers who were previously looking at sub-4m sedans like the Dzire or Amaze.

Price Hikes: Be Ready to Pay More

If you are eyeing the mid-spec or sportier variants, be prepared to shell out extra. Volkswagen has increased prices across the board for the 1.0L and 1.5L DSG variants.

RIP 1.5L Manual: A Sad Day for Enthusiasts

The most significant news from this update is the discontinuation of the 1.5 TSI Manual variants.

Volkswagen has axed:

1. GT Plus Chrome 1.5 MT
2. GT Plus Sport 1.5 MT

This means if you want the powerful 150 hp 1.5L EVO engine, you are now forced to buy the 7-speed DSG automatic. The pure joy of shifting gears on that powerful German engine is now a thing of the past in the new car market.

Comparison: New Price vs Rivals

With the new starting price of Rs 10.50 lakh, the Virtus is now aggressively positioned against its key rivals.

Buying Advice: Which Variant is Best?

With the lineup reshuffled, here is our updated buying guidance:

• The Value Pick: The Comfortline 1.0 MT is now an unbeatable deal at Rs 10.50 lakh. You get 5-star safety, a solid German chassis, and a turbocharged engine for the price of a compact SUV.
• The Sweet Spot: Despite the hike, the Highline 1.0 AT remains the most practical choice for city users, balancing features and automatic convenience.
• The Enthusiast's Dilemma: Since the 1.5 MT is gone, your only option for performance is the GT Plus Sport DSG. It’s costlier now (+ Rs 21k), but it’s the only way to experience the full potential of the Virtus.

Final Thoughts

Volkswagen’s strategy is clear: volume at the bottom, profit at the top. By making the base model cheaper, they will attract footfall into showrooms. However, by removing the 1.5L manual, they have streamlined production to focus on the more popular DSG automatics.

If you were holding out for a manual GT, you might want to scour dealership stock yards immediately for unsold 2025 inventory.

Author: Neha Mehlawat

Neha Mehlawat is an automotive journalist and industry analyst with 10+ years of experience covering cars, bikes, and mobility trends. She tracks the latest launches, technology upgrades, and policy changes in the auto sector, delivering sharp insights that help readers stay ahead in the fast-evolving world of automobiles.